In Peace Corps training, they advise you not to blog when you're not having a good time. Using that advice, I neglected to update yesterday's first emotional maelstrom - though some of you caught it via email, gchat, or facebook messages. Big ups to all my friends and family who are supporting the shit out of me over here, and specifically to Abe (always), Maggie, Daniel, Jared, and Justine in the past 48 hours.
I'm feeling settled in more and more, and more acclimated to my surroundings. Buddha and Geeta have made everything easy and comfortable. Notably, I was actually extremely comforted after reading the orientation schedule for my volunteer organization, Volunteer Nepal. The structure, the semblance of purpose - THIS is what I'm doing in Nepal! I am here for four months to accomplish goals x, y, and z and will see results!
The internal pressure to make everything purposeful and organized is totally a main reason I decided to come to Nepal; I wanted to eliminate those urges. From my rudimentary understanding of life in Nepal, things aren't so organized. More often than not, you get there when you get there. After feeling all of these neurotic instincts bubble up, I realize that I don't know what I'm going to get out of this time here and that that's okay. Just being here is the thing. Just being is the thing. I'm actively pursuing becoming comfortable in a structureless situation...which might be a total Catch-22. Let's find out!
Tonight I'm going to a party at Buddha's uncle's house! It feels nice to have something to do in the evenings - not because of the whole structure bit, but I feel like a total dork who doesn't know what's going on or have anything to do. I reorganized my pack and cleaned my room and did some washing today. For anyone that knows me well, this means I really, really need to get out.
I haven't been taking many pictures yet because I don't want to be rude, but I'd recommend image searching Thamel or Maharajgunj if you want to see where I've been hanging out.
Namaste!
I'm feeling settled in more and more, and more acclimated to my surroundings. Buddha and Geeta have made everything easy and comfortable. Notably, I was actually extremely comforted after reading the orientation schedule for my volunteer organization, Volunteer Nepal. The structure, the semblance of purpose - THIS is what I'm doing in Nepal! I am here for four months to accomplish goals x, y, and z and will see results!
The internal pressure to make everything purposeful and organized is totally a main reason I decided to come to Nepal; I wanted to eliminate those urges. From my rudimentary understanding of life in Nepal, things aren't so organized. More often than not, you get there when you get there. After feeling all of these neurotic instincts bubble up, I realize that I don't know what I'm going to get out of this time here and that that's okay. Just being here is the thing. Just being is the thing. I'm actively pursuing becoming comfortable in a structureless situation...which might be a total Catch-22. Let's find out!
Tonight I'm going to a party at Buddha's uncle's house! It feels nice to have something to do in the evenings - not because of the whole structure bit, but I feel like a total dork who doesn't know what's going on or have anything to do. I reorganized my pack and cleaned my room and did some washing today. For anyone that knows me well, this means I really, really need to get out.
I haven't been taking many pictures yet because I don't want to be rude, but I'd recommend image searching Thamel or Maharajgunj if you want to see where I've been hanging out.
Namaste!
Hey girl. Culture shock takes a while to get over; it may be a month until you feel comfortable in your surroundings. It will help when you meet other people. Being alone with culture shock is the WORST. So my suggestion is to get out there and do activities
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant to say "hey gayle" not "hey girl" haha
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice, Lax. Tomorrow is my big solo day on the town (granted, for errands) and I think I'll feel more acclimated and confident. And! You can call me "girl" anytime, hahaha.
DeleteHey girl. I totally agree with Adam and structure will definitely help (I'm like the only person who hated Michigan's Welcome Week because there were no classes and like, what am I supposed to do with my time, help!).
ReplyDeleteAlso, that's interesting Peace Corps advice. I don't know how I feel about it. I feel like blogging about the rough patches is part of the whole thing... But that's just my opinion.
Love!
I happened to have followed the Peace Corps advice, mostly because I was catching up on NBC shows and feeling like a confusoid. LOOOOVE!
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