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Bucketlist Bri

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What a Week – Nepal Blog Post #2

Last Updated: October 20, 2021 · Nepal

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August 2, 2015

It’s already been 10 days since moving to Kathmandu, Nepal — can you believe it?

10 out of 730, or more.  My first impressions have already begun to transform; I am seeing Nepal with a different set of eyes than just ten days ago.  For example, the spider in my room quickly learned who was the “bigger spider” and to not cross over onto my side of the wall.  It was once my prey, so to speak, and now we’re just friends.

Who would’ve thought?  Which reminds me.. who would’ve thought that I’d be living in 2072 ??  Yes, the year 2072. It wouldn’t seem like it though. We don’t have jet packs and everything’s not chrome.  It’s more like I am going back in time as Nepal is a developing nation.  There seems to be a festival or a holiday every few days, including Saturday.  So I work Sunday through Friday 10-5. Not bad, right? If you are curious about reading how their calendar differs from our Georgian calendar.. here’s the link.

Going into my first day at work I was told not to expect much.  Ever since the earthquake, ICMS has been struggling to keep up and to stay organized.  However, I am pleasantly surprised.  Work is so relaxed.  I get served breakfast which is usually some sort of omelet and toast; coffee, which I didn’t like before but now I look forward to my 2 cups a day. Then I work doing whatever comes up. For now, it’s mainly social media upkeep or updating/writing for the website.  Near 2 pm the smells from the kitchen start to distract me, it’s Nepalese cuisine time! Since I don’t speak Nepali (yet) 😉 it is hard for me to communicate with the cooking/cleaning ladies.  Just smiles and thank you’s are what I do best.

Nepalese cuisine is so yummy.  I haven’t yet tried anything I don’t like.  Well, except “yarsagumba“.  I imagine you are as unfamiliar with it as I certainly was.  I’m not sure I would have tasted it if I had read the description beforehand, which I have provided conveniently for you here: “…is a fungus that parasites and infects larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body valued as a herbal remedy.” No bueno. Pas bon.

The culture here is so different, and the only way to appreciate it is to do as they do;  Bargain in street markets, wear green bangles to celebrate the month of Shrawan, wear henna, fast (by eating “pure” foods), take shoes off before entering one’s shop, home or room, dress up in sari’s and kurtha’s, and MY FAVORITE thus far – eat Dhal Bhat (with your hands!!!)

I was able to be “culturally immersed”, all thanks to my lovely friend Rozeena and her family for welcoming me into their home.  Anyways back to eating like a child, growing up being told “NO!” every time you try and eat with your hands (of course except American food, i.e burgers, fries, etc..) makes eating saucy rice, smothered potatoes and beans kind of.. uncomfortable?  Once you get the spoon technique with your four fingers though it gets easier.  “When in Rome”, right? Not to mention that hole in the floor most people in Asia call toilets.  It is so much more environmentally friendly though. The Western world wastes so much clean water that just sits in toilets.

Of course there are the other unexpected things you experience.  Like getting pooped on by a pigeon or riding on the back of scooters, which is so dangerous yet so much fun.  Late night trips to the creepy, dark-lit restaurant where you can eat ‘momos’ (dumplings) for 100 NRs. Yep, that’s a $1 dinner.  My wallet appreciated it, my tummy the next day however did not. Eeh.

The first ‘touristy’ place we went to was Boudanath Stupa, a Buddhist temple.  Below is my amateur shot of the place. The top part is under reconstruction, of course due to the catastrophic earthquake.  Nonetheless, walking into the plaza area my jaw dropped and my American “oh my gosh” came out again.  It was colorful, busy, smelly, noisy, hot, but with loads of culture and history popping out at every turn of the head.  I didn’t know where to look!  It was an amazing feeling to be there. “I am living in South Asia“, I thought.  Too cool.

I just wanted to show my family immediately to see what they would say.  That’s why I wanted to write this blog, and why I try to post as many pictures on Faceb.  Buddhism is so fascinating, and the worshipers are even more so.  One day I will dedicate a blog all to the two main religions here which is Hinduism and Buddhism.  They are alike, yet have such opposite traditions and rituals.  If I am going on a journey while in Nepal, I place my bets on a spiritual one.

If you haven’t already checked out my very first post from when I arrived in Nepal, you can read it here! 🙂

By: Bri · In: Nepal · Tagged: Adventure, kathmandu

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious National Park Week has got me feelin’ a serious case of nostalgia for our 2-week Southwest USA road trip! 🏜

The NP’s we visited on this trip:

📍Arches National Park
📍Canyonlands National Park
📍Zion National Park
📍Bryce Canyon National Park
📍Grand Canyon National Park (North & South Rims)
📍Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

+ Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock State Park, & Monument Valley Navajo Park!

