Cars, Please Don't hit me

It's just a mess of pictures now -will explain later when I have more time!

Just another day in Thamel:

 

Moon(?) and Sabina - so adorable and playful - they followed us around for a bit.

    McDonal's (Nepali McDonald's?)

Bribes and Blackmail

I started packing for my trip today and while I was figuring out the amount of cash I should bring, I found myself setting aside some money specifically for having to pay up bribes and extortion demands.

Crazy, no?

Due to the civil war that just took place, Maoist rebel presence is prevalent outside of large cities.  Though the rebels are not too much of a threat to tourists, I still have to be aware of them or they will take my money through their so-called "taxes."  Apparently, if you happen to wander into their territory (even just driving through), a group of them may bombard you and ask you to have a conference with them in their office (it's more of a command).  Once you arrive at their headquarters, they try to extort an extreme amount of money out of you.  It is up to you to then bargain your way down to a reasonable amount.  (Ex. $1000 --> $5)  I think I was told that about $5 was typical, but I would definitely need to work on my bargaining skills.  Afterwards, you can ask them for a receipt so you won't be made to pay the tax again that day!  The receipt is like a souvenir!

This has actually happened to many volunteers and tourists, but I have not heard of any cases of violence.  However, I hear that if one does refuse to pay up, something unfortunate might happen, so I'd rather not risk it.

FunFun!

I Greet the Divine Inside of You

This is the literal translation of "Namaste", the most common form of "hello" and "goodbye."

1st blog!! Yay!




Due to the urgings of friends, I have decided to start a travel blog about my life in Nepal. The posts may be a bit sporadic due to the lack of computers and internet where I will be living, but hopefully, I can keep you all sufficiently updated! I'd love to send you postcards, so please Please give me your addresses! I have Skype too, so download it if you want to talk to me - the name is "jessica.scalzo" :D

So far, I've been going through my LonelyPlanet guide and trying to get a feel for the culture, while learning a few phrases to greet my host family. I'll be getting more language training over there, but for now, "hello" and "thank you" are really the only two phrases I know (and I'm probably not even pronouncing them correctly). I would like to present my host family with a gift when I arrive (I'll be taking up their space and food for three months, so it's the least I can do) - any ideas??

I've learned a few interesting behavioral rules already (actually, they are filling me with trepidation about accidentally insulting someone over there). Here are some examples:

Don't point at anything with your feet - if you do this, apologize by touching your hand to the person's arm and then touching your own head.

When handing money to someone, pass with your right hand and touch your right elbow with your left hand, as a gesture of respect.

Never use your left hand, except for private restroom business. I hear toilet paper is not common in households (uh.....going to take me a while to get used to this one).

I have less than a week before I leave, and I can't wait! Already planning for whitewater rafting, paragliding, trekking, safari tours, and amazing food excursions! I hope my students like me (fingers crossed)!