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First Impressions of Nepal

Writer's picture: Vincent SablichVincent Sablich

Updated: Oct 30, 2024

It is nearly impossible to describe how wonderful my first week in Nepal has been...

This photo was taken at the Salinadi River festival. We were given tikkas, which are the red marks on our foreheads.
From left to right: Bohds, myself, Raju, and Ben at the Salinadi River festival.

At JFK airport, before departing for Doha, Qatar, en route to Kathmandu, Ben and I met a Havard graduate human rights lawyer named Connor, who had previously spent a few months in Kathmandu. He described Kathamndu as a city containing some sort of "magic."Connor's use of the word "magic" intrigued me and I became curious to discover what Kathmandu's "magic" really was. Now, having spent a week in Kathmandu, I can say that the "magic" is real.


Nepal contains so much natural beauty as well as the friendliest and most hospitable people. Every day on my walk to the Seto Gompa Monastery, where I am taking classes in Buddhist studies and the Nepali language, I have sensed a strong community. People are far more connected with each other in Kathmandu, compared to any other city I have visited in the West. As I have learned from my Buddhist Khenpo Guru, the word "connected" means something slightly different in the East than in the West. In the West, we often use the word "connected" to refer to someone you are friends with on social media or someone you know. In the East, specifically Nepal, the word "connected" means that people are in habitual communication with each other, seeking deeper interpersonal relationships. This connectedness is reflected by the strong presence of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Kathmandu. The streets are decorated with Himalayan prayer flags, and people walk around reciting prayers and playing music. You can find a Hindu temple on the corner of almost every street! This has been something truly magnificent to take part in. I find that in the West, religion is often limited to Sunday mass, specific times of the day, or annual holidays. In Hinduism, there are festivals almost every week- I have already been to two! Here in Nepal, it is easy to understand how religion is a living tradition rather than a written tradition.



Here is a photo of the 5am Yoga squad in Boudha, Kathmandu. I never imagined myself waking up at 4:30am to go to Yoga, but I really enjoyed it!

 

It still feels surreal that I am in Kathmandu. It has been my dream ever since I was a little boy to travel to Nepal and one day climb Mount Everest. I have already fulfilled one of those dreams thanks to many people in my life that have supported me. The other dream, Mount Everest, I am not so sure I will ever attempt. Although, at the climbing gym I have made friends with some Sherpas, who have done Everest multiple times...



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8 Comments


Guest
Feb 01, 2023

Sounds great V!! Keep the updates coming….


Kevin

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erik.owens
Jan 27, 2023

Thanks for letting us all learn about your experiences there, Vincent. I look forward to hearing more. I was thinking of you today when I came across this podcast interview with Frank Clooney, SJ (former BC professor now at Harvard Div School) about his time in Kathmandu and why he has devoted himself to Hindu studies. https://hds.harvard.edu/news/2022/11/21/faculty-focus-crossing-religious-boundaries-catholic-priest-hindu-scholar-francis-clooney All the best from BC - Erik Owens

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gbpez
Jan 27, 2023

Vincent, we love your blog. Your story and comments are so interesting. The people sound so "down to earth" literally and hospitable. We love the differences yet similarities between the East and West Religions. Looking forward to more adventures and stories. You made us "feel" the "Magic!" Mount Everest, Sherpa's and living the dream!😍😎

Billy P and the Lancers featuring Ginny!

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zanpie
Jan 26, 2023

I’m so inspired by your passion and joy for climbing. I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures and spiritual journey. I can live vicariously through you for now and maybe get my act together and start remembering what passions and dreams I once had. It’s never too late to start an epic journey of one’s own. Congratulations. I wish peace and joy to surround you.

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thevalentines1
Jan 25, 2023

Vincent, what a joy it is for Patti and I to follow your experiences in Nepal. We know that you will fully engage in the cultural activities that permeate the country. People who live the way they do in a culture like Nepal are truly engaged in life as it's meant to be. You will greatly benefit from this exposure. I know we don't have to encourage you absorb it all.

Thanks for allowing to share your trip through this blog.

Dick & Patti

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