Padam Pokhari, Chitwan

I spent roughly 2 months in the beautiful and serene village of Padam Pokhari in Chitwan (not the national park).  I first arrived here alone on my birthday, Sept. 5th, in complete fear.  It was culture shock to the extreme.  I hadn't expected to be placed in such a rural area, far from all the conveniences of the city.  It was a birthday I will never forget - I think I almost had a breakdown that night from the sense of dread that set in after realizing I was the only foreigner in the whole area.  The majority of people that I met could not speak English or had limited knowledge of it, so I felt utterly alone.  The first week was definitely the hardest, but I am so thankful I stuck it out.


Living in the village turned out to be the most fascinating and eye-opening experience I have ever had.  I learned more about myself and my resilience than anytime before.  I met inspiring people, crazy people, drunk people, high people, poor (only in money) people, kind people, and extremely generous people.  The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, especially as seasons were changing - lush green rice paddies to a sun-kissed yellowish field.  Take a look!

My Neighborhood

 

My Accomodations

Library House where I lived

The Library

Crowd Gathering for Inter-Village Soccer Tournament

Sitamai

We spent an hour exploring the Sitamai Jungle.  Then some drunk dudes tried to get us to F#$% them, or "puck me" as they pronounced it.

Rice Paddies during harvesting season (Nov)

Neighbors

Naranghat

A city about 1-2 hours away (on bus)

And an 8-legged cow

 

The Food Edition 2

Besides Nepal, my travels also took me to Paris, Florence, and Cinque Terre, where I found some of the most colorful, rich, and tasty foods around.

Sweets

 I say dessert first!

Paris

Pie!

Pierre Herme Desserts and Macarons

Italy

Canolo

The Main Course

France
Crepe - French style

Pita and Falafel

Fondue

Aftermath of a Wine and Cheese Party

Italy

Real Pizza

Oysters - Devoured

So good, we couldn't wait to take a pic. 

Frutti Di Mare
Manarola
Best pasta I've ever had!  The US doesn't even compare.

Ravioli and Shrimp

Other Colors

The Shrek Drink, Paris

The Central Market, Florence

Dark Chocolate Wafers, Cinque Terre

Ima bout ta git mah Yoghurt Drank on.

Bon Appetit!  Chin Chin!

If You're an Animal Lover, Don't Watch This

A Dasain Festival tradition.  In the middle of this 2-week festival, each family beheads a goat, which then feeds the household for the rest of the holiday.  One man in the village travels around to each house doing the deed - what a job!  I ate it for breakfast a few hours after this.  I was hesitant to touch it at first, but damn, was it good!  I thought about putting the vid in "The Food Edition" post, but opted not to - you'll see why.   

I cringe everytime I see this video, so don't watch it if you can't handle it.

The Food Edition

Here's a sampling of the delicious (and spicy foods!) from Nepal.  I miss dhal bhat everyday - I just can't cook it the way Aama could.

Chicken Curry and Jasmine Rice in my 1st Hostel

My 22nd Birthday in Kathmandu!

Chicken Sizzler at OR2K in KTM

 

Best Coconut Biscuit Eva!

Really.

Aama cooking Dhal Bhat (I can't stop salivating, it's that good)

Dhal = Lentil Soup

Bhat = Rice

Tarkari = Veggies (Curry)

Kaankro = Cucumber

Achar = Pickles, often with Coursani = Chili

On rare occasions, dhal bhat is served with Kukura = Chicken.

Buffalo Chili

Spicy and sweet, like everything else in Nepal

Buffalo Cheese

A foamy/chewy texture, but sweet!

MOMO's!

Nepal's version of Xiaolongbao w/spicy sauce

Indian Sweets

The best creation ever!

Apparently, I'm the only volunteer who liked it, but trust me.  I am a great judge of taste.

Kukura (chicken)

 Oh.  They're still alive.....my bad.

Food on the Jungle Safari

Some chow mein, curry, fried rice, and fresh veggies

Dessert Sizzler

better than BJ's in LA - a hot chocolate brownie under melting vanilla ice cream, lightly covered in chocolate fudge sauce - delectable!

A Downright Feast!

There were a lot of holy days/festivals in Nepal - during these times, this was the common carte du jour:

papadums, beaten rice, puff rice, kukura curry, shrimp chips, fresh veggies, dhal, bhat, tarkari, chex-mix like dish

Pad Thai

Best I've had!

A dish at one of the Priciest restaurants in the city.  $5.

A Swiss Rosti Breakfast

Huge Potato Rosti w/onions and parmesan, Greens, Poached Egg, Two Thick pieces of Brown Toast, Honey, Milk Tea

$2

La Vita
Cappuccino and Tiramisu

Harvest Season

Fried Momos

A Nepali Wedding Buffet

Mitho Cha!