Nepalese Politics

So I thought that the trek would be my last e-mail, but apparently more stuff decided to happen. Since the trek went a little longer than expected, the extra trekking days cut into my shopping days. We decided that the morning after my last e-mail would be my major shopping day, as well as going to the Indian airlines office to print out my ticket (since apparently here and in Nepal they won't even let you into the airport building without the ticket, even if it is an e-ticket). However when we woke up we discovered that there was another big strike or protest going on. No cars were driving anywhere, not even bicycles or rickshaws because protesters were letting the air out of tires. Furthermore no shops were open either. We decided to try to go to the airline office anyways by walking. It was so eerie to see these streets of which we almost got run over every 3 seconds on before, now completely empty of wheeled vehicles. The fact that all the stores were all locked up enhanced the eeriness since the restaurants usually blare music and store owners shout after you as you walk down the streets. However now, everyone just walked around as if in a dream, on empty quite streets, looking aimless as if not knowing what to do. It was hard to figure out what exactly what was going on, but I think it was a Maoist protest protesting the current administration. Maoists are not the majority however, but we got the sense that many people were cooperating because they were scared. There were a few stores very quietly open, with their metal grates only half open so all anyone from the outside could were people's feet. We made it to the airline office and then headed back to the hotel since nothing else was open.

The next day we heard from Ratna that there were 25 cars burned. Even though Dad and I felt safe walking around, I feel like I got out of Nepal in the nick of time in terms of at least avoiding logistical complications. Nepal is a very new democracy, so it seems to be going through quite a bit of growing pains right now. On the last day my dad's friend Madu, a thangka painter, came to talk to us because we did not have much time when we first saw him in Bhaktipur. Madu and Dad have a special connection, they just really enjoy each others conversation and seem to understand each other well. Madu seemed particularly concerned with my future relationships and being cautious about who I choose as a husband, as well as my relationship with dad. At times it almost felt like a Nepalese therapy session (meaning the therapist does the talking/ advice), but it was done with purely sweet intentions and I enjoyed getting to know him better. Later in the day we met with Ratna again in Patan. Both Ratna and Madu showered me with presents. I always feel a little embarrassed at the end of trips in Asia because I often get showered with gifts but never know what I can give back. Dad took Ratna and his wife out to a nice Italian dinner in Thamel where we introduced them to some new things, like penne al a vodka and brownies.

This morning I got to the airport 3 hours early ( an hour before the ticket counter even opened) and safely got back to India. The air in the taxi blew on me like a hot air blow dryer and I knew that the monsoons hadn't hit North India yet. I am now at the program center killing time before my next flight back to the states! Apparently another girl on my program is flying out with me. For all of you that want to know, my flight is on Air France #AF 255 from Delhi to Paris and then AF 012 from Paris to NY where I should arrive around 12:45. It is nice to see the staff here again, though it strange to be here without the rest of the group. I found out though that I got the highest Hindi mark, as well as doing well on the rest of my classes. So the next time I see daylight will be in the US, though it hasn't quite sunk in that I am leaving Asia, I feel like I am ready to come back. I'll send out probably one or two more e-mails: one letting you know I arrived back ok, and one more when I posted my pictures.