When gods celebrate birthdays

So much has happened in the last few days!..

I haven't posted in a while, but I just didn't have the time. But now I'm sitting on the rooftop terrace, enjoying the sun and taking the time to keep you updated.

24th Feb: Maha Shivaratri (Shiva's birthday)

Shiva is one of the most important deities in Hinduism and I had the opportunity to celebrate his birthday. Thousands of people flock to the temples dedicated to Shiva. The largest one is located in Kathmandu - the Pashupatinath Temple. During the celebrations, countless Sadhus (holy men) gather in the temple, who are specially flown in from India by the government and taken care of. The Sadhus camp in the temple for two days, keeping themselves warm by the bonfire. What's particularly funny is that during the two days of celebration, marijuana is legalized and people smoke it together with the Sadhus. One thing is for sure, the Hindus are definitely not as prudish and conservative as the Church.

Since there is so much going on during the day and you have to stand in line for several hours, Subash suggested that we go in the evening.

In the afternoon, I spent time with one of the teachers and her cousin, who showed me the 'Garden of Dreams' in the city center (a park built specifically for tourists). After that, we went for a coffee - the best one I've had here so far. And I ate a lot again haha

At around 8:30 pm we went to the temple and even though it was late, there were still an incredible number of people there. Most of the Sadhus were already asleep (no wonder, they've been smoking all day) and they were scattered all over the temple grounds, wrapped in blankets and huddled together. Among the people were also some policemen who ensured security, but they had no problem with people smoking marijuana haha

It was really a funny spectacle. The only thing that I found somewhat disturbing was that despite the festival in the temple, bodies were being cremated next to the river (this is the traditional form of burial here). Maybe I found it strange because I've never seen anything like it before. You couldn't see human beings anymore, but you could still make out rough body shapes on the burning wood pyres.

25th Feb: Visit from England

The next day, I went to school as usual. In the morning, a group of retirees from England visited. They have been financially supporting the school since its establishment and wanted to visit the new school building after the earthquake. The children danced and sang for the group. A 71-year-old 'grandma' went all out haha. She was generally very funny. Later, the English people were invited to our house for tea and dinner. When the topic of 'Brexit' came up, I found it very amusing that even in this group of seven retirees, the result of the referendum was reflected.

In the evening, I went alone to the Stupa (see one of my first entries). That's my absolute favorite place and I found a nice rooftop restaurant there with a view of the Stupa. Wonderful! I always go there when I need a culinary break from rice haha

And as luck would have it, Anna (from Eisenstadt, studying physiotherapy in Krems, spending a month as an intern in Nepal, and also has cats at home) was also in this restaurant at the same time. And when I heard that she was also from Austria, I immediately started talking to her. The evening turned out to be longer than planned and it was so nice to talk to someone who has the same background as myself. We exchanged numbers and maybe we'll meet again before I continue my journey.

Speaking of continuing my journey: Only 6 days left!!! It's crazy how time flies... I really enjoyed my time here. But I'm already looking forward to new adventures :)

26th Feb: Just an ordinary day

Yesterday was just a normal school day. I started a small photographic project and took portraits of the children at the school and interviewed them a bit. In the evening, I went to the family's own field with Subash and Jenika. They grow almost all the food we eat on the field. The field costs them 1000NR (about 8€) per month. They save a lot of money this way and the vegetables are organic, unlike the ones you buy in the store or at the market. I think it's a great thing and you can taste how fresh the food is every time.

Today, the program continues right away: My family is taking me to an engagement party and before that, two girls from Germany are also coming to us to work at the school next month. I'm really excited and looking forward to their company.

By the way, there's another holiday coming up - Lossar. It's a holiday for the Sherpas and our neighbors have already given us traditional holiday pastries (like shortbread) and I've already eaten way too much of it :)

P.S.: To all my friends in Kreuzstetten - I hope you had a great carnival parade and partied hard! I would be happy if you send me some photos on WhatsApp :) I've already seen some great costumes on FB. It looked awesome!