Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with nepal

What to do in Kathmandu?

pranalaxmi — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:35:29 -0800

Where to eat and what to do in Kathmandu? Got a couple of days here in Kathmandu before heading down to Chitwan region for work. I wanted to resist hitting up the LP guidebook this time and instead opt for some first-hand recommendations. Anyone been here lately and come away with a good memory?

Beyond Bodnath

Xurando — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:48:13 -0800

I have 5 days coming up in Nepal. Looking for photoshoot opportunities on the beaten path and off in Kathmandu and beyond, Pokhara perhaps?

Your suggestion could help establish a revolving credit line in the Himalayas!

mmmleaf — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:53:47 -0800

Help me find good films on Nepal, for a high-school crowd. This year, the HS club I am involved with is working with a grassroots org. in Nepal. We do fund raising and humanitarian-type advocacy on campus, so I'm looking for interesting documentaries on Nepalese history or its recent development to screen at school.

It doesn't have to shy away from subjects like violence, drugs, domestic abuse or prostitution. Films that resonated with students at our school include The Kite Runner, Osama (Afghanistan) and Favela Rising (Brazil). Films with a little artistic hyperbole are okay (ie. The Kite Runner was a little unrealistic in some senses but it painted a good picture for students who had far-off perceptions of the Taliban), but a documentary would be great.

Thanks for your help!

How to become a Buddhist Monk

DetonatedManiac — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:44:43 -0800

I want to become a Buddhist monk at some point in my life and live out my days in a authentic monastery, preferably in a traditionally Buddhist country. Please advise. I have studied Buddhism academically and know the essential premises common to all the Buddhist tradition from a lay person perspective. I know Buddhism teaches, in a nut shell, that we are all living in Samsara and destined to eternal rebirth in suffering and delusion. The origin of this suffering is attachment and craving, but through giving up our attachment and the 8 fold path we can attain liberation. I know there are roughly 3 basic branches Theravada (crudely "lesser vehicle"), Mahayana ("Great Vehicle", including zen), and Vajrayana (Tibetan etc).

The more I live and experience the more a path of renunciation and abandoning the home life seems the correct path (even if I may be too frail and inculcated in materialism to ultimately follow that path). The Buddhist Dharma appears from my (admittedly limited) understanding to be ultimately true and I want to deepen my understanding of that truth.

I know this will be a years / decades long journey simply to find the correct teacher, let alone be accepted, let alone travel to another country/learn another language and become a monk etc.

And I also know that more than likely this amorphous dream will remain just that. But even still I would like to have a plan in place that can move me closer to that ultimate goal in a reasonable way. Perhaps I will not abandon my life such as it is now, but perhaps I will and I want to be prepared so that I can make that jump. And even if I don't, perhaps I can find an authentic Buddhist Sangha here that can deepen my insights and perhaps put me on the path to liberation despite the material culture we are surrounded by.

HIVE MIND:

What I don't know is how to decide which tradition to join, and how to become a part of a legitimate lineage in the Buddhist Tradition. All of the so called Buddhist "temples" I have seen in the US (admittedly not that many due to a scarcity of options) seem at best watered down "New Agey" and at worst borderline cult of personality or profit motivated. Not the places where the essence of the Buddhist texts I have read is taught, practiced and nourished, at least not in a very effective way.

So I guess my immediate question is where can I find a Buddhist temple linked to a legitimate traditional lineage, preferably one that would be open to admitting a Mid 20's Anglo like myself and be within driving distance of Raleigh NC, but not be watered down and "Americanized"?

Barring that, where can I find a temple, even without any strong native cultural roots, near said location that will deepen my understanding Buddhism and not lead to new-agey tangents or dead ends, or worse, some sort of cult?

More broadly, which branch should I follow? I see aspects of all 3 that are appealing and seem like effective paths to enlightenment. Theravada is of course the oldest and most venerated, but the Mahayana idea of attaining the selfless bodhisattva ideal, enlightenment for all, seems a much nobler goal and less secluded. Finally, the esoteric teachings and metaphysics of Vajrayana fascinate me, and the expedited path to enlightenment is a plus; as well (as superficial a consideration as this is) I feel a strong pull to Nepal, the foot of the Himalayas (it is silly I know, but motivates me none the less).

I should note, I strongly believe that all three Buddhist traditions, properly practiced, are true teachings and effective paths to enlightenment. But I know the Buddha said "Follow that path that you will get the most out of" (or something to that effect), so that is what I am pondering over.

The real tie breaker is which tradition is likely to accept me, and also which one I can start building inroads to now in my "normal" American life. A final consideration is the political situation. Some of these countries, like Burma and Sri Lanka etc do not have the most stable and western friendly regimes.

But it is not a race or a competition, I lay those out merely as unfortunately practical considerations. I welcome and appreciate any other thoughts or considerations you might be able to add.

