This post features student writing by Maia.
The day started with our individualized delicious breakfast meals. At the breakfast table we drank tea and played card games and chatted. Then we hopped on a bus and rode through Kathmandu, where we got to see snippets of life in the city. We saw animals roaming freely, people working, and families going about their lives. During the bus ride, a Nepali guide talked in depth about the history of Nepal and the country’s plans for the future. It was very interesting background. For example, the Nepal government is trying to provide better education for the Nepali students and also plans to transform Kathmandu into a “concrete valley.” Our guide shared interesting facts about the Kathmandu valley and the Swayambhunath Stupa during our visit there. During our visit to the “Monkey Temple” we were guided uphill through a series of steps and learned more about the various shrines and stupas in the valley, as well as spiritual connections people have with them.
On our trek up we saw many monkeys playing around, jumping through trees and hanging on prayer flags. We gazed at the beautiful stupa below and at the top we watched as people prayed and showed respects to the temple. Many of us took amazing photos and videos of the animals and scenic views. It wasn’t just the pictures that meant something to us, though—hearing the stories behind each carving in the stone walls, learning the importance of reaching enlightenment in the stupa, and being mindful of traditions and customs as we walked around meant a lot to us. We are beginning to understand more about Nepalese culture, which is helping us adjust to different lifestyles that will help us through different interactions we’ll have throughout the rest of our lives.
We then visited Durbar Square, which means “Royal Square” in English, and learned about the ancient architecture and how much of this famous site was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. Lunch was another great lunch of rice and plenty of vegetables. Sitting at the rooftop restaurant, we were surrounded by the city and could see stupas and other historic temples on mountain ridges.
In a temple area tucked inside Durbar Square, we got a rare glimpse of Kumari, the “living goddess” of Kathmandu. Greeting and watching the Kumari for 15 seconds was an interesting experience. She’s a very important symbol to the Nepalese people and her selection to become Kumari is rigorous. We were somewhat amazed/alarmed when learning about Nepal’s process to choose a Kumari. It’s like a competition and every girl must go through tests and is ranked on things like who is least fearful.
Our energy followed to our next destination of the day, a visit to CAP, a shelter and home to young girls and women who have been trafficked. At CAP these young girls are able to receive an education, play with other girls, and are given emotional and physical support. Before we arrived at CAP we practiced songs that we planned to share and sing with the girls. We decided to sing “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz and “Riptide” by Vance Joy. The girls also shared dances with us and showed us yoga poses as we all sat outside in a circle clapping and hanging out. The exchange of one demonstration for another was a powerful kind of cultural exchange and is part of showing respect. When the acts began everyone radiated positive energy and it was a very happy time. We all participated in each other’s different cultural dances and it was exciting seeing everyone so upbeat and having a blast. Despite the language barrier—the young girls spoke very little English, and none of us speak Nepali unfortunately!—we communicated through dancing, fist bumps, handshakes, laughs, and hugs. This made it such a memorable experience for all of us.
The day ended with delicious sandwiches and burgers at a fun spot called Himalayan Java Cafe. We laughed and continued bonding as we ate, a very pleasant way to end the day.
— Maia
