.. PHOTOS!!!!
Copy and paste the link in a browser.
These are the photos that made a final cut out of all (something around 800) photos!
I hope you enjoy as much as I did taking them!
Cheers!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krystal-klear/sets/72157624676094274/
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Bungee Jumping in Nepal
Copy and paste the link to see the Bungee Jumping video from my last day in Nepal before coming home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1oKFKHhWAw
Also, a video that I took on the way out to the Last Resort for the bungee jumping trip.
The song in the video, is one of my most favorite songs - its remixed by my dear friend Nick (aka: Pumpkin) and I couldn't think of a better song. Sorry for the miscellaneous horns you hear during the video - thats just the bus... and also.. trees get in the way at times.. just deal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uiu1B-XMbU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1oKFKHhWAw
Also, a video that I took on the way out to the Last Resort for the bungee jumping trip.
The song in the video, is one of my most favorite songs - its remixed by my dear friend Nick (aka: Pumpkin) and I couldn't think of a better song. Sorry for the miscellaneous horns you hear during the video - thats just the bus... and also.. trees get in the way at times.. just deal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uiu1B-XMbU
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The final Days...
Greetings and Salutations!
Well I am 100% back in the United States.
Let me just say WOW.
So I was unable to update the final last day and half before heading back on the mighty jetplane back home.
Wednesday, the final full day before my trip was ending… I planned with 3 other people (my housemate Andryon, Mallory and also Tassi from the office) to go BUNGEE JUMPING!
Yes, I am serious!
We planned it with the Last Resort people and gathered early Wednesday Morning (530am to be exact) in Thamel to meet up with the rest of the people who were signed up for that day.
It was a 3.5 hour bus ride to what seemed like the most majestically place on earth with supreme views of the Himalayas’ through-out the entire ride and finally arriving at a suspension bridge over a madly rushing river called the Bhote Kosi. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhote_Koshi) We were 7.5 miles from the Tibetan Border and roughly 520 Feet up in the air. We were divided into two groups depending on our weight class. The guy asked me if I wanted a lucky number or an unlucky number… OF COURSE I took the Lucky number: 69! (funny Nepalese people!) Thankfully Mallory was in the same group as I, and I wasn’t completely with strangers… so we went out on that suspension bridge and waited… and waited.. and waited… the sun was scorching down on us, but we had a great time watching one by one… people jump off the bridge. By the time it became our time… there was nothing to it. I was second to last. The guy walks to me with the harness and tells me that I won’t be needing it today. Then points to my wings. He starts to walk away but then turns back. I’m strapped into my harness, and sitting down on the chair about to get my feet strapped into the bungee cord.
The camera guy comes to me and asks me what my last words are… I wave like an idiot to the camera, and for my friends at home – I do the Robot Dance quickly. (The camera guy stupidly stops recording for the next comment : you have wings, you should take off your shirt and fly) Now it’s time for me to go to the most outward part of the bridge and do my thing. In the video you can see me leaning back , and inching like a penguin- its pretty funny!
I don’t even remember the “bungee master” saying “3-2-1-Bungee” – I raised my arms, looked straight ahead and leaned forward. I spun around quite a bit- I felt the air rushing against my face and my stomach drop as if I was on a roller coaster – yet the most incredible roller coaster ever! For what seemed like 10 minutes, I bungeed up and down and hung upside down unsure of what to do with my arms- but with such an incredible rush that I was speechless and all I was able to do was to smile like a lunatic.
Finally, I was able to grab the bamboo stick to bring me from dangling upside down. I was lowered down onto a platform and got unbuckled from the harness and the bungee cord.
Mallory was the last one of our group to jump and I waited for her at the bottom – cheering her on!
We hiked up from the shore of the Bhote Kosi all the way back up to the very top. About 80% of the trek up the hill- we were questioning whether we were on the right track or not. We were running into waterfalls (which were great to immerse ourselves into, as it was so hot out) and extremely steep steps that were apparently placed by man, and whomever placed these steps… these people are gutsy!
Number one on Mallory and mines minds… BAR! We would celebrate with a drink- and that we did. We got to watch our videos and purchase them right then and there.
Later on, after the 2nd group went, we eventually went home.
Adryon and I stayed in the guesthouse as it was my last night and we were going to go to the office for breakfast in the morning before my departure.
Traveling back home was insane. Completely Insane. My flight from Kathmandu to India was delayed by 2 hours. Although, I did see one of the fellows I met while bungee jumping at the airport and we chatted a bit! He was only flying to Bangkok (I think) – so his flight was not as horrendous as mine was going to be. Eventually the plane arrives in India, I make friends with two American girls (I wish I would have met them during my stay in Nepal) and the three of us enjoy some girl time in the transit area of the India Airport (all of which is completely different from the last transit I have there, as the part that was currently open was only 2 days old) One of the girls flight comes up and that leaves Becca and I together- whom we share the same flight. There is a rambunctious group of gals and guys from London in the Transit area and they entertain us by doing some of the oddest things (reminds me a lot of what my friends and I would do) for hours on end.
After 8 Hours, and about 10 security check points, we are finally on the plane back to the United States.
I arrive in Chicago at 5am… wiped out- with possibly 1 hour of sleep (on a 15 hour flight) – just ecstatic to be back home in the United States.
I text a few people that I’m home and then wander around the terminal like a zombie in preparation for my flight!
I sleep for 2 hours on the flight from Chicago to San Diego. I’m so excited to be home, I cannot contain myself!
I arrive safely and turn on my phone, I’m walking down to baggage since I had to check a bag in when I got to Chicago… and I get my first “Welcome Home” text and that is immediately followed up with my phone ringing from Yuba telling me he’s leaving the office and is picking me up. PERFECT TIMING!
I’m home safe.
I had bubble bath waiting for me along with gifts on my bed. I felt so spoiled.
I will be finishing up the photos hopefully sometime this week. There’s a lot to go through and some editing. So don’t cha worry- they will be a’comin!
Thank you to everyone (if I haven’t said it enough) for supporting me in my trip to Nepal to help save the world!
Well I am 100% back in the United States.
Let me just say WOW.
So I was unable to update the final last day and half before heading back on the mighty jetplane back home.
Wednesday, the final full day before my trip was ending… I planned with 3 other people (my housemate Andryon, Mallory and also Tassi from the office) to go BUNGEE JUMPING!
Yes, I am serious!
We planned it with the Last Resort people and gathered early Wednesday Morning (530am to be exact) in Thamel to meet up with the rest of the people who were signed up for that day.
