Experience: October 2011 Mary Beth Conlee
My experience in Nepal could not have been richer. I loved being at the farm with this group of very dear young men, who went out of their way to show me hospitality and feed me wonderful fresh food! I want to always remember the smells of the orange tree, and of rice cooking, sitting on a bench watching the lights of Tihar flickering in the night. I’m so appreciative of the way they found tasks I could do to contribute in small ways.

Among my favorite experiences was visiting Nepali families, seeing their daily lives and customs, and connecting with them as much as my lack of Nepali language allowed. At the farm and in those homes, I got a sense of what an ecologically sustainable life can be, and I take ideas back with me to incorporate in my own life.
I am more grateful than I can say for Govinda’s facilitation of my visit and that he was willing to go with me to explore more of Nepal. I saw and experienced things I never would have by myself, and enjoyed them more too. I trusted him to keep me from making cultural mistakes (and forgive me if I did).

I’ll remember walking down the river, just seeing the beautiful valley, the rice paddies, the trails leading up the hill; butterflies, cranes, and frogs; birds singing… then turning and seeing the Himalayas, blue and hazy, guarding this land. Just a simple walk from the farm that will stay with me all my life.

I’ll remember the precious people I met: Govinda, Ajaya, Devraj, Santos, Lakpi. Dinesh, Ramila, Ujeli, and Pashupati, Indu and her family, Santos’ family at Tihat (festival), and so many others. The faces of the children. Watching the guys build the swing (ping)! And I experienced many things for the first time: eating a banana fresh from the tree. Drinking buffalo milk. Tulsi and lemon grass tea and fresh chapatti. Making lemon juice, grinding

corn and dal, watching women make Tihar roti, riding on the roof of the local bus, trips on the motorbike – so many things! All create my glimpse of Nepal and its’ richness, and my hopes and love for it.

Name: Mary Conlee
E-mail address: marybethconlee at gmail dot com
U. S. A.