Dont Worry, Be Happy

Just about every bar and restaurant in Kathmandu blasts “Three Little Birds” from their speakers. I used to think this was just to please the hippie-type tourists that pass by, but now I’m starting to believe it is simply because the “don’t worry, be happy” motto is true here in Nepal.


I arrived in Kathmandu intending to stay and volunteer at an orphanage in the city. I had a place to stay with internet access and real showers, and I had already met the orphanage’s coordinators as well as a few volunteers. I unexpectedly ended up on a bus Charikot, and as you all know, it was the greatest thing I have ever done!

When I returned to Kathmandu on Sunday, I was sad and worried. I didn’t want to leave my brothers, and I didn’t know where I would go next and I was worried that I might not find another volunteer placement to be excited about Still, I felt as though I need to push myself and see a bit more of Nepal before I leave; something inside was urging me to do it. These were my thoughts:
I wanted to go to Bastipur or Bhaititti. I didn’t want to go alone. I wanted to spend time with my in Kathmandu, and I wanted to see another friend when she returns from Bastipur in a week.

When I arrived at the Volunteer House in Kathmandu, I immediately learned that my friend was heading to Bastipur the next morning. It was too perfect! I could go to Bastipur. Not only was I not alone, but I was with the friend I wanted to spend time with. When I arrive, I will be able to spend one night with my other friend before she leaves. And the best part is, after Bastipur, I am going back to Charikot for a week to visit my brothers before I fly home.

Don’t worry. Be happy.

So many of you have told me that I look so happy in my pictures. I love hearing that because I am so happy here. I wish someday everyone of you can visit Nepal and experience what I am experiencing.

So now I’m sitting on the roof drinking tea and eating the pumpkin pudding that I made as my private Thanksgiving. The warm sun, the cool breeze, and the expansive view of Kathmandu’s flat topped houses are hard to leave, but I should go back inside to begin packing my things. I leave early tomorrow morning for my 12 hour bus ride.


*[What to expect: Bastipur is a fairly traditional, small village in the Terai (western part of Nepal). My friend who is there right now describes it as being a hundred years back in time. I will be living with the family of a friend in Kathmandu. The family has three young children-maybe I can speak Nepali to them!-and they live 45 minutes away from the town. I will be busy teaching at one of three private schools, and possibly doing work at a local medical clinic. I have a feeling these next two weeks will go by very quickly. I cant wait for new experiences!]