It was a 3.5 hour bus ride to what seemed like the most majestically place on earth with supreme views of the Himalayas’ through-out the entire ride and finally arriving at a suspension bridge over a madly rushing river called the Bhote Kosi. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhote_Koshi) We were 7.5 miles from the Tibetan Border and roughly 520 Feet up in the air. We were divided into two groups depending on our weight class. The guy asked me if I wanted a lucky number or an unlucky number… OF COURSE I took the Lucky number: 69! (funny Nepalese people!) Thankfully Mallory was in the same group as I, and I wasn’t completely with strangers… so we went out on that suspension bridge and waited… and waited.. and waited… the sun was scorching down on us, but we had a great time watching one by one… people jump off the bridge. By the time it became our time… there was nothing to it. I was second to last. The guy walks to me with the harness and tells me that I won’t be needing it today. Then points to my wings. He starts to walk away but then turns back. I’m strapped into my harness, and sitting down on the chair about to get my feet strapped into the bungee cord.
The camera guy comes to me and asks me what my last words are… I wave like an idiot to the camera, and for my friends at home – I do the Robot Dance quickly. (The camera guy stupidly stops recording for the next comment : you have wings, you should take off your shirt and fly) Now it’s time for me to go to the most outward part of the bridge and do my thing. In the video you can see me leaning back , and inching like a penguin- its pretty funny!
I don’t even remember the “bungee master” saying “3-2-1-Bungee” – I raised my arms, looked straight ahead and leaned forward. I spun around quite a bit- I felt the air rushing against my face and my stomach drop as if I was on a roller coaster – yet the most incredible roller coaster ever! For what seemed like 10 minutes, I bungeed up and down and hung upside down unsure of what to do with my arms- but with such an incredible rush that I was speechless and all I was able to do was to smile like a lunatic.
Finally, I was able to grab the bamboo stick to bring me from dangling upside down. I was lowered down onto a platform and got unbuckled from the harness and the bungee cord.
Mallory was the last one of our group to jump and I waited for her at the bottom – cheering her on!
We hiked up from the shore of the Bhote Kosi all the way back up to the very top. About 80% of the trek up the hill- we were questioning whether we were on the right track or not. We were running into waterfalls (which were great to immerse ourselves into, as it was so hot out) and extremely steep steps that were apparently placed by man, and whomever placed these steps… these people are gutsy!
Number one on Mallory and mines minds… BAR! We would celebrate with a drink- and that we did. We got to watch our videos and purchase them right then and there.
Later on, after the 2nd group went, we eventually went home.
Adryon and I stayed in the guesthouse as it was my last night and we were going to go to the office for breakfast in the morning before my departure.
Traveling back home was insane. Completely Insane. My flight from Kathmandu to India was delayed by 2 hours. Although, I did see one of the fellows I met while bungee jumping at the airport and we chatted a bit! He was only flying to Bangkok (I think) – so his flight was not as horrendous as mine was going to be. Eventually the plane arrives in India, I make friends with two American girls (I wish I would have met them during my stay in Nepal) and the three of us enjoy some girl time in the transit area of the India Airport (all of which is completely different from the last transit I have there, as the part that was currently open was only 2 days old) One of the girls flight comes up and that leaves Becca and I together- whom we share the same flight. There is a rambunctious group of gals and guys from London in the Transit area and they entertain us by doing some of the oddest things (reminds me a lot of what my friends and I would do) for hours on end.
After 8 Hours, and about 10 security check points, we are finally on the plane back to the United States.
I arrive in Chicago at 5am… wiped out- with possibly 1 hour of sleep (on a 15 hour flight) – just ecstatic to be back home in the United States.
I text a few people that I’m home and then wander around the terminal like a zombie in preparation for my flight!
I sleep for 2 hours on the flight from Chicago to San Diego. I’m so excited to be home, I cannot contain myself!
I arrive safely and turn on my phone, I’m walking down to baggage since I had to check a bag in when I got to Chicago… and I get my first “Welcome Home” text and that is immediately followed up with my phone ringing from Yuba telling me he’s leaving the office and is picking me up. PERFECT TIMING!
I’m home safe.
I had bubble bath waiting for me along with gifts on my bed. I felt so spoiled.
I will be finishing up the photos hopefully sometime this week. There’s a lot to go through and some editing. So don’t cha worry- they will be a’comin!
Thank you to everyone (if I haven’t said it enough) for supporting me in my trip to Nepal to help save the world!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ahem
So... this will probably be the last time that I am able to write - unless I get internet access tomorrow night in the Guesthouse- if so.. I will update about the awesomeness that is tomorrow. Otherwise, you will just have to wait until I get home safely for the recap- or IF you already know... consider yerself LUCKY! ;)
Today was the last day @ the orphanage. It was an extremely mellow day and the kids watched movies the entire time. The very last hour I did get to play with the kids which was rewarding.
After work, I took a taxi (it was pouring yet again) to Thamel and went to the office to fill out some paperwork for tomorrow and also to figure out the remaining 48 or less hours that I have here in Nepal.
Afterwards, I went to the one of the places, that I heard about the most. An AMAZING place, that if you ever come to Nepal, I suggest it.
The Garden of Dreams.
The garden is directly off the main road in Thamel and its like day and night. On one side, you have the dirtiness of the streets, the traffic, the honking.. everything. Then you walk through the gates, pay your 180 rupees and walk into a majestic place.
You would not expect so much beauty in the mist of such chaos.
The beautiful fountains, the rolling green grass, the koi pond, the beautiful pillars.. its so amazing and peaceful. You can still hear the honking from the street outside, but you don't notice it as much.
I put on my ear buds and listening to some music while slowly walking the paths, taking it all in, breathing th[e air (which actually seemed clean) and taking my time.
Within the garden is Kaiser Cafe. I sat down, had a glass of wine, some water and ordered dinner. (Chicken Florentine - FTW) I pulled out my book and read for an hour.
Two gentlemen asked if they could join me and since I had a medium sized table all to myself, I invited them. They were both from London and were extremely charming. They were just tourists and the same as me, on the final days of their trip. Eventually, after a few more glasses of wine and some wonderful conversation - we parted ways.
I eventually made my way home, and now I have to have all my stuff packed... good thing I'm really good at Tetris!
*Cheers!
Today was the last day @ the orphanage. It was an extremely mellow day and the kids watched movies the entire time. The very last hour I did get to play with the kids which was rewarding.
