One moment you exist in your own paradigm and discourse; comfortable perhaps, complacent even. The next moment, you discover the drive to see outside of your echo chamber, and dogmatic belief system. The "in-between" of those two narratives is the discovery of inspiration and hope. For many, education is the catalyst of hope, the dream to see a better world for yourself, and for the greater community as a whole. The Nepal study center, is one seed of many that is the beginning of greater education, health, community,sustainability, and a global collaboration that will help students, diplomats, teachers, mentors, working class, scholars, and all who belong to the community understand the symbiotic relationship of the socioeconomic and ecological chains that effect the human condition. Thanks to Dr. Bohara for planting the seed, because of this, many students, and other professionals alike are able to work for an identity outside of their self, and search for an identity that serves the greater purpose of global community and family. Because of this seed, many students will embarked on the next chapter in the legacy and story of the Nepal Study Center, as well as the Lumbni Sustainable Center.
This is just the beginning of a diverse forest that is ready to change the fate of an untold amount of people world wide. Kathmandu is the first adventure, its rich cultural density, history, diversity, and beautiful land is the perfect representation of what Nepal brings to the world as well as what the people of Nepal can bring to the global community.
Our first day exploring Kathmandu begins with the surprise stop to visit some cute critters that enjoy the offerings at the Syambhu Nath (stupa). The day was filled with peaceful stupas, delightful ginger tea, and deep historic explanation on the city of Kathmandu.
A troop of monkeys hang around the wishing well at the Swyambhu temple, admiring the tourists. #bp1 -Nick
Second stop, the Swoyambhunath Stupa, here we learned about the significance of the spiritual flags around the sacred stupa that provide spiritual protection.
Kathmandu Dubar Square was filled with historic essence and major informative plan notification for future repairs that are happening due to the most recent earthquake.
Nyatapol Cefe and square, Bhaktapur was an amazing place to experience our first ginger tea (Dr. Bohara style:) and amazing chili chicken was a tasty treat.
Day One consisted of running around Kathmandu, from temple to temple. Although never rushed, I really appreciated a few slower paced moments at the last stop we visited—the Swoyambhu Stupa. Not only did we stop in at an art school where we learned about traditional Tibetan mandalas, we also stop at a rooftop coffee joint after our walk around the stupa. It was interesting to see such a hip, retro shop directly across from such a traditional and religious site. The Himalayan Java Coffee shop offered us a quick break from our day as we sipped on good coffee and Nepalese milk tea.
Cultural Dinner at the Bhojan Griha, Dillibazar . We had a delightful dinner sitting one by one and conversing about our day. This beautiful cultural dance brought smiles to each and everyone faces.
Without a doubt, Kathmandu is a place that the English language can barley describe, its immense beauty and power is beyond the words of language. The ancient and rich history seems to reside deep in the human mind. A benevolent culture that welcomes anyone, from any where, with out judgement; willing to share its roots with any foreigner. The most amazing part, is that Kathmandu is simply a foreshadow to the beginning of a deeper and richer exploration/ experience of Nepal. It is almost hard to believe that you could match any experience that Kathmandu has to offer. But time will tell, that Kathmandu is simply the beginning to very big story of Nepal as a whole, and the future prospects of the country as it climbs to global relevance not only in cultural history, but future education, and a highly inspired and educated youth. The future looks bright for the city, and may the future bring us goodwill on our next stop.
