Celebrating July 4th (*Nepal Style)

Yesterday was ridiculous in the best ways possible.

We planned on celebrating America’s birthday to the fullest for nearly a week and yesterday did not disappoint. It was filled with fun.

When we’re completely honest with ourselves, we all tried pretty hard to get out of work, but ended up working on the field twice. *And enjoyed it in the end.

We spent the hot hours of the day down by the river because what Independence Day is complete without water? Rapids//drinks//good books to read//the hot sun. All good things. After the river times, we did some more work and this time around got distracted by the poisonous snakes in the field.

The night ended with beer//funny conversations//lots of dancing and even fireworks (*It turns out fireworks are highly illegal in Nepal, but our dear friend Ganesh went all the way to “little India” to buy us some!).

I have felt so extremely out of touch America and most of the rest of the world these days, and I’m okay with it. I feel that I’ve missed a lot of world news//big events. I feel that all of this is quite normal when internet access is limited and you’re living someone new// different.

I also realized yesterday amidst all of the ridiculous celebrations, I have a diminished capacity of feeling pride or great love for America. Granted, I am very blessed and privileged to be from such a place, but I have never had great pride in my country and I don’t know why. In trying to explain the concept of why we celebrate “America’s birthday” to our Nepali friends, I had to laugh. It all sounded entirely ridiculous and strange. We ended up settling the whole thing and told them that this was a day in America where it was okay to stone British people (*Like our lovely Immy) and the night ended with everyone being just as confused as ever.

It all turned out to be one memorable 4th and a nearly perfect day here in Letang.

[Photos: July 4th in Letang//Grace Farson]

The mysterious Black Bhairab

No one knows much about the Black Bhairab. It was found, lying face down in a forest and dates back to the 4th or 5th century.

Bhairab represents the powerful, destructive forces of Shiva and is in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square to stay.

It was lovely being back with Immy the other afternoon.

Thankful two years hasn’t changed the place much.

[Photos: Around Kathmandu’s Durbar Square//Grace Farson]

Notes from a sick bed

Woke up this morning feeling ill. Really, ill.

It started yesterday with the same symptoms I experienced last time. . . *the last time when I wound up in the hospital.

Thankfully, it’s nothing serious, yet and I’m still able to manage life here.

I forget the kind of sick that exists here. Kathmandu, no matter how much I love you back, you always win. I will always be defeated by you and your power over me.

That said, nothing, honestly nothing can or will change the way I feel about this place. Nothing at all. Ever.

Yesterday afternoon, I was feeling mildly better and had two fantastic meals with some of the most encouraging, supportive, and inspiring people I’ve ever met. It is so comforting coming back and having a community here and especially a community, or even communities like these.

“As a traveler, I always had vivid dreams in strange countries – something about those clammy rooms, those lumpy beds, that sour air, the nameless nighttime noise.” – Paul Theroux, My Other Life

So here’s to health! To many more crazy, vivid dreams! And for exploring this city with Immy (*who just arrived today)!

[Photo: Murky monsoon days//Grace Farson]