After work, I took a taxi (it was pouring yet again) to Thamel and went to the office to fill out some paperwork for tomorrow and also to figure out the remaining 48 or less hours that I have here in Nepal.
Afterwards, I went to the one of the places, that I heard about the most. An AMAZING place, that if you ever come to Nepal, I suggest it.
The Garden of Dreams.
The garden is directly off the main road in Thamel and its like day and night. On one side, you have the dirtiness of the streets, the traffic, the honking.. everything. Then you walk through the gates, pay your 180 rupees and walk into a majestic place.
You would not expect so much beauty in the mist of such chaos.
The beautiful fountains, the rolling green grass, the koi pond, the beautiful pillars.. its so amazing and peaceful. You can still hear the honking from the street outside, but you don't notice it as much.
I put on my ear buds and listening to some music while slowly walking the paths, taking it all in, breathing th[e air (which actually seemed clean) and taking my time.
Within the garden is Kaiser Cafe. I sat down, had a glass of wine, some water and ordered dinner. (Chicken Florentine - FTW) I pulled out my book and read for an hour.
Two gentlemen asked if they could join me and since I had a medium sized table all to myself, I invited them. They were both from London and were extremely charming. They were just tourists and the same as me, on the final days of their trip. Eventually, after a few more glasses of wine and some wonderful conversation - we parted ways.
I eventually made my way home, and now I have to have all my stuff packed... good thing I'm really good at Tetris!
*Cheers!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Pedestrians
Okay, so to drive here.. you have to had skills. MAD SKILLS!
This morning on the way to the orphanage, it was your typical Monday traffic.. The worst I've seen on that route before. And its VERY apparent that pedestrians DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT have the right away as they do in California.
If you're in the way of the road, you can be hit. The drivers here are crazy. It seems like everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere, and they have no patience what-so-ever!
Today at the orphanage, it was somewhat relaxing. We played with the children from the time we got there until lunchtime, then we ate and ALL the children were taking naps. So from 2pm-4pm - we just basically hung out. At some point between 3 and 4pm the "infants" woke up, so I went to go and play with them, as I couldn't nap and didn't know what else to do.
We then walked to Thamel and to the office for Binita's birthday and to talk to Bipin about a last minute excursion that I plan to do on Wednesday, in which I have talked Cici and Mallory into doing and possibly one of the girls at the office, Tassi.
Its a secret, (kinda sorta) what we're doing, but it will be full of awesome!!!
There are some super cute photos that were taken today- but i have to wait to get home and connect a cord to the camera, since it was a memory card that I haven't used before... I'm hoping that those photos will not be lost forever.
Tomorrow is my last day at the orphanage... my how time flies... I'm excited to get home as I miss many of my every day things... the people, the small things, and yes... EVEN work!
Cheers for now-- I'm going to play on the rooftop in the rain!
This morning on the way to the orphanage, it was your typical Monday traffic.. The worst I've seen on that route before. And its VERY apparent that pedestrians DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT have the right away as they do in California.
If you're in the way of the road, you can be hit. The drivers here are crazy. It seems like everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere, and they have no patience what-so-ever!
Today at the orphanage, it was somewhat relaxing. We played with the children from the time we got there until lunchtime, then we ate and ALL the children were taking naps. So from 2pm-4pm - we just basically hung out. At some point between 3 and 4pm the "infants" woke up, so I went to go and play with them, as I couldn't nap and didn't know what else to do.
We then walked to Thamel and to the office for Binita's birthday and to talk to Bipin about a last minute excursion that I plan to do on Wednesday, in which I have talked Cici and Mallory into doing and possibly one of the girls at the office, Tassi.
Its a secret, (kinda sorta) what we're doing, but it will be full of awesome!!!
There are some super cute photos that were taken today- but i have to wait to get home and connect a cord to the camera, since it was a memory card that I haven't used before... I'm hoping that those photos will not be lost forever.
Tomorrow is my last day at the orphanage... my how time flies... I'm excited to get home as I miss many of my every day things... the people, the small things, and yes... EVEN work!
Cheers for now-- I'm going to play on the rooftop in the rain!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Just One Word:
MONKEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really, do I need to say more!? Anyone who knows me - knows that I'm a monkey fanatic!!! Like - its an obsession! Well, today I saw soooooo many monkeys that if my trip ended now... I'd be 100% satisfied with how many monkeys have been seen.
Today actually started out with a Nepali language lesson. Now I'm not the best at maintaining the memory of a language.. which kinda sucks BUT I have a cheat sheet- so hopefully I can remember to say something at least. (Let's hope)
After my lesson, I waited for Kim and we went to Fire & Ice (the restaurant) and had pizza. (Yes, I went back a 2nd time) We gossiped, then after lunch we took a taxi to Swayambhunath, which is also known as "the monkey temple". The word is that there was a man whom was taking residence there, and he wasn't 'possed to have long hair, but he grew it out, and he got head lice.. and then the head lice became monkeys. Therefore the monkeys who live atop there are Holy Monkeys!
There are two routes the Swayambhunath. There is the stairs and then there is the short-cut. We chose the stairs.
So the stairs start out simple, then they get crazy steep! By the time Kim and I reach the top, we are both out of breath and sweating (it doesn't help that its humid out) Now when we get to the very top, the view is simply amazing and breathtaking! You don't realize how high it is until you look down the stairs. haha
We walk around, take photos, and then we buy candles for prayers and we place them with all the other prayers.
Being the non-religious person I am, I made a wish! :)
As Kim and I are getting ready to leave (leaving the shorter way, not the stairs) we get stopped by a Nepali family. They asked to take a photo with me. So they take about 20 photos (It was like paparazzi) An entire family of about 10, different people in each photo.. I was unsure what was going on! Then we start walking and there is a couple following us. Kim and I are taking photos and they are taking photos of us, almost stalking us. So much that they follow us to getting in our cab...still taking photos! It was surreal. Apparently, we were celebrities!
I even snuck a photo of them as we were driving off!
Kim and I take our taxi back to Thamel, and we decide to shop a little more. We meander through the streets of Thamel, quite unsure of where we are going - but luckily I have a good sense of direction and get us back to the office eventually. Halfway through our shopping trip of the day, it starts raining. It's monsoon season here in Nepal, so it wasn't anything out of the norm.
Eventually, I get home -- and begin playing with the babies here. It's only 6pm - and I'm ready for bed!!!!
Namaste!
