Nepali food is similar to Indian food. A typical Nepali meal is rice with a sauce or gravy, and some chicken pieces. They use a lot of different spices, and it is really very delicious.
Naveen, our cook, has worked at restaurants and motels, and is a very experienced cook. He only uses a 2-burner propane counter-top stove, but can make incredible meals. The people do not use ovens - only restaurants and hotels that cater to western tourists have ovens. Kitchens are all cupboards and maybe a space for the refirgerator. We have a microwave, but it's only the heat things. There is no microwave popcorn in Nepal.
Sometimes we get a craving for non-Nepali food and make requests. Naveen made spaghetti the other day. It looked just like real American spaghetti. But he used Nepali spices. It was different. Even mashed potatoes have spices in them.
Nepalese eat with their hands. Specifically, their right hand. They do not use tableware or napkins. Fortunately, they understand about westerners, and have provided silver for us. We use facial tissue for napkins.
Naveen grown popcorn in his backyard, and brought some to the house the other day. He cooked it on the propane stove in a wok. Nepali popcorn is crunchier than American popcorn, but it is very tasty. Naveen is accustomed to Americans using utensils to eat everything, so he considerately serves the popcorn with a spoon. He thinks popcorn was invented in Nepal.
Bathrooms are another issue. The traditional Nepali bathroom is a pit in the floor. They do not use toilet paper, but rather use a spray hose. I have not gotten the hang of this yet, and have trouble using the hose without getting my clothes wet. Fortunately for me, I have a western-style toilet and they provide all the paper I care to use. Very considerate people, these Nepalese.
There are no public bathrooms, either. If you need to go, just stop off the side of the road. When I am out walking, it is not unusual to see someone standing off the road facing out into the fields. No one pays attention. I haven't mastered the art of public urination, and just hold it until I get home.
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2 comments:
Kate...I am enjoying your blog. Hope you have a safe and joyful Holiday.
hasta,
nicole
Hello Kate!!!
First of all, Happy Holidays!
I am also enjoying your blogs, alot! Thank you for sharing.
What a trip it must be for you ?!! It's different, isn't it ? I wish I was in a position to see/share your reaction to all of this. As a child, when I was grewing up in a village in Iran (about 40-50 years ago), that's how it was like. I can certainly relate to a lot of stuff in your blog. Thank you again for sharing.
You are an adventerous woman with great attitude and flexiblity. My hat off to you.
I hope you are doing well. I wish you post your own pictures in the slide show (I don't know if it is okay). Perhaps view from your room and picture of your yard...and the goats, pig...
Best wishes,
-Moji
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