Activities of Daily Living - Adaptation

There are so many things we take for granted . Since arriving in Nepal Mark and I are having to adjust to the loss of many home comforts and learn and adapt to new ways of 'doing' or 'not doing'

Showering: Cold showers!

We have not had a hot shower since arriving in Kathmandu or Tamghas and it is unlikely that we will whilst in Nepal We have a wet area bathroom with a shower rose and taps underneath the rose with outlet as well. I have given up the sponge washing using a bucket and jug finally and have braved the cold water under the shower- Exhilarating, pore opening, hair raising ( off which there are many at this time) to say the least, A shower of very short duration as you can imagine and no shower 'buddy'!

Toileting: spray, douche or........ paper( latter I don't think so! )

This has been the biggest challenge of all. On the bus trip we stopped at small road side food houses – shacks and the toilet consisted of a separate outbuilding with Nepalese toilet : squat toilet inserted into the ground/ dirt where you squat and aim, splashing your shoes and your legs, if bare . In the ‘hotel’ and the centre we have a european toilet with a small hand held shower hose attachment beside the toilet that you use to wash down... ‘there’ . Havent quite worked out what to do after this- shake ? No toilet paper. In some places you get a tap beside the toilet , bucket and a cup or small jug to wash yourself - with your left hand . Oh we are so struggling with this practice!

Hairwashing:
Rather than standing under the cold shower I kneel on the floor and use either a cup and bucket of cold water

Dressing:
Shoes are removed at the door which is understandable when you consider the mud, dust and 'other ' things . Bare feet inside or 'house' slip- ons and bathroom jandels. All of the woman in the village cover their shoulders and legs. The young children and girls are starting to wear jeans and tee shirts . Handbags are a fashion statement

Sleep: - Oh my aching back . Sleeping is an endurance test most nights. Futon type bed , thin squab no mattress or sheets. Rock hard pillows . We have splashed out and purchased a sheet and 2 pillow cases . I have had to request several squabs .

Eating/ Meals :
Food is presented on a stainless steel round plate with separate sections for rice, curry and pickles. Works well and looks great ! Eaten with a spoon , and fork at times, or hands . Staple diet is dhal soup , rice, roti, cucumber , beans, pickles , chilli ( twice daily, every day! ), and occasionally chicken or goat . Drinks include sweet black tea and sweet milky Nepali tea.

We have enjoyed a meal in a local home today sitting on the very cleanly swept dirt floor on rice mats, in front of a smokey clay fire . Power cut - a small solar light provided the dim light , -warm and cosy. Warm Buffalo milk ( fresh from the buffalo in the yard) in a couldran on the fire , rice cooked in a pressure cooker over a gas ring on the floor, maze browned in the flames of the fire which you picked the kearnels off with your fingers , pickles and greens . All very fresh , home grown usually or local produce.
I wish I could have taken photos but I did not feel it was appropriate given we were guests .

Vacumming:( Ganga)