Really, do I need to say more!? Anyone who knows me - knows that I'm a monkey fanatic!!! Like - its an obsession! Well, today I saw soooooo many monkeys that if my trip ended now... I'd be 100% satisfied with how many monkeys have been seen.
Today actually started out with a Nepali language lesson. Now I'm not the best at maintaining the memory of a language.. which kinda sucks BUT I have a cheat sheet- so hopefully I can remember to say something at least. (Let's hope)
After my lesson, I waited for Kim and we went to Fire & Ice (the restaurant) and had pizza. (Yes, I went back a 2nd time) We gossiped, then after lunch we took a taxi to Swayambhunath, which is also known as "the monkey temple". The word is that there was a man whom was taking residence there, and he wasn't 'possed to have long hair, but he grew it out, and he got head lice.. and then the head lice became monkeys. Therefore the monkeys who live atop there are Holy Monkeys!
There are two routes the Swayambhunath. There is the stairs and then there is the short-cut. We chose the stairs.
So the stairs start out simple, then they get crazy steep! By the time Kim and I reach the top, we are both out of breath and sweating (it doesn't help that its humid out) Now when we get to the very top, the view is simply amazing and breathtaking! You don't realize how high it is until you look down the stairs. haha
We walk around, take photos, and then we buy candles for prayers and we place them with all the other prayers.
Being the non-religious person I am, I made a wish! :)
As Kim and I are getting ready to leave (leaving the shorter way, not the stairs) we get stopped by a Nepali family. They asked to take a photo with me. So they take about 20 photos (It was like paparazzi) An entire family of about 10, different people in each photo.. I was unsure what was going on! Then we start walking and there is a couple following us. Kim and I are taking photos and they are taking photos of us, almost stalking us. So much that they follow us to getting in our cab...still taking photos! It was surreal. Apparently, we were celebrities!
I even snuck a photo of them as we were driving off!
Kim and I take our taxi back to Thamel, and we decide to shop a little more. We meander through the streets of Thamel, quite unsure of where we are going - but luckily I have a good sense of direction and get us back to the office eventually. Halfway through our shopping trip of the day, it starts raining. It's monsoon season here in Nepal, so it wasn't anything out of the norm.
Eventually, I get home -- and begin playing with the babies here. It's only 6pm - and I'm ready for bed!!!!
Namaste!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
"You're so California!"
Today was a free day. We get the weekends off from the orphanage and today we got to explore Bhaktapur. It was with the same guide that Kim and I had on our first day and this time it was Cici, Mallory, Kim and Myself. (Cici & Mallory arrived on the same day, as did Kim & I)
I met Mallory for the first time yesterday for Cici's birthday. She's 22 and from Indiana, she goes to Purdue and is very friendly and has a great personality.
This morning, we're getting ready to leave, I put on my sunglasses (b/c I'm practically blind if theres any light in the sky w/o them) and her immediate response: "You're so California... with your aviators!" It was classic. This girl was one liners like that all day.
We played the typical tourists.. taking photos of EVERYTHING we came across... and the "oooo's" and the "awww's"! It was fun. We did some shopping and then also ate at a cafe in the Durbar Square there. The cafe had everything, every type of food. So I had a burger. Now it's not the traditional cow meat burger as the Nepali people see cows as sacred... but it was a buffalo burger - it was definitely different tasty... not as juicy as a normal western burger - but definitely good!
It started raining a bit- and figured that Potterys Square wouldn't be as fun in the rain...(Mallory's quote of the day... "so do they have pots in Pottery Square or what?!?") so we headed back home. Which is good, b/c with it being so hot - we're tired and just wanting to nap.
Our free time is mainly spent relaxing around with the family (but the majority of their conversations are in Nepalese and not knowing the language makes it hard to follow. (Obviously) Thankfully - My girlfriend Danielle suggested a good book for me and I have been reading that- thinking about my next international trip! (Part of the book is based in Italy)
I'm still homesick, but talking this morning (Friday Evening, your time) to Yuba helped make the start of my day more easy...I didn't think I would get homesick - but Nepal is very overwhelming and being in the grunt of it is tiring.
I've averaged about 80 photos per day- so get ready to feast your eyes on some amazing-ness (the nitty gritty) once I officially go through and edit them when I get home!
I met Mallory for the first time yesterday for Cici's birthday. She's 22 and from Indiana, she goes to Purdue and is very friendly and has a great personality.
This morning, we're getting ready to leave, I put on my sunglasses (b/c I'm practically blind if theres any light in the sky w/o them) and her immediate response: "You're so California... with your aviators!" It was classic. This girl was one liners like that all day.
We played the typical tourists.. taking photos of EVERYTHING we came across... and the "oooo's" and the "awww's"! It was fun. We did some shopping and then also ate at a cafe in the Durbar Square there. The cafe had everything, every type of food. So I had a burger. Now it's not the traditional cow meat burger as the Nepali people see cows as sacred... but it was a buffalo burger - it was definitely different tasty... not as juicy as a normal western burger - but definitely good!
It started raining a bit- and figured that Potterys Square wouldn't be as fun in the rain...(Mallory's quote of the day... "so do they have pots in Pottery Square or what?!?") so we headed back home. Which is good, b/c with it being so hot - we're tired and just wanting to nap.
Our free time is mainly spent relaxing around with the family (but the majority of their conversations are in Nepalese and not knowing the language makes it hard to follow. (Obviously) Thankfully - My girlfriend Danielle suggested a good book for me and I have been reading that- thinking about my next international trip! (Part of the book is based in Italy)
I'm still homesick, but talking this morning (Friday Evening, your time) to Yuba helped make the start of my day more easy...I didn't think I would get homesick - but Nepal is very overwhelming and being in the grunt of it is tiring.
I've averaged about 80 photos per day- so get ready to feast your eyes on some amazing-ness (the nitty gritty) once I officially go through and edit them when I get home!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Yup
Its official.
I'm homesick.
Its not that I'm not having a fantastic time in Nepal , because I am - the people, the experiences, the culture... is amazing -- I just miss home.
Today was a half day at the Orphanage as it was Cici's birthday. We went to the orphanage, did about 2 hours there and headed over to the office for lunch and a mini-celebration.
Mallory (another volunteer, from Indiana) and Kim met up with us there. We had cake, sang a song and then thats pretty much it. (Cici & I ate lunch with the office peoples first)
Then Kim and I went shopping. I bought a few gifts, some things for myself and we waundered Thamel and a surrounding area. Tons and tons of shops, people, smells and noises. Apparently, Im not the best haggler! haha. Kim and I made plans for Sunday and then also tomorrow we are going on another city tour.
