Culture Shock

People ask me not only here, but back in the states, "Isn't being in Nepal quite the culture shock?"

Sure, it took five days to really feel comfortable crossing the street, buying groceries on my own, walking 40-minutes to-and-from work wearing a mask over my mouth to protect my lungs from pollution. Even trying to memorize street corners and homes just in case I have to make the walk alone because there really aren't street signs or visible addresses.

But I wouldn't say it's been a shock necessarily. Just an adjustment. 

Since traveling to China, Spain, Palestine and Israel, I've realized I'm pretty good at assimilating.

Well, I care enough to, anyways. I enjoy experiencing a new place and fitting in where I can.

There are people in this world who are set in their ways, even on their views of how the world should work. But I find that if you're open-minded enough and flexible to what's around you, you'll get more out of any experience. And that's my plan during my stay in Nepal. 

I'll let it wash over me. Pull me in. Take me for a ride. Show me what's to love about Nepal. 

That said, I'll be going out in Thamel, the center of tourism in Kathmandu, tonight and hiking for the first time in Nepal on Saturday. 

In the meantime, have any questions? Anything you want to know about living here? Is there a place you've always wanted to go and I'm here so I can go for you? Let me know. But I'm not going to Everest. Ha. But anywhere near Kathmandu is fair game!