Head to my blog bucketlistbri.com for the full 2-week itinerary plus detailed guides & itineraries to each NP!*

*except for BCotG

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#nationalparkweek #utahrocks #zion #bryce #southwestusa #roadtripusa #desertvibes #archesnationalpark #moab #canyonlands #roadtripamerica #grandcanyonnationalpark
"From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜 I saw her gigg "From Santa Catarina Palopó" 💜

I saw her giggling and chatting with a friend from across the street and, despite my shyness, waltzed over to ask if I could take her photo. 

She was simply radiating sitting there; an amateur portrait photographer's dream. Except I don't even own a portrait lens and this was only the second time ever in my life that I whisked up the courage to ask for something that feels so... intimate. 

But without hesitation, she gazed into my lens and pierced my heart. It was like being drawn to a joyous light that I just couldn't resist. So I dared to ask. 

As soon as she said yes, I hurriedly clicked a few shots; rushing so as to not waste her time. After showing her portraits to her, she gave me a big nod and said softly, "de Santa Catarina Palopó" with immense pride.

I think her sweet smile & kind eyes speak for themselves... ✨ 

You can read more about the indigenous Kaqchikel Maya and the colorfully painted town of Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala on my blog @bucketlistbri 💜
10 years together 💛😱 It’s not our annive 10 years together 💛😱 

It’s not our anniversary (it was technically last month, depending on who you ask) and we're not even celebrating Valentine's Day today, but...

I just wanted to remind the internet that I have a pretty badass partner (& not to mention the best cat dad) who puts up with both my silly madness and my need to live around the world in pursuit of adventure. 

If I have any advice for love and long-term relationships, it's this:

Keep choosing each other;
again, and again, and again,
over everything else, no matter what you go through. 

❤️❤️❤️

Can you guess which one of us first "friend-requested" the other all those years ago? 😉

#internationalcouple #ourlove #travelcouplegoals #10yearstogether #digitalnomadcouple #adventuretogether
On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. I am On every adventure, I’ve thought of you. 

I am the granddaughter of a guiding light, a woman so lovely and gentle and spiritual and strong that she attracted to her all walks of life. 

I was the butterfly enamored by her glow. The ship lost at sea that found safety at her shores. 

On every adventure, I’ll think of you. On every adventure, you’ll be with me. 

🦋 ✨
Add this hike to your Caribbean bucket list! ☀️ 

Guadeloupe is rich in breathtaking, diverse landscapes — La Pointe des Châteaux is no exception! Magnificent rocky pillars jut out of the ocean & create a magnificent view that’s best experienced at sunrise from atop Morne Pavillon, the hill marked by the large cross on its summit.

TIPS FOR VISITING:

🚗 Like everywhere in Gwada, you'll need a rental! Parking is free.
☀️ Sunrise and sunset are around 6am and 6pm
🥾 The hike itself only takes 15-20 minutes and is easy!
🦀 Watch for wildlife and other critters (this is a protected heritage site!)
🌊 Plenty of beaches are nearby, including a nude beach and a private beach with cool wave splashing action called "La Douche" (meaning shower 🚿) 

Read more about this epic spot + other must-see places in Guadeloupe on the blog @bucketlistbri 🌴

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#guadeloupeislands #caribbeanisland #pointedeschateaux #wanderlusttravel #caribbeanlife #caribbeanvibes #gwada #hikingtheworld #islandphotography #travelaesthetic
I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY: ✍️ I'M READY FOR YA, 2022 ✌️ HERE'S WHY:

✍️ 2022 is going to be the year I become a published author. 

💛  It's the year I celebrate 10 years of love & adventure with my best friend. 

💻  It's the year I register my LLC and level up my business. 

🌎  It's the year I hit my bucket list of "slow living in 10 countries" as a nomad and the year I travel and discover even more destinations. 

And some folks will think (do think), "overnight success." But the reality is (as my sweet friend @redwhiteadventures reminded me), it's been about putting one foot in front of the other -- just like on a hike up a mountain (or in this case, to the cliffsides overlooking the Caribbean and Atlantic!). 

2022 is going to be the view from the top!! (Sure, I may get there, and see another summit I want to climb. But I'm so ready for the challenge(s), the journey, & the adventure!) ⛰ 

What are you excited about in 2022?! 

📍Hell's Gate / Porte d'Enfer, Guadeloupe (click the link in my bio to read about this hike!)
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