Its been non-stop since getting here and I find myself wiped out by 7pm (its 732... I'm staying awake only for dinner, even though I'm not the slightest bit hungry.)
I bought some better mosquito repellent so hopefully I won't be so tasty to them anymore - one can only hope.
Anyways, not much else to report... I am homesick and wish I was home... one more week... one more week!
I'm homesick.
Its not that I'm not having a fantastic time in Nepal , because I am - the people, the experiences, the culture... is amazing -- I just miss home.
Today was a half day at the Orphanage as it was Cici's birthday. We went to the orphanage, did about 2 hours there and headed over to the office for lunch and a mini-celebration.
Mallory (another volunteer, from Indiana) and Kim met up with us there. We had cake, sang a song and then thats pretty much it. (Cici & I ate lunch with the office peoples first)
Then Kim and I went shopping. I bought a few gifts, some things for myself and we waundered Thamel and a surrounding area. Tons and tons of shops, people, smells and noises. Apparently, Im not the best haggler! haha. Kim and I made plans for Sunday and then also tomorrow we are going on another city tour.
Its been non-stop since getting here and I find myself wiped out by 7pm (its 732... I'm staying awake only for dinner, even though I'm not the slightest bit hungry.)
I bought some better mosquito repellent so hopefully I won't be so tasty to them anymore - one can only hope.
Anyways, not much else to report... I am homesick and wish I was home... one more week... one more week!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
One week to go...
This morning began again with me waking early... after breakfast Cici (Adrianne) and I were off to the orphanage. It was raining, so walking took longer than usual.
Time has gone by fast so far. Today was an endless day of playing with the kids, helping them with their English lessons and writing, throwing them up in the air, taking photos of them, more playing, being a human jungle gym and then eventually ending the day with a kiss on the cheek from one of the toddlers!
Today the kids totally interacted with me. Yesterday, they seemed somewhat distant, but today- the far opposite. Once they knew I would pick them up, toss em in the air, carry them upside down they were sold!
I busted out the camera to grab some photos of them and they were such cheeses!
"Miss! Miss! Me!"
Eventually, the day with the kids was over and Cici (Adrianne) and myself walked to Thamel, which is where my trip began, where the office is and where the tourists usually go. We went to a restaurant called "Fire & Ice" - it's an Italian place and serves some pretty delicious pizza. We also had a Everest Beer (which is DELISH) and a banana Lassi. We then went shopping a little, and decided to take a cab back to our home. We had to haggle the cab driver to take us home at the price we wanted to pay... we wanted 100 rupees, but ended on 150 rupees.. whatever.. we just wanted to get home before dark.
So thats pretty much the day. I came home to some SUPER exciting news from home... so I have a week to look forward to that - yet in the meantime I'm still going to soak up as much Nepal as possible.
Tomorrow is Cici's 18th birthday... we're having a birthday lunch for her at the office, so the work day will be significantly short. Then I spoke with Kim this morning on my fancy Nepal cell phone (I dont think i know how to call home... but i can.. i has the power to) and she asked me to go to Pokhara, which is a 5 hour bus ride for 3 days. (Mon-Wednesday) to go teach English and Art in the village there.. I want to do something like that for sure... tomorrow I plan to speak with Bipin about it - to see if its do-able.. even 2 days will be sufficient, since I leave on Thursday... weeeeeeeeeeeeee
Okay... its 8:15am in California and 9:00Pm here in Nepal... I'm zonked.
huggles!
Time has gone by fast so far. Today was an endless day of playing with the kids, helping them with their English lessons and writing, throwing them up in the air, taking photos of them, more playing, being a human jungle gym and then eventually ending the day with a kiss on the cheek from one of the toddlers!
Today the kids totally interacted with me. Yesterday, they seemed somewhat distant, but today- the far opposite. Once they knew I would pick them up, toss em in the air, carry them upside down they were sold!
I busted out the camera to grab some photos of them and they were such cheeses!
"Miss! Miss! Me!"
Eventually, the day with the kids was over and Cici (Adrianne) and myself walked to Thamel, which is where my trip began, where the office is and where the tourists usually go. We went to a restaurant called "Fire & Ice" - it's an Italian place and serves some pretty delicious pizza. We also had a Everest Beer (which is DELISH) and a banana Lassi. We then went shopping a little, and decided to take a cab back to our home. We had to haggle the cab driver to take us home at the price we wanted to pay... we wanted 100 rupees, but ended on 150 rupees.. whatever.. we just wanted to get home before dark.
So thats pretty much the day. I came home to some SUPER exciting news from home... so I have a week to look forward to that - yet in the meantime I'm still going to soak up as much Nepal as possible.
Tomorrow is Cici's 18th birthday... we're having a birthday lunch for her at the office, so the work day will be significantly short. Then I spoke with Kim this morning on my fancy Nepal cell phone (I dont think i know how to call home... but i can.. i has the power to) and she asked me to go to Pokhara, which is a 5 hour bus ride for 3 days. (Mon-Wednesday) to go teach English and Art in the village there.. I want to do something like that for sure... tomorrow I plan to speak with Bipin about it - to see if its do-able.. even 2 days will be sufficient, since I leave on Thursday... weeeeeeeeeeeeee
Okay... its 8:15am in California and 9:00Pm here in Nepal... I'm zonked.
huggles!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I haven't....
seen this much rain in forever!
Its rare that it will rain in San Diego... And today- i was semi-prepared just not at the right time.
The morning started off early, as I woke up before 6am... we had breakfast with the family and then Cici and I were off to the orphanage. We walked and its in the middle of what it known as Kathmandu rush hour... which is complete craziness - cars and motorcyclists EVERYWHERE, honking their horns to let you know they are there... people walking all over the place, dogs and sometimes cows... its quite a trip. The walk to the orphanage takes roughly 25 minutes - it would be faster but with everything going on, you have to basically take your time.
We walk up to the orphanage, and sit in the administrators office. Then I am taken to the back where all the children are. (well the ones whom aren't at school) So basically its the "infants" and the "toddlers" There are 3 infants, which aren't really infants and then there are 12 toddlers. They all are completely and utterly adorable with the most beautiful smiles and not a care in the world.
We sit with the toddlers and help them with their English. They are spelling out the words on the sheet and repeating it, then saying the name. It was quite impressive. If they got stuck - you help them say it and hope that the next time they remember.
