So made it here in one piece. The time difference is insane, but thanks to the roosters I've had no problem waking up at 5am every morning.
Things are really crazy here. I thought New York had a lot of horn honking... easily 10,000 times more honking here. Apparently there aren't traffic laws either. My taxi ride from the airport was hilarious and scary and ultra-awesome. After 35 hours of traveling from NY to here, I immediately found myself with the hugest adrenaline rush, hanging on for my life in a taxi as we zoomed down the wrong side of the street in the opposite direction of traffic almost running over a motorcycle multiple times.
There is only electricity for a few hours every day, so figuring out that schedule has been a bit tricky. I've gone to the internet rental place multiple times, only to realize the computers were without power.
The volunteer house where I am staying is really great. I am staying in a dormitory type of room with 4 other people. Everyone is really, really cool. There are people from all over the world volunteering here, so there is always interesting (challenging) conversation.
The kids are REALLY amazing. They are some of the happiest people I have ever met. Great vibes - really fun to be around! There are 8 different houses each with 1 volunteer. I was placed in the house with the oldest kids - mostly teenagers. 44 kids live in this house. The last volunteer in (who I replaced) taught a big group of them how to play guitar, so when they heard I also play they were super excited. I'm going to go jam with a few of them later this afternoon.
Things have been really relaxed so far. I've been walking around a lot, destroying my respiratory system with the smoke and fumes from all of the burning garbage (there is absolutely no sanitation system here so everyone burns their garbage). I'm finding my way around and having fun doing it.
Last night a saw one of the heaviest things I've ever seen - a group of 10-12 homeless kids no older than 10, passed out in the gutter surrounded by rotting garbage, each with a paper sack in their hand that they huff glue from. Ouch.
Kathmandu also has a massive stray dog problem. I've seen hundreds and hundreds of dogs covered in sores, some with broken bones, others whimpering and unable to stand. It's really sad.
I've found some great, clean vegetarian places and they have delicious non-dairy options. I eat every morning and evening with the kids, so I just have to buy myself lunch everyday.
This is a really scattered post.
The community development coordinator told me she can take me to see the harshest working conditions in Nepal - a brick factory that employs a large number of children. We are trying to go down there later in the next week. It will no doubt be depressing.
The situations here are really urgent. Please spread the word.
Much love,
