Learning to Juggle

Although the small plot of corn behind our apartment in the city is nice and the constant car, truck, and bicycle horns keep you on your toes while walking down the street, Gorkha was a pleasant reprieve after the hectic, dusty making-it-hard-to-breathe-but-muddy-enough-to-make-your-shoes-get-stuck atmosphere of Kathmandu. The other ETAs and I spent the week visiting potential schools and homestay families and in an a

ttempt to avoid giving a running play-by-play of every magical moment, I’ve compiled a list of this week’s highlights (which may or may be a direct result of watching SportCenter’s Top 10 growing up…)

1.  Laundry rules still apply –i.e. always separate your whites from your colors. Especially when bucket washing a new red kurta for the first time. But then again, maybe you prefer a new slightly pink wardrobe like me…

We’ve also turned our apartment common room into a temporary laundromat as it’s proven challenging to dry clothes during monsoon season here in Kathmandu. It seems as though the skies open up just as we leave the office for the day, soaking our dry laundry by the time we get back to the apartment. It gives the “fresh rain” detergent scent a whole new meaning.

2. While I have always managed to get by in Zumba classes (meaning I usually end up in the same direction as everyone else without stepping on any toes or hitting someone with my flailing arms), I’m going to need a bit more practice to master the hip and hand coordination for Bollywood dancing. A few of us tried our luck in a dance class last weekend and had a blast, although I don’t think we’ll be scouted for any Bollywood music videos any time soon.

3. Nepal has both hills and mountains and the Nepalese are quick to mark the difference between the two. It’s not just the words (here’s where I’ll shamelessly show off my Nepali –“Daadaa” means “hill,” “pahahd” is mountain, while “himal” refers to a snow-covered mountain…yep, just like the Himalayas). We’ve done some “beginner trekking” to visit Buddhist temples and am always amazed by how Nepali worshippers aren’t dripping with sweat like we are by the time they get there!. How are these only considered hills? But rounding the bend on our way into Gorkha, we caught a teeny tiny glimpse of the Himalayas in the distance. Ok, these are the mountains I’ve read about. They are absolutely stunning. While the Himalayas remain mostly hidden behind clouds during monsoon season, we’ve been promised an incredible view when the skies clear in a few months. “They’re like the trailer for a movie,” our guide told us. “You’ll have to come back to see the whole show.”

4. I’ve been reminded over and over that you’re never too old for playground games. Christine Stone has continued with her classroom preparation training and we spend hours coloring, cutting, gluing, hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and chanting as we put together our “teacher’s toolbox.” I can only imagine what it must look like to passerbys who may witness a group of 20-something-year olds being chased around the office parking lot by an elderly British woman and her barking dog as she demonstrates how to play “What time is it Mr. Fox?”

Despite the warnings we’ve received of how the next seven months will be challenging, I’m excited to finally get in the classroom and start teaching!

5. Adjusting to life in a new country is like learning how to juggle (and thanks to our fellow ETA and juggling teacher, Peter, we’re attempting to do that as well!) The past two weeks have been exhilarating, yet exhausting as I attempt to balance Nepali language practice, preparing lesson plans and supplies, bonding with my fellow ETAs and making time for personal reflection. It’s learning give and take. Toss. Toss. Toss. Catch. Catch. Catch.

Rachel and Jeanie learning how to juggle!

6.     Caste hierarchy is still prevalent and is used as a way of arranging parts of Nepali society, directly affecting the education system we will be working in. Members of higher castes have the economic ability to send their children to “boarding,” or private schools, where English language training begins earlier than in the governmental public schools. Dalits, on the other hand, are economically disadvantaged and therefore can only afford to send their children (or often times only the boys) to governmental schools

7.     If someone asks if you’re married and you respond “no- mero bihah bhayako chaina,” more often than not, they will immediately try and set you up with a son, brother, nephew or grandson, keeping with the tradition of arranged marriages. I’ve already gotten an offer…

The idea of a ‘love marriage’ is still a relatively new concept, although is growing in popularity with the younger generations, especially in the more developed, urban areas.

8.     “Chiyya chuTTi” is my new favorite phrase to hear. It translates to “tea break” and I have yet to be disappointed with the delicious Nepali milk tea! Chiyya chuTTi can happen at any point in the day and is commonly used as a show of hospitality. I lost count of the number of cups of tea I drank while visiting home stay placements!

9.     Traffic will teach you patience. On our way home from Gorkha, we got to experience our first “road widening” traffic jam. The narrow road that serves as the only route out of the city and into the hills is under construction to provide more space for the trucks that constantly break down. You learn to sit back, relax, practice Nepali and gaze out the window to see…an elephant?

10. Having some extra toilet paper with you always comes in handy. Enough said.  

More photos are up on facebook, but here are some personal favorites: 

Prayer flags at Swayambhuanth

Stupa at Bhouda

Traditional dhaal baat meal

Welcome to Gorkha!