Donna-I haven't been on my site for some time now so I just got to read your comment. It is nice to know that the country has not changed much in 10 years. I know tourism is picking up there so hopefully when I return someday it will be the same! =)
Vietnam memories After reading your travelogue, and viewing your pictures, I think you could have been on my trip to Vietnam 10 years ago! The beauty of Halong Bay, the still-existing colonial buildings in Hanoi, the calmness of Danang), the frenetic pace of Saigon (no one called it by the official name Ho Chi Minh city) all make this country truly unique. Our shared history will mean Vietnam always has a special meaning for Americans.
Donna Zabel
Our country isn't that bad...well, the coast are maybe. Your comments about Nepal really made me think of the center of our country. If you have never been you really should spend some time here. Many of the people here are like those in Nepal. Their lives are also quite difficult always trying to make ends meet, but it is this simple life that they lead with acceptance that makes them seem truly content and at peace with the world around them. I agree with you about people in New York. The coasts are very different from the rest of the country, though. Come spend some time with us in Tennessee and you will see.
As in Nepal, out here in the fields, the days are filled with planting and harvesting where there is no competition, only loyalty and friendship. Everyone really and truly looks out for everyone else. It's like being part of a huge loving family...even if most of the people are complete strangers.
The people here are also very spiritual. They devote their whole life to their religion and unfortunatly get a very bad rap for doing so. They go to the temples and churches as often as they can, saying prayers and giving offerings while the rest of the country refers to them as extreme-Christians. If only they would take the time to meet them and get to know them. It's really sad....
I absolutely LOVED your photos with the elephants!! They are my FAVORITE!! I wish I could have ridden with you on one and pet a little baby elephant. So sweet!! Everest sounded absolutely amazing! Your descriptions really made me feel like I was right there with you!!! Thank you for that!
Bungee Hi Taryn
I did that bungee jump you wrote about - I was dead scared. But rafting on the Bhote Khosi was nearly as exciting!
Enjoy the rest of your trip through Far Asia and keep the excellent blogs coming!
Blogger steffen
damn girl- sounds like you are truly having the trip of a lifetime! I am enjoying reading about your experiences, and am quite impressed with the knowledge you have gained and your ability to send us the information as if written in a text book! Well Done!
Stay safe and continue to enjoy!!! Any pictures yet????
Bec
Namaste! Your mom must have freaked out when she read about that 13 year girl whose family ended up hiring someone to kidnap the hospital director and threatened to burn him alive if he did not sign a deal to pay the family $50,000!! Holy cow!!
As for the rest of your blog, I loved reading it and can't wait for the next installment. The nursing in Nepal is very much like it is here. Very honorable and honest work for not nearly enough pay. It absolutely broke my heart to read about those poor children with AIDS. I am sure it devestated you to see that.
On a different topic, I did have one question. I loved reading about the prayer wheel. I thought that was incredible and was so excited that you were able to participate. My question is What does the mantra 'om mani padme hum' mean and how does it translate?
Also, are you picking up any of the language? Nepali food sounds delicious!! I can't wait to hear even more about their culture!
Hey Girl sounds amazing and sounds like your journey is starting off great!...However I want to know more about the kidnapping of the doctor?? Sounds like an ER episode!!!!
??? Really a document signed while being kidnapped is not a legal binding document????? ha ha hah haha
Be safe and have fun!
Keep the blogs coming!
Bec
Keep em coming!!! Hey Taryn, Keep us all posted on the Director's situation.....Haven't heard anything in the news, but then again, we don't get much of that here....Enjoy your time in Nepal!
Lorina
I will be embarking on a six month journey in Southeast Asia. I will be starting in September for a month and a half in Nepal. There I will be volunteering in a local hospital. For the following four months I will be travelling throughout Northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Southern Thailand, Malaysia and finally Singapore.... full info
Taryns World
Taryn Linton
Donna-I haven't been on my site for some time now so I just got to read your comment. It is nice to know that the country has not changed much in 10 years. I know tourism is picking up there so hopefully when I return someday it will be the same! =)