I’m Home | Lastly | wavemag.com.np

Okay, I admit I throw cigarette butts out of moving taxis. Smoking and littering is something I am not proud of, but when in Nepal, I tend to let myself go and forget basic civic sense. I was never like that. 'Please' and 'Thank you' flowed out of my mouth like a Nepali consumes "daal bhaat" everyday without fail.

I am not Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love, anyone?) so I did not have Ketut Liyer foretelling me I would return to Nepal soon, for good. However it is the best decision I have ever made. A friend once told me that "it is better to be a first class citizen in your own country than to be a third class citizen in someone else's", and I'd rather be a working class citizen in Nepal.

Why would I not love being a working class citizen? What this means to me is trotting down New Road and buying panties from the sales men who prove and swear, by stretching it in all directions and holes that it would fit me. They never do! Then running up to New Dish for its praised pork momos and crossing the road for some spicy chicken burger from the thelawallas. Last but not least, finishing off the day, by hopping into a micro van for Teku and dining on Gangri Sumai Special Momo, bliss.

On a serious note, like Liz Gilbert, I wish I had had Ketut Liyer. At least I would know my final destination and to get there, I would do anything. I am turning 26 this year yet I still have no idea on what I really want to do. I do know what I do not want to do and that is to go back to the hospitality industry. To fake a smile and deal with rude guests is out of the question. A few days ago, I asked myself what I really needed out of my life.

As I closed my eyes, I saw this hazy image of a young girl in New Road, busy licking an ice cream oblivious to the cares of the world, she was me. I noticed my happiness and realised this is where I'd rather be. I have yet to know whether returning to Nepal is the best decision I have ever made, but I do know it is the right one.