Now for an update. Ill try to write often for now, but will probably slack off in the near future as I get lazier and perhaps have less internet.. im sitting on my bed listening to the rain. It’s monsoon season now, and will be into august, which means rain at least once a day. And today the rain came at around 5 pm, which, like the u.s., meant everyone was headed home from work and business in Kathmandu. Which meant that the already crowded buses were jam packed with people who did not want to walk in the rain. And by packed I don’t mean a few people standing in the aisles. I mean two to three people in every small seat and two rows of people in the aisle and at least 6 people on the steps of the bus holding onto the door and whatever they could. the boy who calls out the stops and takes the money had is toes on the last steps and his whole body outside the bus, somehow keeping everyone from spilling out when we turn corners. Scary as that may sound, it was more of an adventure piling in and out at the stops and getting very close and personal with everyone, who just laugh about it and hold each other up. for me the hardest part is being able to see from the crowd the buildings and landmarks passing by. As there are no U.S. style street signs I’ve just been trying to memorize the route by unique landmarks, a gumba (Buddhist monastery), a red wall that says kingfisher beer, a long bridge, and a tree that means I need to start making my way up front. It’s a little nerve-racking at first, as I have always been terrified of being lost, ever since I was little. But now it’s actually kind of a game, and I know even if I mess up it will end up fine, because this time around I can ask for directions! People as always are very friendly, and often curious, especially after they discover you speak Nepali. I made a friend on the bus and we may be meeting up soon to teach each other more about our native languages.
These days we’re still in training. After the first day of nepali classes, we split into two classes, which basically means I have a private tutor, as I am the only one on the program that has had language training previously. I am very thankful for this opportunity to improve my nepali and move a little ahead rather than review for the next month. Late this week we should meet our new co-teachers and start teacher training. I’m excited to begin this work as well!
Basically everything here is great right now, for those of you who may have been worried. Chinta nagarnus! Don't worry! I am very well taken care of. I’m enjoying my time, settling in, and already have some truly great new friends. I just hope I can continue to learn and better myself, as no doubt teaching English will be challenging, yet is so important. For those I haven’t previously told, every student in Nepal must pass a test called the SLC exam for their “School Leaving Certificate” I believe. English is one required subject, and is a challenge for many students, particularly those in government schools, like those we will work in. Students must pass every subject for the SLC, and more than half fail to do so each year. This means that even though I have not had much teaching experience, my presence in a classroom may be a help to students and teachers and their eager endeavors to learn English and pass the test. I mention all this just to put my work in a little context.
For now I’m going to try to attach a couple photos from this time so far and end my post. And I may add friends photos and my old one’s in the future, as I am not the best photographer. If anyone has any questions whatsoever about what I’m up to just let me know! As I have lived here before and am less new to things, I'm not sure what you might like to hear, and the blog is for y'all at home. you may contact me Here or perhaps email, as the page is in German… my email is k80may@gmail.com. Love y’all! And keep in touch!
This picture was taken a couple nights ago on the balcony of another ETA's family's house during a beautiful sunset behind the rain clouds. We celebrated my friend's aamaa (host mother)'s birthday, and the lovely Rozina drew the henna design on my hand which I was letting dry.
for now i think this is it! send me your questions :) and ill try to post more soon!
much love
Dude, your blog is in German.
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