Pepsi-Cola is where I live.

I know it sounds weird but Pepsi-Cola is the district that I live in here at Kathmandu. There is literally a Pepsi-Cola factory in our neighborhood...hence, the naming of our area. I have been informed that this area is somewhat new and in developement. However, if you are in Kathmandu, it seems that every area is in development. Lots of houses or buildings are incomplete construction projects. That's just how it is everywhere. Most roads are dirt roads and the traffic is HORRIBLE at rush hour times. I'm talking about 6 lane roads turning into 2 lane roads and thousands of vehicles trying to get through. Just geting from one block to another could take 40mins! The other day, Sujan (our Nepali friend and guide) had us volunteers just get off the bus (that we were riding on) and start walking down the highway with all of the other Nepalis from other buses, which start doing the same thing. It was nuts. There was nothing but a sea of Nepalis and buses and vehicles and serious smog and holy cows strolling down the lanes of the major highway trying to get home for daal baht (a very traditional meal of rice and lentils). It is quite a sight to see and it happens every night.So, there is a lot that has happened and I hate this part where I have to find the correct words to describe to you all what something was like. Its hard to have you understand thefeelings, moods, ambiance of the different environments that I have been to but I will just try my best. So, in all of my travels, Nepal is by far the poorest country I have seen. Majorityy of people live in shanty makeshifts and dont have access to proper healthcare. The other day while I was standing around at a plaza waiting for friends, a little Nepali boy came up to me in complete curiousness to play and smile at me and to be shy also. Just looking at him I immediately could tell that this boy had some form of Hepatitis. The white of his eyes were turned to pure yellow. This sort of thing is a common sight here in Nepal. Also, I see young children (like 5-8years) walking barefoot, covered in complete filth, and rummaging through trash on the streets for food. This sight totally breaks the heart. The sadder thing is that Sujan, my Neplai friend and VSN worker, says that most of these kids are hooked on drugs already. These are 5 year old I'm talking about. So, I'm currently working at one of theVSN schools. A lot of the kids that attend are from our orphanages. The school is fairly new and was donated by a German couple. The school is a bit choatic. The kids are from K-7 and run rampant. The lack of teachers and such is the main issue. So, a lot of the volunteers are needed here. I am teaching all of the English comunications classes from 3-7 grade. I usually feel pretty wiped out by the end of the day. It is a lot of work and the school needs a lot of work too. Anyway, the kids are great...so awesome. I have a few kids that I would love to adopt. They Nepali kids are so bright. What is amazing is that their English is very decent by 3 grade! Anyway, besides the school and work I have visited some orphanages ( some better equipt than others). The kids are so sweet and need a lot of loving. If any of you are interested in donating please email me and we could figure something out. 1 U.S. dollar is eqivalent to 63 Nepali rupees. That is more than enough to get a Nepali adult through one day...foodwise. So, even $5 is super meaningful, especially for a child.
Well, Buddah's birthday is coming soon on the 20th of May. All schools will be closed that day. I have a tibetan dress that I plan to rock. Also, my friend Arie plans to rock the Tibetan dress for a man. We are going to head to Bouddanath or another major Buddahist stupa. Tons of Buddahists will gather and walk clockwise and chant mantras....can't wait.
Until then...namaste and much love.
maumau