A relaxed day taking in the city of Bhaktapur. Aleesh Baniya, a six-year staff member for BSF, takes me out on his scootie for an admirable exploration inside the eldest city of Kathmandu. We take an extra few minutes to jut around Bhaktapur’s made up borders, taking streets even taxis can’t fit through, to end up in the in the city, without having to pay the 1500 rupees it costs an outsider to get it, a perk of experiencing the city with locals. Not to worry, I quickly pay my dues and give back to the Nepali economy as I stop in many local shops and buy a few things. We leisurely stroll around the ancient city walls made from clay, keeping us cool from what should be a hot day. After a while we start to run low on energy and make our way to Aleesh’s brother’s restaurant, a gorgeous five story building in the center of the city. We sit and take in the view, talking about American culture and the vast differences in our lives, and the uncanny similarities that seem fabricated. How our connections to art and thoughts on society have slim to no differences, yet we grew up on polar opposites of the world, raised by completely different people.

On Tuesday, 16 April, Christine, Isaac and I traveled two hours east from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, nestled in the Central Hills.  This area was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake and the main road from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot still reflects heavy damage from washouts and hill slides.  Some new building construction is visible and many of the retaining walls have been rebuilt, but the roads have not been repaired yet, so travel from Kathmandu takes longer than usual.

The journey here, however, is well worth it!!! 

Our sincere thanks to all those who attended our April 6 Trivia Night. With a critical goal of $28,000, we raised more than $30,000 to support our underfunded children, necessary clean water for our Contact Center, catering and party supplies for a graduation ceremony, and alumni program snacks and supplies! We also welcomed new child sponsors who will be supporting five of our Contact Center graduates as they begin elementary school. It was an incredible evening for our children.

Very special thank you to Loryn Feliciano-Nalic and her husband, Edo Nalic, owners of Balkan Treat Box for providing yummy spreads and the Alderie family, owners of Cham Bakery for all the pita we could ever want.

Today (Saturday), Christine, Isaac, and I spent the day in the Sukedhara office and met with more than 20 of our “At Home” children (those living at home and going to school, grades three to ten), taking photos and videos, and getting updates on the past school year.  In addition, we joined the BSF staff and the children in celebrating the Nepali New Year, which begins tomorrow, with pizza and momos.  The Nepali New Year is an official public holiday in Nepal, which is celebrated with parades, feasts, and family reunions. According to the Nepali calendar, tomorrow begins the year 2076.  Since Nepali New Year is seen as a deeply religious holiday, various religious rites and a hope for blessings in the year ahead are a big part of the holiday’s meaning. 

Founder and Executive Director Dr. Christine Schutz, board member Rick Hendin and volunteer photographer Isaac Schmitt have arrived in Nepal! In the coming days, Christine, Rick and Isaac will be sharing a daily blog post about their feelings, trip goals and activities, updates on our children and many photos.

 Isaac shared his feelings on his first day in Kathmandu: Oversaturation is that best way I could describe arriving and spending my first day in Nepal’s capital.