One thing I have noticed...

Please do not plan a trip to Kathmandu if you are the type of person that can't live without: heels, gold chains, fresh brownies, starbucks, quiet strolls at night, hot showers, shaving, washing clothes on a regular basis or high speed internet. These luxuries just don't exist here!

I have come to the conclusion that I am pretty much always going to smell a little bit here and I am okay with that. And you know what? Everyone else smells and wears the same clothes for 5 days straight, so its all good. You definitely come in better contact with your 'hippie' side, which I love. :)

I have taken a cold shower every day since I have been here. Its sort of refreshing after sweating all day long, even in my sleep. You kind of always have that 'Nepali glow': a thin layer of sweat, dust, dirt that makes your skin 'glisten'. :) Some may be reading this and go 'ewww', but it helps you fit in for sure.

This morning I had a mega shower. I washed with nepalese soap, which kind of smells a bit so then I layered my own body wash, and then topped it off with a wet wipe. I feel like a new woman! ( I hope that wasn't tmi)

I also went for a jog this morning. I could not sleep and have been up since 4 a.m., so I decided I would venture off for some exercise. I kind of felt like that Nike commercial when the little boy is running through the city... you know that one? I was decked out in Nike, only because that is all I have. (Thanks US soccer!) I ran through the muddy streets, dodging trash piles, people, rocks, holes, and oh yeah a COW. There was definitely a cow walking along the street. It was priceless and a bit scary all at the same time. People stared at me a bit, but most just kept walking, ignoring my presence. One of the most interesting runs I have had in a while.

Off to orientation. Everyone is so excited to begin our training and venture off to the training village on Sunday. That is when these posts may begin to get less frequent.

Lessons from Nepal:
1) Only come here if you are okay with a little mudd in between your toes- this is inevitable.
2) Fresh breads and baked goods are pretty much impossible to find.
3) Pashmina is a very popular item to buy here.... anyone need any?

Hugs from across the World,
J