Culture Shock and Attack of the "D"

As I'm sure any seasoned traveler will tell you, getting settled into a new place is a process full of highs and lows.  In Rolf Potts' book "Vagabonding," international travel is likened to becoming a toddler again: you can't understand what anyone is saying, simple life tasks like using the toilet are an enigma, your palate is being re-developed as you are exposed to new foods and flavors, and initially you may need lots of naps.  As the high of the initial couple days in a new place wears off, reality sets in and you realize just how different your life is going to be.  I have been dealing with this culture shock for the past day or two.  Not understanding what people are saying 90% of the time, not having access to good street maps (which wouldn't do much good anyway because very few of the streets are labeled), and not having a strong enough Nepali vocabulary to ask for information I need means I have been stumbling through pretty much everything: interacting with people, buying things, asking for directions.

In addition to the culture shock, I went to the  Pokhara Industrial Fair on Saturday with the Gaky's Light Fellowship Program students (the Eva Nepal program I am teaching English for),

Pokhara Industrial Fair

One of the many types of industry represented at the fair

Diesel-powered fair ride

I found out later the momo's we had at the concession stand did not agree with me.  All of this meant that I have spent 24 of the past 36 hours sleeping and fending off my first case of traveler's diarrhea (the big "D").  Thankfully, GI tracts are resilient and I'm feeling better this morning.  I just hope I haven't developed an aversion to the daal bhaat we eat at the children's home every day.

I know this "low" is only temporary and will pass.  It's just part of the deal.  And I'm also looking forward to heading to Kaskikot today (the trip was delayed a day, for which I'm very thankful since I spent the whole day sleeping).

Much love!