Day One

Yesterday was the end of my first day in Nepal.  After a long journey from New York to Dubai to Nepal I finally made it to Khatmandu! The jet lag and homesickness are slowly drifting away as I discover the opportunities here. My project will include the development and proposal of an anti-trafficking project that focuses on prevention and victim healing. Let's hope I can remember some Anthropological interview and research skills!
Yesterday most of the day was spent doing our orientation.  The most exciting part of the day for me was our walk home from the office.  Walking through the streets of Nepal is a thrilling experience; motorcycles, cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians coming at me in every direction.  As we came upon an intersection a police man was standing in the middle attempting to direct traffic but really just waving at no one as there is too much chaos for one man to control.  I take a breath, look both ways and run across the street at the next rare break in traffic.  Looking up, the telephone wires look like spider webs that all meet up in a bundle on the makeshift telephone poles or on the sides of buildings.
The roads here are redone every year because of the lack of infrastructure and proper building materials.  We walk through mud and avoid potholes on the side of the road as we dodge the oncoming traffic from all sides. I was advised by my fellow volunteers to buy a face mask for the pollution and once we started walking I understood why.  I was hit by a cloud of fumes, smog, and dust and noticed that even the locals cover their mouths and noses with a scarf or a face mask.
I ended my day with some momos, Nepali dumplings :) they were so delicious! And cheap! Tomorrow starts my first day of work with research about the trafficking situation in Nepal and developing a plan of action for community education. And tonight will be my first night with my first of three host families...
Not going to lie, this is my first blog so bear with me if my posts are jumbled and if my writing is not the best. I'm practicing!!