When we visited the school the other evening, Pa and I briefly made the acquaintance of Dawa Lama. An older gentleman and a very wise one. We’ll talk about Lama Sir in a few days, but I bring him up now as he’s a philosopher of sorts. In sharing his reading interests, I knew he could direct us to a good English book store. And he did.
The Mandala Book Point is on the main road we’ve taken a couple of times now. Not far from Hanuman Dhoka, if you know the way. Pa and I were certain we did Walking along, nodding to folks, we marveled at how the Nepalese navigate life.
There’s potential peril in such walking, however. One is prone to not take care of one’s own business. Something could happen. Some unintended event might occur. And so it did.
We’d just approached a side street - perhaps an undeserving label - about to merge with the main artery. The surface was uneven. It’s fair to say it wasn’t pavement at all. Looking around as we were doing, we failed to notice this, stumbled, and bumped into a young woman. No damage was done, but the lack of care deserved an apology. And we did readily.
The young woman responded with the most beautiful smile. Accepting our apology, she inquired as to my home country. In no apparent hurry, she asked more questions before calling to her classmates a short distance ahead.
Within seconds, the three of us were united with the three of them, and a conversation ensued. A polite one and all at once. The three were so much like the young woman we’d bumped they easily could be sisters. And they are, in a non-biological way.
Their enthusiasm for life was infectious. Now in college, one day they’ll make a big difference in the world. They’re certain of it. Men won’t out compete them because they’ll work harder, and smarter. All four want to study abroad, returning with good ideas and practices that will aid their country.
At the risk of imposing, I asked if I might take their photo. “Of course,” they shouted in unison. And here they are:
Jyoti gaihre, Prasanna bhattarai, Nilima kharel, and Unisha ✌️😆. Unisha, as you can see, is a bit silly in a sweet way.
They then insisted I be included. Resisting, Nilima took my phone and completed the selfie.
Pa then suggested we do a short video so the world will know what kind of women they are.
We could have stayed on, but all four had studying to do. Proceeding in the same direction, two parted company after a short while, the remaining insisting they get us closer to our destination. Arriving at the crossover, they took the right and we the left.
We were in Thamel, but in an unfamiliar area. Having forgotten about Google maps, we proceeded through the maze,
certain we’d recognize landmarks.
But the shops were different from the day before.
It dawned on us, we were in the Asian Bazaar. Foreign in many respects, it’s a delightful place.
And not just shops. Little temples too.
After a time, the maze turned quiet,
and we thought it best to consult Google. Mandala Books was not far off.
And so it was, across the street.
I took a step into traffic, but Pa would have none of if it. Tugging at my sleeve, he spoke rather tersely,
“Young man, always remember that caution is the better part of valor.”
Pa, always the Dutchman. But he was right of course. So we proceeded to the overpass,
crossed over,
walked an equal distance back, and arrived.
Shortly after, Siddhartha introduced himself and assigned his associate, Hiranjan, to assist. There were many possibilities, but we ultimately purchased a very important book by a very influential Nepalese writer.
We then visited,
about Buddhism, capitalism, communism, the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepalese people, about the challenges ahead.
With customers waiting, Pa and I thanked the two kind men, having learned a lot.
On the return to Swagat Home Stay, we stopped for a bubble tea and made the acquaintance of Dawa Tsering sherpa. After serving us a most delicious chocolate tea,
we learned that Dawa is soon to finish his undergraduate work in business and will move to France to begin his MBA. Following the completion of those studies, he’ll enter the French Foreign Legion.
“Every young man needs an adventure,” he told us.
After a term of service he’ll return to Nepal, and with his best friend and partner, open a chain of Bubble Tea shops all over the country.
No doubt he will.
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