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Departing Remarks

I can’t believe the time finally came. Last weekend my sister came to help me pack up my belongings and run last minute errands before my trip. This included a full day bonanza and new Costco to find contacts after forgetting to pick mine up before the Dr. closed Friday… Oops.

When flying from Seattle to Dubai you apparently travel north, like over the north pole north. A friend informed me of this prior to departure so I spent the flight eagerly pacing the aisles until the time came where I was directly over the pole. Sadly all I could see was clouds. Until next time Mr. Claus.

Before leaving I printed off a bunch of pictures of my family, friends, and summer memories. How blessed did I feel seeing the number of wonderful people supporting me and experiencing life with me. It’s been a good summer Seattle – already excited for the next one and the next list of mountains to tackle.

Looking forward I feel at ease, excited about what the next 6 months will bring; the people, the culture, the change. As I’ve been warned by many, I’m keeping my expectations low and my eagerness to learn high. So whatever happens next will all be in the name of growth.

A friend gave me a departing gift of a Marie Claire magazine to read on the plane. After pouring over high fashion advertisements and hilariously uninspiring quotes by Miley Cyrus (although her IG is worthy of a jaw dropping browse) I came upon an article in the back exploiting a mining town in the North Dakota for its overly abundant population of trafficked women. The women’s highlighted beginnings were all different, but the message was clear. The United States is not victim-less. This article was part of a series they will be publishing if you feel inspired to learn more.

When I get to Katmandu I will be staying at a guest house for a few days in Thamel, the center of it all, which was sadly heavily impacted by the earthquake. My place it directly across from the Garden of Dreams. Sounds like a good place for a quiet meditation and read doesn’t it? If not, there is a yoga studio nearby so that will suffice. Ganga, the Program Manager of WPC Nepal, will be meeting me to go explore Katmandu and make a few Kurtas’ for my trip. Tunics and Aladdin Pants. Bring it on.

7 thoughts on “Departing Remarks”

  4. Time to chime in and let you know how fascinated we are to read your exploits and meanderings about Nepal, its customs, people, government, et al.
    You may not have seen this article that appeared in a recent WSJ issue. Here goes: Noodle (Wai Wai)
    mogul Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s only billionaire, has pledged $2.5 millions (seems a pittance) with the goal
    of getting corporates bodies and nonprofits to build 10,000 shelters for the victims of the earthquakes of last May. These ‘transitional shelters’ cost $750 each and are made with bamboo sticks embedded a few feet in ground and are supposedly quake resistant. Experts train and help the folks build, creating bamboo grids for a sturdy foundation with the walls plastered for better weather protection. Sounds to me like a huge Hab. for Humanity project. Comment was made about ‘logistical nightmares’, ie, carting materials into mountaneous villages sometimes over mud tracks, etc. Noted is that these shelters are aimed at those most distressed
    including single women (so don’t get married over there) and those who have no or little means of support.
    Chaudhary’s foundation hope to finish 1,000 of these by the end of October and 100 schools by year’s end.
    During the 5 year expected life of these dwellings, time will allow for the building of more permanent type homes. With the winter season approaching, I would think that their building industry comes to closure.
    Keep up the good work……stay safe and God bless you and all of your activities.
    Love always,
    Grandpa

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