The Momentary Escape

We are on an invite list to all the expat play groups. DeeDee is so funny and continues to throw out that question that is on everyone’s mind… And, why would you choose to live here? Well we got a glimpse of the expat life at the recent play group.

First, I want to make sure everyone understands that this is not real life in Nepal. The photos depict the good times the children are having and the momentary escape from reality.

Reality is very different. And while we are able to live in an apartment that by Nepali standards is extremely nice, it is a hardship to live here. I am most concerned with safety and if there is ever an emergency. My phone never works. The language barrier is huge (although I am really attempting to learn Nepali).

The play groups with expats are an interesting way to connect with people from all over the world. This week one was held at a family’s home. I asked the hostess, who happens to be Czech, why she lives here. Her husband is Spanish and doing some legal work here. They live in a beautiful home with a fabulous backyard... even by US standards. There were women from Sudan,UK, Germany and Italy. One woman met her Nepali husband while working here, got married had a baby and decided to stay in Nepal. Another woman’s husband is a teacher at a local school.

Anu loved the play group and was immediately attracted to the baby doll in the crib.

While we do get breaks from reality here.. .every day we face the sadness of many Nepali children. After leaving the gates at the home where the play date was held, we got back into the car and made the drive back “home”.

You are constantly reminded of the poverty as you are stopped in never ending traffic with exhaust that is unbearable. Starving children constantly run up to the cars and put their little faces up against the window begging for money. We have been told by our adoption agency and others not to give them money as they are often “working” for someone.