Nepal

Hi Amanda, nicely written. I think it is good to get information both from people who love living here and those who didn't enjoy Nepal as much as they expected. I find many people have rather rosy ideas about Nepal and when they finally try living here, they get disappointed. So it is good to get a balanced view and in some ways "lower one's expectations" as you said.
Regarding the rents, I know there are nice unfurnished apartments in Pokhara for 100-110USD/month. I think it is the same in KTM. But they are outside the tourist areas and it is a real hassle to find one (we spent literally days running around and asking people on the streets). But it is possible. And hundred dollars/month is still a nice extra cash for the landlords too.
I have a questions about switching from student to tourist visa. You mentioned it may be difficult. Did you have any problems going back on tourist visa after you dropped from school?  I know some people who didn't renew their student visa because they found it too hard, but they did go back on tourist (provided they didn't exceed 5months tourist visa/calendar year. Thank you.

MyrealNepal,

It was pretty scary, but the school put me in a class with Japanese students already speaking Nepalese, so it was intimidating as well as impossible.

Another thing I like about Nepal, it matters who you know and one of my friends helped me at that time. I've learned a lot about visas since that time. There are several little businesses around the immigration office where agents will help you if you have a problem. Negotiate well because it can get pricy.

Wow, load shedding is only 30 mins now? Its been up to 14 hours a day in the past. Next they'll fix the crack in the airport runway. Where will it end? Sewage treatment plants and high temperature solid waste incinerator? Imagine if the air became breathable. But when it's all done,  it'll be too expensive to live in.

I'm an expat living in Nepal. It is a mess here and the poor people are suffering. But it is not flattened and there are plenty of guest houses and temples and trekking trails open. You can even find exceptional bargains now.

Anyone wanting to help nepal can either plan a trip for the fall to come here. It's going to be beautiful with the Himalayas and some restoration done.

If you cannot come to Nepal please buy Nepali items. We has some lovely art and handcraft. There are several online stores now selling thangkas and historical wood masks and such. By supporting the artists and cottage industry craftsmen you can support Nepal's economy, help one family eat for a few days and have beautiful, unique items to reward your kindness.

I am also promoting a fundraiser for my village. You will enjoy the video of this lovely, ancient village at: travelstarter.com/projects/nepal_earthquake_restoration_changunarayan_village__project/260

Hello MadagascarNow,

I merged one of your post initially on the "New members of the Nepal forum" thread to this discussion as the new member thread is only for the introduction of new members. You already have a subject which take in some of the aspects of Nepal here.

Best of luck,
Bhavna

Hey, thanks for being so kind as to merge my posts instead of banning me. I love living in Nepal so much my posts often have the same point; come to Nepal. Especially now, after the earthquakes, Nepal really needs tourists to come here or buy Nepali products. Donating money is actually third most effective way to support Nepal, in my opinion. It's so much better to support the working class by supporting the economy. Nepali handcrafts are really quite unique. I'm so sorry I sound like a commercial. See, there I go again.