This post features student writing.
Our first day in Kathmandu was full of fun and excitement. Jet lag hit us first in the morning, resulting in a few early wake ups! The group gathered for breakfast and enjoyed tea, eggs and toast, pancakes, and other yummy foods. We spent the morning having orientation for the program. We learned about essential information to ensure a safe and healthy trip for all. We talked about the community spirit we hoped to have and wrote group values on prayer flags, a nice visual for our intentions. We discussed different mindsets that we want to have throughout the trip, as well as hopes and fears. We set off for a short walk to lunch where we sat on cushions and enjoyed a family-style meal. The table we sat around was filled with momos, a type of dumpling, garlic naan, fries, and other delicious dishes. We happily filled our stomachs while Anna took funny closeups of us with her camera. After lunch we settled in for a workshop about the beautiful art of thangka. We learned about the intense focus and patience behind creating the scroll painting and then got to try our hand at drawing the Buddha.
After lunch, we walked to the famous Boudhanath Stupa and split into groups to explore the area and also have one-on-one check-ins with leaders Natalie and John (at a cafe that had fans and refreshing blended beverages!). Walking in a clockwise direction around the grand stupa, we stopped at the different stores with handmade crafts, attempted to haggle for lower prices, and talked to store owners. A bit later, we reconvened as a group and visited a thangka art school. We learned about the meanings behind the intricate art pieces and watched as several Nepali artists worked on thangkas, painting in beautiful and intricate strokes. One of the artists taught us what each figure symbolized in the “Wheel of Life” and mandala thangkas.
Dinner was more authentic Nepalese food and we cheerfully sang Maia happy birthday and give birthday wishes. The cake was delicious! It was a rainy, peaceful walk back to our guesthouse. We closed the day with our first evening group meeting—or “family meeting,” as we’ve started calling them—and everyone shared a “high” and “low” of the day and offered shout-outs to other students. It was a great, busy first day in Kathmandu.
— Sara
