1. Take what you want but eat what you take, don’t be wasteful.
In contrast to the huge portions in India, we learned here to at first, put only some food on your plate. If you want more, get more; but be careful not to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach! Food left on your plate is disrespectful and tells the cook that you didn’t like it. It is also not acceptable to finish someone else’s plate (so you can’t say “hey sister, I couldn’t eat all my chicken, do you want some?”)
Definitely the best curries and food in general I’ve ever had was in a village where we spent a week of ministry. Their level of hospitality was unbeatable, and they were always offering us something tasty. But even there, you take only what you can eat. true zero waste society. it’s great.
2. In everything, show honor.
Like in Africa (Zambia especially) when one exchanges money or shakes hands with another, the left hand is placed on the crook of the right elbow. This shows respect- specifucally, that you are not going to strike them while you have them in your grip. We also noticed that seats on bus are given up for women and elders. In fact, there were usually two rows at the front specifically marked for female passengers. And also like in Africa, ladies older than you are called Aunty, men older are called Uncle, and you refer to your peers as Sister or Brother.
3. Traffic rules do not exist.
You want to cross the eight lanes of cars right there? Go for it.
You want to change lanes in from of that bus? Go for it.
You want to turn here? Go for it.
You want to stop in the middle of the road to pick up your brother? Guess what, GO FOR IT. Everything is fair game.
I am going to come home and just walk straight across the road, and people might think I’m crazy, but I feel indefeatable now!
4. Don’t breathe the air.
UGH. Besides people’s nasty habit of hacking lugies everywhere, this was the only bad part about Nepal. The pollution is horrible! There’s like a million cars, and thousands of buses, 24/7/365. Everyone walks around with an air mask on. It is an extremely sad sight, especially contrasted against the beautiful mountain tops, which can be seen in any direction.
5. If you love somebody, show it!
It was not uncommon to see in the street, people- girls, even guys, even TEENAGE guys- walking arm in arm. Brotherly and sisterly affection is not shamed here, however affection between the sexes is. Romantic physical touches aren’t encouraged publicly, so make sure you only touch people of your gender.
6. Don’t rush the morning.
Unlike most developing countries I’ve visited, life doesn’t start with loud, hectic chaos right as the sun comes up. Nepalis take it slow, and mainly start their business days later. In fact, their custom is to have their first meal <a brunch of sorts> around 10am.
7. Mo:mo:s are good ANYTIME- breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon teatime, late-night snack, chicken, buff, veg, paneer, soupy, steamed, fried…. ALL YUM. ALL THE TIME.
We are now in Romania, and I will spend the rest of my time on the Race in Europe. Happy to be here, but transitioning back to the “Western world” is WEIRD!!
Right now, I’m reading:
1 Kings
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
