it has been nearly a year for me living in Kathmandu. I was planning to give my update in October when it has been a full year but decided to do it now. I made friends quickly. Nepali people are very curious about foreigners so they always want to talk. This opened some doors and created opportunities. I have rented a two bedroom flat with a private kitchen and bathroom. Its not like back home but it works. When I rented the flat it was soo filthy I couldnt stay there. I had to clean and bleach everything. I repainted, bought new lights, carpet, and curtains. It was a lot of work but its comfortable now. The rent is 6000 rupees a month plus half the elec bill and garbage bill. That totals about $90 a month. I have good internet from Broadlink for 1399 rupees a month with unlimited service. Thats my conection to the world outside Nepal. I have my business license and visa now and am working on starting the actual business as we speak. That was a long process. The newness of it all has worn off and I am seeing the true Nepal. Most of the people I have called friend in the past I have learned only wanted money. They are a desperate and poor people that will do just about anything to get your money. Those few friends that are not after money have become very close. One poor family I work with had a situation come up where there young son was in danger. There were threats on his life and they were planning on sending him far away so he was safe. Its a long story but in the end he came to live with me instead. This allows his family to see him and keeps the boy in school. I enrolled him in an international academy and he is doing great. All in all my experience here has been good. There have been so many people that have been good to me and even more who have proven to be dishonest. My advice would be to not get involved financially or otherwise with any Nepali person for at least six months until you know who you can trust. It will surprise you who your true friends are. Always keep your room and bags locked. Stealling is a national past time here. Now that I am armed with experience I am having little problems with theft. At first I was trusting people I thought were my friends. No matter how nice they seem always keep your hand on your wallet. The other day on a bus some young men stood on each side of me and one put the back of his hand on my pocket. Thats what they do to see if you have a mobile or wallet they can steal. I looked at them and said the money and my wallet are on my bag locked. I just smiled and they laughed and took a seat. Always be on guard for this type of situation. Travel in pairs after dark and only if needed. A taxi may seem expensive until you compare it to replacing all you will lose when you get robbed. Most taxi drivers will charge extra is you are a foreigner. After a short time you will learn how much it should cost so you dont get cheated so much. You will always pay more just because of the color of your skin. So far I have made friends in three ministries and several police stations. They are also nice but often ask for money to get things done. I sound like I am insulting Nepal but this is the true Nepal. At first I got angry about the stealing, bribes, and paying more as a foreigner. Now I know this is what a third world country is about and it wont change. Now I just relax and do my business without worrying about the wrong thinking of the people. Accepting that this is how it is helps reduce the stress and allow me to enjoy the good parts of Nepal. Most of which are not in Kathmandu. There is really little to do for entertainment in Kathmandu.You can catch a movie or go bowling at Civil Mall if there is electricity. There are no parks to just go and sit or throw a ball around. There are some fields covered in garbage people sit in but its also a toilet to many so I choose not to do that. I plan to move to Pohkara at some point. The polution is less there and there are more activities and short hikes you can go on to get away. My business will be on autopilot in a few months so I will be free to go where I choose. I like Nepal even if it sounds like I dont. It has two faces and once you see them both either you will be ok with it or you will run home to safety. This is a dangerous place dont ever forget that and you will be ok. I plan to stay for about 5-10 years and then back to America. Please feel free to ask questions.
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