This one might be PG13...

So in keeping with our 'Relationship" theme, we had a talk with the young girls about sex this week. I won't go into all the details, but let's just say it went great. I was really nervous- Sabita told me they had tried to broach this topic before but it hadn't worked- the girls had been too shy and uninvolved. So we decided to structure the lesson a little differently- we hung up silk curtains, and served hot chiya (tea) with sweet biscuits. Then we eased them into things slowly- we started with some neutral pictures, moved on to informal discussions and eventually ended with some diagrams and factual information (with the help of a a super strange Nepali version of 'What's Happening to My Body.") Considering the delicacy of the subject, it was amazing how they all listened and participated. I was astounded-most of them didn't know about the things we discussed or had only heard 'from friends.'

After the session we spoke with Santi alone. Found out that she had only spoken to her husband for the first time three days before they got married. Also, that she had no knowledge of what sex was beforehand. We asked if she was using family planning and her response? "What is that?" So we explained it to her, and she told us that with her husband's permission, she would go to the health post and get some birth control pills. Score one for us helping there NOT be another 15 year old mother....

School was still in exams this week so things weren't so hectic. Beruria's mom came to visit MB for a couple of days and it was great. Not only did she give an amazing shiur (ps I miss learning Torah) she also brought Starbucks Holiday Blend with her. What more could I ask for?

The work week was also pretty short because of our extended seminar- all the groups met back at the Big House in Kathmandu on Tuesday night. The plan was to travel to Gorka for the weekend, but of course, on the way there there was a banda (strike) and the roads were closed. We ended up having to switch our plans on the fly and travel to the lovely Bandipur instead. Spent New Year's weekend there- that was interesting. It's funny how things work- looking back on where I was last year, I can't say that I ever thought I'd be in NEPAL.

Sunday we traveled back to Kathmandu but of course there had to be yet another banda. It took us around seven hours to get home....

Time for bed.

But one last story of course, courtesy of the Mishikers. As told by Dan:

" I was walking in Durbar Square when I saw a huge banner advertising a Chagall art exhibit. A real art exhibit? In Nepal? I couldn't believe it! I walked closer to the poster, but there it was, clear as day- "The Magic of Color: Marc Chagall." I was so excited, I'd been dying for a classical culture fix! But then, I looked at the poster again. And I noticed it didn't just say "The Magic of Colour: Marc Chagall." It said "The Magic of Colour: March Chagall. And in fine print, underneath-"Posters of Chagalls' work will be exhibited."

Did you get that?

This 'art exhibit' was showing POSTERS. That's like going to a concert in Carnegie Hall to hear a RECORDING.
Only in Nepal...