What does writing a sponsor letter for someone to visit the US entail?

Anonymous — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:27:34 -0800

What does writing a sponsor letter for someone to visit the US entail? I have a friend in Nepal who wants to come to the US for a few months and is asking for a sponsor letter. I imagine this letter is much more that just a "hey Unca Sam, he's a heck of a guy, let him in" kind of thing.

As sponsor letter writer, what would I be responsible for? Food, lodging, health care, etc? Are there certain amounts—does money need to be put in a trust or something? Do I have to go through an interview process?

As a side-note, my friend has travelled to France in the past, so this would not be his first trip abroad, although it would be his first to the US. Also, he has a wife and child in Nepal, so I'm thinking the border people would be less inclined to think he was going to drop off the radar or something and stay here forever. My friend is about 30 years old.

If I am unable to meet the requirements (cash or whatever), are there groups out there that help match potential visitors with people who'd like to sponsor them? (or perhaps if groups like these existed, they would quickly be overwhelmed with requests)

I'll keep an eye on this thread, but you can also contact me via anonyaskmefi@gmail.com

Fashion resources for South Asians

divabat — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 08:22:21 -0800

What good fashion/style/beauty resources are out there for South Asian (Indian/Bangladeshi/Pakistani) women that aren't all about saris and lenghas? Thanks to the response to this question, I have been investigation fashion and style a lot more that usual, and am developing my personal tastes further. (I'm keeping a log of what I like; link's in profile.)

One thing that's struck me, though, is that none of the models are South Asian - none of them look like me. They're all mostly white and skinny (and often blonde). When they bring "people of colour" in there are no South Asians, and plus size is way too big for me (I'm a 12-14 with a typical South Asian belly). So it's hard for me to tell if anything I've seen would actually look good on me because there's no one to compare it to.

My tastes run towards the gothic (Velvet Garden is AWESOME), geeky (injoke tees), businessy (I LOVE suits), and ethnic (not just South Asian). I've been thinking of trying out mod, after seeing a photo of Edie Sedgwick, but she's the complete opposite of me bodywise and I have a feeling the typical mod dresses are going to make me look pregnant.

It's harder to find makeup because I have no idea what colours would suit me. I hardly wear makeup but when I do (for very special occasions) I like to be dramatic, particularly with my eyes. However, all the talk about warm/cool/yellow/blue skin tones confuse me. Some websites have pictures or notes of people whose skin I'm supposed to match, but none of them are ever South Asian! I can't even tell for myself because my skin tone can change - right now it's on the fair side because I'm hardly outdoors, but my face can get quite dark, especially when standing next to fairer people.

Searching for South Asian fashion resources is difficult, because I keep getting stuff about saris and lenghas and salwhar khameez. They're nice, but that's not all I want to wear!

Are there any sites or places that tackle South Asian people but have a more Western idea of style?

Shipping home my luggage from Nepal.

Hollow — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:59:29 -0800

I'm in Kathmandu, Nepal for the week, and I have a big, very heavy suitcase that I really don't want to drag around on the rest of my trip. Any advice on shipping it home to the USA?

I'm looking for an internship in New York with an NGO, and I speak Nepali.

Hollow — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 22:58:31 -0800

I am a college student going to school in Manhattan, and I'm looking for an internship for this coming spring semester. I am a third year political science major with interests in technology, development, and journalism. At the moment I am studying and travelling abroad in India and Nepal, and I've gotten pretty much fluent in Nepali. Does anyone know of a cool New York based NGO that might have use for someone who knows Nepali language? General advice on finding NGOs in the New York area to intern for is also appreciated.

Useful Gift for Tibet/Nepal Photographer?

jbelkin — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:39:23 -0800

Photog friend going to Nepal/Tibet - what's a good gift? Some thin air-wind jacket with lots of pockets? Anything you can think of would be appreciated - especially if you have specific experience there - up to $200? Thanks. (she's with an experience group of friends but she's never been).

Worth Traveling to Nepal for Only 6 or 7 Days?

bronxteacher — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 19:06:28 -0800

Should I go to Nepal? I recently went to Nicaragua with Building with Books to help a village build a school. I was in the village for 2 1/2 weeks, stayed with a host family, and supervised a group of 10 high school students from the Bronx as they adjusted to a radically different lifestyle and daily routine.

In April I have an exceptionally long break, 11 days, and I could go to Nepal to help with the construction of another school, already well under way. This time, however, there would be no kids. Just me, a translator, and the villagers, working on this school. My experience in Nicaragua was life-changing, I think I'm going to teach for one more year and then apply to International Development Master's programs...I feel like this trip would be a step in that direction, as it would be more hard core than my original trip to Nicaragua.