Cici and I then got our hands henna'd. Granted it wasn't the best quality of henna so its an orangey color instead of the desired brown.
Then around 2pm - it was time to take some of the children on a walk to get their immunization shot... So I walked with them. It was about 20 kids who all needed the shots.
We would hold a childs hand and walk the way. Little did I know that the rain would hit and it would hit hard! After a short while, we needed to get back and we braved the downpour... I grabbed one of the toddlers hands (Seina) and we ran back to the orphanage with the others. By the time that we got back, I had soaked through my capris and top - there was no need to then shower as I planned!
So now here I am, today was tiring. I came home to a wonderful email that has my head spinning (in a very good way) that I just wanna stay awake so that way when its California time... I can talk to a few peeps! Maybe a nap will be fine. At least its almost 5am - your time! :0)
Cheers.. I might take a nap!
Its rare that it will rain in San Diego... And today- i was semi-prepared just not at the right time.
The morning started off early, as I woke up before 6am... we had breakfast with the family and then Cici and I were off to the orphanage. We walked and its in the middle of what it known as Kathmandu rush hour... which is complete craziness - cars and motorcyclists EVERYWHERE, honking their horns to let you know they are there... people walking all over the place, dogs and sometimes cows... its quite a trip. The walk to the orphanage takes roughly 25 minutes - it would be faster but with everything going on, you have to basically take your time.
We walk up to the orphanage, and sit in the administrators office. Then I am taken to the back where all the children are. (well the ones whom aren't at school) So basically its the "infants" and the "toddlers" There are 3 infants, which aren't really infants and then there are 12 toddlers. They all are completely and utterly adorable with the most beautiful smiles and not a care in the world.
We sit with the toddlers and help them with their English. They are spelling out the words on the sheet and repeating it, then saying the name. It was quite impressive. If they got stuck - you help them say it and hope that the next time they remember.
Cici and I then got our hands henna'd. Granted it wasn't the best quality of henna so its an orangey color instead of the desired brown.
Then around 2pm - it was time to take some of the children on a walk to get their immunization shot... So I walked with them. It was about 20 kids who all needed the shots.
We would hold a childs hand and walk the way. Little did I know that the rain would hit and it would hit hard! After a short while, we needed to get back and we braved the downpour... I grabbed one of the toddlers hands (Seina) and we ran back to the orphanage with the others. By the time that we got back, I had soaked through my capris and top - there was no need to then shower as I planned!
So now here I am, today was tiring. I came home to a wonderful email that has my head spinning (in a very good way) that I just wanna stay awake so that way when its California time... I can talk to a few peeps! Maybe a nap will be fine. At least its almost 5am - your time! :0)
Cheers.. I might take a nap!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The sun is shining!
This bit really has not too much to do with my trip, but it's morning... and I'm just "ahhh"
I woke up under my mosquito net and had the biggest smile on my face - one I've had on since Thursday night at Elysium... I Had an amazing dream last night about my sweet and then woke up to an email from him. Life couldn't get any sweeter. I've never had someone (EVER) say the things he has.
Its amazing how one person can make you realize how you should be treated and how in the past it has been so wrong... my eyes are wide now. I can see the light.. and I like it! I refuse to settle for anything less! Peoples actions speak louder than words - and some people who have basically dispatched from my life... their actions have shown me the people who they are. Just as HE has.
I've only been gone about 4 days... but it seems like a lifetime.
Im not a religious person by ANY means.. but I think the buddhist people and the hindu people are so peaceful. They've helped me 'let go' so to speak by just being present. Its heartwarming. Visiting the temples yesterday was an experience. Something that helped me in so many ways that are unexplainable.
More to come of my day later, today is my first day at the orphanage! Now if I can just figure out how to work this shower! ;) Granted my whole body is sore, I miss my bed! It takes a bit to get my limbs working and so unstiff! The shower may take while!
I woke up under my mosquito net and had the biggest smile on my face - one I've had on since Thursday night at Elysium... I Had an amazing dream last night about my sweet and then woke up to an email from him. Life couldn't get any sweeter. I've never had someone (EVER) say the things he has.
Its amazing how one person can make you realize how you should be treated and how in the past it has been so wrong... my eyes are wide now. I can see the light.. and I like it! I refuse to settle for anything less! Peoples actions speak louder than words - and some people who have basically dispatched from my life... their actions have shown me the people who they are. Just as HE has.
I've only been gone about 4 days... but it seems like a lifetime.
Im not a religious person by ANY means.. but I think the buddhist people and the hindu people are so peaceful. They've helped me 'let go' so to speak by just being present. Its heartwarming. Visiting the temples yesterday was an experience. Something that helped me in so many ways that are unexplainable.
More to come of my day later, today is my first day at the orphanage! Now if I can just figure out how to work this shower! ;) Granted my whole body is sore, I miss my bed! It takes a bit to get my limbs working and so unstiff! The shower may take while!
Day 2
I'm beat!
I'm sitting on my bed right now, under my mosquito net...full from dinner and kinda sorta exhausted!
Today was a cultural day.
This morning started out with a fellow volunteer, Kim and I going to breakfast by the guesthouse and office.
We then went to the office and met up with our tour guide who was to take us a little bit through the city and to a hindu temple as well as a buddhist temple.
First stop was Pashaputi. Its a beautiful place with a sweet smell in the air. From afar, you can see billows of smoke. Kim and I thought nothing of it, she rather loved the smell in the air. Our guide then told us what the smell was, and what the fires were on the opposite side of the river.
Its cremations.
Families gather for the ceremony and the mourn. The body is placed on the platform made out of wood and lit on fire (usually by the sons - i think) - it generally takes about 3 hours for the bodies to burn - the family & mourners stay there usually until it is complete. Then the ash is swept into the river.
The next destination we went to.. I made a special friend. I called him.. one eye... he was blind in one eye and followed me around the temple the few times i went around it.
The temple we went to was Boudhanath. There are prayer wheels all around the temple and its said that if you spin them with your right palm that you have better chances of goin to heaven. You best believe I went around that temple a few times!
We at lunch on the rooftop terrace and had some fantastic momo. By this time of the afternoon - it was incredibly hot! So hydration was key!
After this, we went to drop me off at my homestay.
The family is super nice. Theres a mother and father, their two sons, their sons wives and each has a baby. Then there is aboy named Kumar who helps and lives with the family, as well as another volunteer from Austria. Her nickname is CiCi. She's 17, and turning 18 on Friday- so we will have a little birthday party for her.
