Namastee

So what is a Finnish sociology student doing in Patan, Nepal. This is the question I asked myself while flying over India. I had forgotten this during the last hectic months in Finland. But the answer started to dawn on me when I saw the beautiful mountains surrounding Kathmandu.

Let me explain how I got to be in Nepal. Last fall I saw a mail promoting volunter places through an organization called ETVO. I decided that now is the time to act on my dream to live and work somewhere else, somewhere different, and to learn through new experiences. I red through the available places and set my heart on Nepal. After the application process I was happy to hear that I would be working with Loo Niva Child Concern Group in Khokana, Nepal.

After only few days in Nepal I have only vague impressions to give to you. But here are some thoughts. The city feels alive and noisy in a good way. For example during my first night in Nepal, very early in the morning I woke up to music coming from the streets below. It sounded like cheerfull marching music which slowly fainted away. People I have met are very nice and helpful. I also got to taste delicious Nepalese cuisine when my co-workers took me to a lovely welcome dinner. I also got to have my first peek at the heartbeat of the city from the backseat of a motorcycle.

My flat, with a bamboo closet and pink curtains and a view to the mountains and to a temple of some sort is situated in the Patan area, near Khokana where I'll be working. Patan was described to me by someone as the Espoo of Nepal.. So everything has gone very well. Only one incident with my bed: on the first night I found it already taken by little creatures with more legs than me. I decided to occupy the floor instead for that night. The next day I insisted they would move, I hope they did.

Here it begins, my experience in Nepal.