Nepal

After a random discussion with a friend over a beer, I decided Nepal would be my next destination. From decision to “boots-on-the-ground” it took just three days. Without a plan and without a clue, I wandered the streets of Kathmandu getting lost in its narrow alleys and busy markets. I met a man who approached me in a temple and, although hesitant at first, I agreed he would make a good tour guide for me (for about $10 a day). We became fast friends and, upon my expressed preferences, I was being lead to off-the-beaten-track locations and events.

Vivid among these was an ancient ceremony  where thousands of believers were lining up for hours to offer animal sacrifices to Gadhimai, the goddess of power. It was absolutely incredible to witness and to photograph them. It was here, at this festival, on a public bus, that I met Rajani, a nursing student and her family.  After a three-hour bus ride back to the city, I invited them for a cup of tea at a local tea house. They refused. Instead, they insisted that I come to their house for tea.  After another hour bus ride I was in the middle of the peaceful, rural village of Sunakothi with all her family and neighbors welcoming me like royalty and treating me to a modest, but delicious meal.  Little did I know at the time, but Rajani’s family “adopted” me and invited me to live with them in their home for a week.

It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life to be a real part of their family and to be treated so kindly being a stranger. With tears in my eyes, I decided I had to leave the comfort of their love in order to do a five-day solo trek through the Annapurna mountains. From admiring breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, to helping local villagers with broken bones and deep lacerations (always a doctor…), words (and even photos) cannot do justice to the sights seen and the experiences lived.  From there, I decided to travel south to the border with India to Lumbini, the city where Buddha was born. I (foolishly?) decided to do a seven-day silent meditation there and I believe this re-cap captures that experience well.  All-in-all, I spent one glorious month in Nepal. I was a changed man forever after that experience.