She will be working at the orphanage as well, so tomorrow she and I will walk together. She showed me the ropes a little bit today. I told her about my obsession of monkeys and we went on a mission.
We eventually found a bunch of them by a wooded area off the main road. And stood there and talked for about an hour or maybe 2. All the while, looking at the monkeys and seeing guys jump over the fence.
After awhile, we were wondering what the guys were doing and came up with some elaborate stories.. unfortunetly - we learned one of our stories was true.
We chatted with one of the sons, on the rooftop until it got dark and then it was time for dinner.
And thats pretty much the day. Exhausting yet good!!!
Hope everyone is well at home or where-ever you are.
Im sure most of my peeps are decompressing after Elysium!! Glad I saw some of you there while I was there!!! :)
cheers and huggles
p.s. more photos will actually be posted when I get home! :)
oh and... it says I posted this blog - Tuesday morning at 9-something AM... when actually I'm in the future.. and its Tuesday night, before bed... around 11pm! :)
I'm sitting on my bed right now, under my mosquito net...full from dinner and kinda sorta exhausted!
Today was a cultural day.
This morning started out with a fellow volunteer, Kim and I going to breakfast by the guesthouse and office.
We then went to the office and met up with our tour guide who was to take us a little bit through the city and to a hindu temple as well as a buddhist temple.
First stop was Pashaputi. Its a beautiful place with a sweet smell in the air. From afar, you can see billows of smoke. Kim and I thought nothing of it, she rather loved the smell in the air. Our guide then told us what the smell was, and what the fires were on the opposite side of the river.
Its cremations.
Families gather for the ceremony and the mourn. The body is placed on the platform made out of wood and lit on fire (usually by the sons - i think) - it generally takes about 3 hours for the bodies to burn - the family & mourners stay there usually until it is complete. Then the ash is swept into the river.
The next destination we went to.. I made a special friend. I called him.. one eye... he was blind in one eye and followed me around the temple the few times i went around it.
The temple we went to was Boudhanath. There are prayer wheels all around the temple and its said that if you spin them with your right palm that you have better chances of goin to heaven. You best believe I went around that temple a few times!
We at lunch on the rooftop terrace and had some fantastic momo. By this time of the afternoon - it was incredibly hot! So hydration was key!
After this, we went to drop me off at my homestay.
The family is super nice. Theres a mother and father, their two sons, their sons wives and each has a baby. Then there is aboy named Kumar who helps and lives with the family, as well as another volunteer from Austria. Her nickname is CiCi. She's 17, and turning 18 on Friday- so we will have a little birthday party for her.
She will be working at the orphanage as well, so tomorrow she and I will walk together. She showed me the ropes a little bit today. I told her about my obsession of monkeys and we went on a mission.
We eventually found a bunch of them by a wooded area off the main road. And stood there and talked for about an hour or maybe 2. All the while, looking at the monkeys and seeing guys jump over the fence.
After awhile, we were wondering what the guys were doing and came up with some elaborate stories.. unfortunetly - we learned one of our stories was true.
We chatted with one of the sons, on the rooftop until it got dark and then it was time for dinner.
And thats pretty much the day. Exhausting yet good!!!
Hope everyone is well at home or where-ever you are.
Im sure most of my peeps are decompressing after Elysium!! Glad I saw some of you there while I was there!!! :)
cheers and huggles
p.s. more photos will actually be posted when I get home! :)
oh and... it says I posted this blog - Tuesday morning at 9-something AM... when actually I'm in the future.. and its Tuesday night, before bed... around 11pm! :)
Monday, July 19, 2010
Official Day 1
I'm not a big fan of airports now.
Previously, it was fun to people watch... now... tiny cramped seats.. horrid mystery food and super tiny bathrooms!
So the flight to Chicago- was cake. Then came the next one.. the long one.. just short 15 Hours.. yes folks- thats right... JUST UNDER 15 HOURS!
Thanfully, the plane had some awesome (and free) movies, un-thankfully: I was stuck in the middle of a row, between someone who was asleep the entire time and another who didn't know how to "tuck" his elbows in!
So needless to say... I had a measly 2 hours of sleep for that entire time.
THANKFULLY, I had some of my favorite people to keep me company... musical wise. (Thanks guys for rocking my eardrums so hard!)
So arrival comes... here I am in New Delhi, India. I jump off the plane and meet a fellow who is connecting to the same flight as me. We take a seat in a "Transit" area (imagine the long pool lawn chairs, a row of them... facing a glass window...
thrilling right? It was like sunbathing indoors) - So my new friend and I sit/lounge down. Besides us is a fellow who looks like Robert Pattingson (yes I snuck a photo) We chatted up a skosh until he had to take off for his flight to Hong Kong - I adore guys with UK accents!!! My other friend, whom is of Nepali ethnicity is studying IT-Medical systems in OMAHA of all places!!!! He slept off and on, while I read. We chatted in between as I chatted with fellow people in the transit area. Our connecting flight which would take us to Nepal was at 6:30am (Monday, the 19th.. today) We sat in the transit area for roughly 10 hours.. and then FINALLY we were able to go to our gate! We walked onto the tarmack - jumped on a bus- and then walked up the stairs and loaded. FINALLY I had a window seat... a seat with room for my legs to branch out... but not enough time to get comfy and sleep! The final and remaining flight was roughly an hour and half. And then I realize.. after hanging out with my new friend, my travel buddy... we never exchanged names - yet got to know another quite well. Its bums me.
Now I land in Nepal - its cloudy - and finally I see homes upon homes... most are multi-leveled! AMAZING green hills and people.. lots of people. I follow thru the general Visa and Customs fun times and find my United Planet pick-up.
I notice the air quality is so much more different than usual. I'm used to the fresh, crisp Ocean air... I am surrounded by fumes and the smells of animals.
We jump in our taxi and all you hear is cars honking. Picture... Tijuana- if you've driven at all in TJ... you may have a small sense of what I experienced. COMPLETE MADNESS!!! Its definitely a crazy experience, I probably wouldn't survive driving if I had to. Theres no order, people EVERYWHERE, cows, dogs, motorcycles, rick-shaws and cars... all going in whatever direction the need to! It was identical to a game of frogger. (yet harder)
My first gasp of complete awesome came when I saw a monkey! Plain and simple! :)
I am told that my first night will be spent in a "guesthouse" (which is like a hotel). I go and shower up, lay down - attempt unsuccessfully to sleep and then I am picked up and taken to the Social Tours office (which is where I am now). I get introduced to Bipin and a few others and we discuss some general things.