The major downside is time. 11 days would give me around 5-6 nights in the village, with 1-2 in Kathmandu to site see. The plane ride is ridiculously long (though I've been to Asia several times and it's not an issue)....it's just not a very practical trip, but it's a trip I'm very much intrigued by.

I know this question is unanswerable, only I can answer it, but what do you think?

Love Poem from Nepal

anonymous78 — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:51:10 -0800

Please help me locate a poem or passage which one of Nepal's kings read to his bride on their wedding day. It would be available in English. My father used to carry a clipping of such a passage/poem in his wallet. He lost it though and I'd love to be able to find it again. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the content of the writing was other than that it was appropriate to read at one's wedding. Given this, I'm just looking for anything that might be widely known.

Where can I buy Napalese jewelry outside Nepal?

bryak — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:53:31 -0800

Where can I purchase this Nepalese bracelet, save Kathmandu? I saw this bracelet on a Gurkha who works a checkpoint I frequent and asked where it was from. He told me that it was from his home in Kathmandu. I asked if he could purchase one for me next time he went home, but he was understandably reluctant to take my money, and I couldn't expect him to front a week's pay for a semi-stranger.

I have googled, yahooed, and ebayed to no avail. Does anyone have any idea where I can order one? I really like the look, unfortunately, a trip to Kathmandu isn't going to fit into my schedule until around retirement in thirty years.

Too good to be true

twirlypen — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 04:14:18 -0800

How am I being scammed? Nepali gem business deal, sounds kinda shady, help me find out where they intend to make their money. I was approached on the street in Kathmandu by a stranger who has invited me to become a special business partner! How wonderful! He fills a DHL bag with wonderful precious gems (I get to check the bag), sends them to my address in Australia, then comes by in a month and picks them up from me, gives me $5000 cash and returns home, thus avoiding the horribly expensive import taxes, or something like that.

My only theory so far is that the bag is full of very pretty, very colourful, very worthless glass and that when he arrives he claims that I've stolen some or something along those lines, and proceeds to extort some money. Either that, or he insists on taking a photocopy of my credit card for insurance and I arrive home to find a few mysterious charges on it.

So what is it? Help me find out what's happening here. Or should I take him up on what promises to be the deal of a lifetime. Thanks for the help, mefi-pals.

Questions about South-Asia

einarorn — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 10:05:23 -0800

I'm planning a trip to India,Nepal,Bhutan,Tibet,Bangladesh & Myanmar I'm thinking about going away for 2 months mid-August to mid-October. A general plan would be to fly into India, then make my way up to Nepal. From there take the Friendship Highway up to Tibet and back. Then from Nepal through India into Bangladesh (and, if possible Bhutan) and then fly into Myanmar.

Now, there are a number of questions that spring to mind:

- Tibet: Do I need to get a visa (I'm Icelandic - we normally have the same visa requirements as Svandinavia and most of Northern Europe) before I go, or is it possible (or even better) to take care of things once I'm in Nepal?
- Bhutan: I know there are a couple of issues about travelling there, but I'm not sure what is fact and what is fiction nowadays. For example, I've heard that I need to do an expensive planned tour of the country, and can't travel independently. Does anyone know how things work there these days? Also, I'm told that the only way to get into Bhutan by land is via India. Is this possible, or do I have to fly into the country?
- What books would you recommend me to read about the area. I'm not just talking about travel guides, but also local literature & history books.
- Any other tips about the area are appreciated.

Backpacker Nirvana?

0bvious — Mon, 29 May 2006 22:43:58 -0800

Know any good travelling websites? Most specifically for backpacking in Asia... I am going to hit up SE Asia this August, hopefully for a few months, and am looking for some great resources for planning my trip.

A backpackers message board / forum would also be great, specifically one which hooks up lone travellers into potential groups.

Any SE Asia hints in general will be gladly accepted (I am travelling starting in Japan - see previous MeFi-question)

What was I eating?

anonymous78 — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 15:04:12 -0800

What sweet was I eating when I studied in Nepal? I spent a semester studying in Kathmandu and used to gorge myself on an unusual sweet that I found sold at most kiosks in the downtown area. It was dark brown and had a gritty texture but was very soft and mushy. I do not think it was milk-based which would rule out burfi and the like. It appeared to be prepared in a metal pan (like one in which you would make brownies) and was shoveled with a spatula into a plastic bag when you purschased it. It was definitely "street food" and I never found it in any restaurants. Any ideas as to what it was?

Turning paper money into paper books!

anastasiav — Fri, 19 Dec 2003 15:31:41 -0800

More than a year ago (perhaps two) I read an article (possibly via Metafilter, possibly on Salon) about a charity that was building libraries in remote locations (Nepal?), and where you could actually sponsor the building of a whole library for about $5000. Search and Google as I might I haven't been able to turn up either the article or the website, and the bookmark I had disappeared with my former job. Any ideas?