Sunday
Trip Start
Aug 19, 2007
1
14
71
Trip End
Nov 20, 2007
Biratnagar,
Nepal
Monday, September 3, 2007
Yesterday was Sunday in Nepal and school ended well with the Director and I agreeing that the 8th graders needed more than 1 class in ICT (Computers). She agreed to increase to 2 or 3 more per week.
When I got back to the hostel I found that my new room still was not ready, but I can see now that it won't be much longer.
Noris our hostel cook(no not hostile cook) greeted me with orange juice and sliced pineapple...he must have been reading my mind because lately I have been jonesin' for fresh fruit. It really hit the spot for me. One of the boys had an allergic reaction to a fruit called bulgotai which resembles a mango fruit but the skin is thick and the inside looks like a grapefruit. It grows on a tree in our courtyard (see photo). He had a rash on his skin so we walked down to the pharmacy to get some medicine. While out walking in our neighborhood (Tinpaini) we stopped for more street food. The food we snacked on is called phutska, pronounced pootska. It is quite an interesting food. Basically its flour and water formed into a hollow ball about the size of a golfball and then deep fried. The street cook (photo) then in a separate small bowl stirred up a mixture of finely chopped potato, water, citrus, vinegar, spices and a chilli.While doing this he handed us what looks like a muffin/cupcake wrapper but after closer examination its actually a leaf formed to look like a muffin wrapper. We hold this wrapper in our hand because this is going to be our plate of sorts for the Phutska.
Street food cook
Because this hollow dough ball is so fragile and light he deftly pokes a thumb sized hole in it and then proceeds to pour this liquid mixture into it. Holding the leaf cup in our hands and holding it out to him he places one of the phutska's into it. The boys inform me that I put the whole thing in my mouth at once. I do and its quite tasty - because it is so light it literally melts in my mouth. The taste is subtle and mildly spicy almost a potato broth taste. The four of us had four each and the leaf cup serves as a way to save the juices for sipping afterwards which I do (photo). The price for this little taste treat for the 4 of us was a total of 20 rupees or depending on the days exchange, rate 30 cents.We then strolled down to a temple where they showed me the correct way to enter, make a wish, say a prayer and how to leave...basically you leave by walking out backwards never turning your back to the altar. We took a photo of an old woman that is the caretaker of the temple. She reminded me of some of the old women at the Lebanese church I used to attend when I was younger (St Anthony of Padua in Walnut Hills).
On the way back we talked about how dating differs in the U.S. and in Nepal. Basically it is much more subtle and slower in Nepal. Some families still do arranged marriages but times were changing and that practice wasnt seen as much except in the very traditional families.
We got back in time for dinner and then watched England play India in Cricket. The 'Master Blaster' (Sachin Tendulkar) plays for India and is considered the premier player in Cricket right now. He has racked up a phenomenal career and some unbelievable records. His feats are amazing and all without steroids.
I sat up for awhile longer and talked about the upcoming holiday on Tuesday the birthday of Lord Buddha. They told me that its a huge festival and the streets will be filled with people chanting and dancing. While talking I realized that Mookess looked like a young Johnny Mathis and said so. I figured the boys would have no idea who I was talking about until one of the boys broke out into song...Chances are I wear a funny grin.... .
I decided to turn in but Noris snatched me and handed me my nightly warm buffalo milk.
Well the sun is down, its dark and another day has passed in Nepal.
Good Night to all.
Comments
Food Glorious Food
Cuz,
It comes as no surprise to me that eating still plays an important role in your daily routine. It's nice to know that you're enjoying the culture.
When you mentioned the Lebanese church, St Anthony of Padua, it reminded me of a day, many years ago, walking down the sidewalk in front of St. Anthony's. Stacy and Mimi were with me and still very young. Mimi looked up at the top of the front of the church where the name is etched into the concrete. She asked me, 'What's the name of that church, St. Anthony of Paula Abdul?'
Love,
Brenda
laborer!?!
Is that code for something else? A pretty, well-dressed girl and the only thing we get on it is 'laborer'? So, Mark, at what exactly does she 'labor'? Were you a customer?