Three Things

While I was in Nepal I learned the truth of three things Nora told me about the Nepali culture:

1) Nepalis re-purpose everything!

Kathmandu newspaper. — This article in a Kathmandu newspaper perfectly illustrates this concept. Nothing goes to waste in a country that has little.

2) Nepalis make it work.

Utility linesmen at work. Many times I saw men on metal ladders, wiring all sorts of things on poles. In keeping with the no waste model, extra wire is coiled and hung on the pole.

3) “That is not a problem!”

Buying pants. — Nora has trouble finding pants; they have to be teen size, but adult looking… This merchant in Pokhara tried SO hard to find something she would like. He did find one pair that fit well, but unfortunately they quite bedazzled… lol! When Nora commented about that he just said “That is not a problem! That is not a problem!” To which Nora said “No, that is a BIG problem!” He looked a little sad, but he knew she was right, and we left without buying the bedazzled jeans.

Bonus item: One more thing I learned… If you see a Nepali running it means one of two things, either it’s about to downpour on the laundry that’s hanging on the clothesline, or it’s an earthquake. This would take on a new reality in the days to come…