Dreams of Kathmandu

IMGP1386
Originally uploaded by sfjelseth.

I made a rather last-minute trip to Nepal a couple weeks ago with my friends, Joel and Dana. Dana needed to renew her visa in Kathmandu and I jumped on the opportunity to go with them.

I didn't used to like Kathmandu. I've always preferred the areas of Nepal outside the Valley. This time was much different for me. I loved the City, and certainly Nepal as a whole, even more than ever. Each time I go there this feeling grows. The last 2 trips I made were very heart-breaking for me in a way... because I knew that I couldn't stay, but had to fly back to the other side of the world without knowing when I would return. This trip I could just enjoy and soak it in, rather than trying to distance my emotions to avoid heartbreak.

I was struck by the differences between Nepal and India. Admist all their similarities there are many distinctions, most too subtle to describe. Nepal, to me at least, seems cleaner. Life is much more simple and less chaotic (certainly less than Varanasi)and the food is usually milder. Although it's less "developed", it seems in many ways more Westernized.

I wish I could better describe the feeling that I have when I am in Nepal... perhaps "peace" would be an appropriate word. When I'm in Nepal, my soul feels more at peace... like I'm "home". Mixed with that feeling is a gushy excitement, like the smile you feel when you have a crush.

But... despite all this, I don't feel that now is the time. My love affair with Nepal won't begin just yet. For now, this is my place (Varanasi), and that's alright with me.