Next is lunchtime (I promise I will remember names, but my brain is complete mush right now) and the woman who cooks makes a fabulous lunchtime meal, which some of it is a little too spicy for my tastebuds - but I manage and eat the curry and the dried rice.
After lunch, I am set up here in Raj's desk (whom is out of town during the time i am here) and I am blogging, facebooking and gmailing.
Tonight, is orientation and dinner with the staff and another volunteer whom I will go on excursions with tomorrow. From what I hear, she is 18-19years old and from Austria.
I am beat. I can't wait for my head to hit a pillow after dinner.
I've got about 6-7 hours for that. I'm sipping on tea and listening to Saynt's LIB mix... today is a relaxing one... we'll see how the remainder goes! :)
Hope everyone is well.. sorry this is completely long-winded as well as probably TMI.. but deal with it...
Previously, it was fun to people watch... now... tiny cramped seats.. horrid mystery food and super tiny bathrooms!
So the flight to Chicago- was cake. Then came the next one.. the long one.. just short 15 Hours.. yes folks- thats right... JUST UNDER 15 HOURS!
Thanfully, the plane had some awesome (and free) movies, un-thankfully: I was stuck in the middle of a row, between someone who was asleep the entire time and another who didn't know how to "tuck" his elbows in!
So needless to say... I had a measly 2 hours of sleep for that entire time.
THANKFULLY, I had some of my favorite people to keep me company... musical wise. (Thanks guys for rocking my eardrums so hard!)
So arrival comes... here I am in New Delhi, India. I jump off the plane and meet a fellow who is connecting to the same flight as me. We take a seat in a "Transit" area (imagine the long pool lawn chairs, a row of them... facing a glass window...
thrilling right? It was like sunbathing indoors) - So my new friend and I sit/lounge down. Besides us is a fellow who looks like Robert Pattingson (yes I snuck a photo) We chatted up a skosh until he had to take off for his flight to Hong Kong - I adore guys with UK accents!!! My other friend, whom is of Nepali ethnicity is studying IT-Medical systems in OMAHA of all places!!!! He slept off and on, while I read. We chatted in between as I chatted with fellow people in the transit area. Our connecting flight which would take us to Nepal was at 6:30am (Monday, the 19th.. today) We sat in the transit area for roughly 10 hours.. and then FINALLY we were able to go to our gate! We walked onto the tarmack - jumped on a bus- and then walked up the stairs and loaded. FINALLY I had a window seat... a seat with room for my legs to branch out... but not enough time to get comfy and sleep! The final and remaining flight was roughly an hour and half. And then I realize.. after hanging out with my new friend, my travel buddy... we never exchanged names - yet got to know another quite well. Its bums me.
Now I land in Nepal - its cloudy - and finally I see homes upon homes... most are multi-leveled! AMAZING green hills and people.. lots of people. I follow thru the general Visa and Customs fun times and find my United Planet pick-up.
I notice the air quality is so much more different than usual. I'm used to the fresh, crisp Ocean air... I am surrounded by fumes and the smells of animals.
We jump in our taxi and all you hear is cars honking. Picture... Tijuana- if you've driven at all in TJ... you may have a small sense of what I experienced. COMPLETE MADNESS!!! Its definitely a crazy experience, I probably wouldn't survive driving if I had to. Theres no order, people EVERYWHERE, cows, dogs, motorcycles, rick-shaws and cars... all going in whatever direction the need to! It was identical to a game of frogger. (yet harder)
My first gasp of complete awesome came when I saw a monkey! Plain and simple! :)
I am told that my first night will be spent in a "guesthouse" (which is like a hotel). I go and shower up, lay down - attempt unsuccessfully to sleep and then I am picked up and taken to the Social Tours office (which is where I am now). I get introduced to Bipin and a few others and we discuss some general things.
Next is lunchtime (I promise I will remember names, but my brain is complete mush right now) and the woman who cooks makes a fabulous lunchtime meal, which some of it is a little too spicy for my tastebuds - but I manage and eat the curry and the dried rice.
After lunch, I am set up here in Raj's desk (whom is out of town during the time i am here) and I am blogging, facebooking and gmailing.
Tonight, is orientation and dinner with the staff and another volunteer whom I will go on excursions with tomorrow. From what I hear, she is 18-19years old and from Austria.
I am beat. I can't wait for my head to hit a pillow after dinner.
I've got about 6-7 hours for that. I'm sipping on tea and listening to Saynt's LIB mix... today is a relaxing one... we'll see how the remainder goes! :)
Hope everyone is well.. sorry this is completely long-winded as well as probably TMI.. but deal with it...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
waiting and waiting
So. I'm at the airport. The first one, of many. Waiting for my plane to board.
I went to Elysium for 24ish hours and it rocked my socks off!
I got to see a lot of people, help out and snuggle before leaving. Man oh man am I glad I went!
So for the next two days, I will be traveling to my destination and I have no idea what is going to happen as far as when I get there.
I've learned through many awesome experiences to go into things such as this- to not have expectations. And the only expectation I have is to have a wonderful experience.
Anyhow... thats enough for now.
Cheers and see you on the flipside.
I went to Elysium for 24ish hours and it rocked my socks off!
I got to see a lot of people, help out and snuggle before leaving. Man oh man am I glad I went!
So for the next two days, I will be traveling to my destination and I have no idea what is going to happen as far as when I get there.
I've learned through many awesome experiences to go into things such as this- to not have expectations. And the only expectation I have is to have a wonderful experience.
Anyhow... thats enough for now.
Cheers and see you on the flipside.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
About 2 days away....
Well.
I leave for Nepal in roughly 2 days.
My first stop before Nepal is our yearly event, Elysium. I'll be out there tonight (directly after work) until about Midnight on Friday. I know I know, I shouldn't be going to an event the night before I take off on my awesome journey... but, but, but... Its my 2nd favorite event of the year, and I think its okay to be a rockstar and do it! :) Plus, it doesn't hurt to spend more time with a particular guy and my super rad and most definitely awesome friends before venturing off for a few weeks. (What can I say.. I'm a sucker).
So.... I will do my best to update this blog as much as possible.
I'm going into this not knowing 100% how much access I will have, but knowing that theres some good wifi access... it could be possible. Nonetheless... I plan to take tons and tons of photos, help the kids, get my hands dirty and smuggle a monkey back in my luggage! (if only!)
Much love and huggles,
K
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)