Following the heart.

Spent the day parading around on scooters with the other volunteers. It was fun riding around in a huge group.... one of the guys thought it would be a good idea to try to ride a motor bike for the first time. That came to a swift end. He revved up the bike and went straight into a bus stop across the road, almost hitting a father and small girl, coming to an abrupt stop as his bike got stuck under some metal beams. No one was hurt so we felt quite guilt free to laugh until it hurt. Straight out of a movie. If it wasn't for the bus stop he would've gone straight into a small store with chickens flying out I'm sure. The image of that just makes me laugh! the whole incident quickly caused a scene as the local police started to demand to see our driving licenses. Between us all, we were able to swap licenses to show them and we were on our way. Such criminals!

The driving here is a free-for-all. No real rules on the road except for generally speaking you remain on the left but if a space opens up, just go! Love the madness of it all. No rules. No problem!

We drove to the river that we all swam in yesterday hoping for relief from the blazing sun again. Stairs that lead down to the river are a breathtaking steepness (and an equally breathtaking effort back up). Unfortunately, the river had grown big enough from the rain last night that we didn't swim. We had heard many stories of deaths including 2 last month fom people attempting to swim. Not going to take the risk! The same rock we had been jumping/sitting on was almost under water. A reminder that mother nature rules!

Tomorrow I return back to the Bastolas. I spend my last few days with them. They have scrambled for ideas to keep me there longer but I must follow my heart and spend the remainder of my time in Kathmandu. This culture depends on family. You proceed with family in mind always. Following your heart and making yourself happy is not an option. Your survival is based on family ties. It has a relevance but the western culture is ingrained in me and I have made my existence as independent as possible (I know when my mother reads this she'll agree!). I want to know that my survival in this world depends on me. My Bastola family could never relate.

To the freedom of independence and following the heart!