15/11/2008

Walking through Thamel last night on my way to get some dinner, I crossed paths with a group of about 6 or 7 monks. Curious, I briefly followed them down the street. Oblivious to the cars passing just inches away from their sandal clad feet, they looked into the windows of shops and at the mountains of items for sale in awe. I will never forget their unanimous expression of joy when they spotted a display of simple children’s puppets. Without even speaking with them, I was able to share their happiness as I passed by since I was able to catch a glimpse of such a different way of life. Now I know where all the happy people are.
I think I’m going to buy a yak wool sweater. I don’t know if they’re as itchy as regular sheep wool, but I’m looking forward to being warm and comfortable at the moment. Having just showered, my head is wet and cold (I sure miss my hairdryer!), so I’ve tucked myself into bed. I have to wait until Monday to talk to Emma from VSN, so I think I’m going to ask her advice for a different hotel. I’m prepared to dish out more than 10 dollars per night if it means that I get a consistently warm shower and something that at least resembles a mattress. I’m beginning to get used to the noise outside my window, but it didn’t make my night more comfortable last night. I anticipated getting sick during this trip, but with a lucky first few days I had a glimmer of hope that I might be able to make it without feeling anything but homesick. I love the country and the people here so much, but no amount of rice or bumpy rickshaw rides can replace the comforts of home.
“Make a list; you’ll feel better”
Here are some things that I miss:
• Bailey
• Especially the long walks with Bailey that never had a destination, just sleepless hours to kill
• Laying around for hours watching House with my family
• My cozy mouse from Chandri (I used it as a pillow every night and really should have brought it)
• Laying around with Alex and Sofia playing with little plastic farm animals and singing “We’re little people with lots of plans, little people with helping hands, little people we like to work and play, little people making friends every day!”
• My shower
• My whole bathroom
• Ice cubes in my drink
• Bagels
• All of my wonderful friends
• My wonderful friends that watch Grey’s Anatomy
• Grey’s Anatomy (And Pushing Daisies too!)
• Breakfast at Nellie’s
• Breakfast at Zellers and Moxie’s
• My friend Rabbit
• My blanket
• Chinese food at the Happy Valley
• Making lists for everything
• McDonalds (Ew. Yum. )
• Restaurants that aren’t filled with people who are smoking
• Traffic lights
• Crossing the street
• Purple nail polish
• Seatbelts

I feel better!