They come up to me and touch my cheeks saying "red like apple!" Its funny that when I first got to Kathmandu I was still shaking off my fish belly white from the Canadian winter and walking down the street, I'd be met with stares and whispers of locals saying, "Japonaise.." But after a couple days in the afternoon sun my face is now burnt to a crisp (nose is still peeling happily), and I started getting so many comments that I looked Nepali, like the Sherpa people of the mountains. hah! unfortunately I still can't get a deal at the market.
The children are so blissfully happy. I can't tell you how many times they've embraced me, held my hand with affectionate urgency, proudly showed me a particular piece of artwork, and said, "Jenny Didi, I'm SOOoooo happy you come here today! You come back again?"
I started thinking about the transient experience of their childhood. So many volunteers coming in and out of their daily lives. It can't be good for them. They fondly tell me about Jasmine Didi two weeks ago, and how she is also from Canada, "Jenny Didi do you know Jas Didi? You are her sister? You and Jas Didi come back again ok?" It pains me as I put a carefully handwritten note into my pocket, promising to deliver the invitation to return to Jas Didi in Vancouver.
I couldn't help thinking that these opportunities for foreigners to come into this land, to laugh and play with these children, are of more benefit to us than them. I know I made them giggle out of control when I lifted them high and whizzed them through the air like flying superhumans, but I couldn't help feeling self serving, learning so much more about myself in this process than I ever dreamed. In two weeks time I will be gone, but they will still rise daily at 6.30, eat their breakfast of wheat paste, check over their notes before class, and walk down to the school holding hands.
Sabina, the president of the Chetan Children's Centre, and Santos, her nephew and treasurer of the organization are an inspiration. Sabina's husband started the orphanage five years ago after visiting a village where he fell in love with the kids. Two years ago, he suddenly passed away from a tragic motorbike accident, but his legacy lives on through his wife and these children today. Sabina teaches some of the kids at a neighbourhood school during the day, and Santos takes care of the household after he comes home from university every day where he is studying physics. Santos is my age. My back ached from sitting and reading for two hours with the kids, and can't even imagine having two full-time jobs like Sabina and Santos.
It is Christmas soon, and although the children don't celebrate they are excited because they know it's a big deal. I thought all day yesterday about what I'm going to do for them, and finally came up with something. I told them about the concept of Secret Santa, but instead of giving a gift to your secret recipient, they are to write a warm fuzzy saying three things they like about that person. I figure that's what Christmas is about, making eachother feel good. I'm going to develop a photo of each of them and give it to them in a frame. But of course it will be brought by Santa on a sleigh, and they'd get a lump of coal if they don't behave. I think I've scared them enough into submission and restless anticipation of their gift. I'll probably also get a crapload of candy, i know i know, they can't go to a dentist if their teeth spoil, but only once a year right?!
On my front, I think I mentioned last week that I was affected with a quite terrible bout of stomach sickness. And it lasted just up until yesterday. I didn't eat for three full days, and that's pretty major for me.. On Saturday I woke up at 6 to take a bus to Pokhara, which took more than 8 hours over the bumpiest roads I've ever met. It was quite an experience, going through narrow roads that wind through the mountains constantly in fear of flying off the ledge or meeting an unexpected oncoming bus head on. I stayed Saturday night in Lakeside, Pokhara which is the big tourist trap by a scenic lake with a gorgeous view of the Annapurna ranges. Unfortunately for me the past few days have been cloudy and the skies quite devoid of a mountainous backdrop. Now I'm closer to the main city, away from tourists, where I think I actually blend into the locals if I keep my mouth shut.
Oh as the title suggests, I've been eating nothing but Dhal Bhat, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its quite tasty, but then again it's only been a day.
On the Visa front, my only option is to fly to Singapore to get one. which is RIDICULOUS. the flight there costs an arm and a leg, added to the fact that I have to leave Nepal earlier than planned, I'm so bummed! I had to cut the stay at the orphange and am hopefully still doing a short 4-5 day trek before I fly out on the 11th of Jan, cutting a full two weeks from my trip. :(
I'll update again once I have the individual portraits of the kids. For now, here are some pics.
Lakeside
quite pensive, huh
my much more modest digs. its a wooden crate, actually.
study time
his name is Bikal, but I call him Pickle, and he doesn't know any different, hehe
getting ready for school
the beautiful sight from the roof this morning. only a fleeting 10 minutes as the clouds promptly covered its face again
xo
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