Helpful Tips For TBT/Nepal

Theses are some no-so-obvious things I think are helpful for TBT/Nepal. I didn’t list things like headlamp and hand sanitizer because those are really straightforward. I hope this is helpful!

Always bring toilet paper wherever you go (Eastern countries do not use toilet paper. They wash instead. Say it’s gross or weird or whatever you like but unless you are in a tourist area (Thamel) there will not be any. Always keep a spare roll or tissues in your bag).

Buy slippers immediately or bring them from home (you cannot wear shoes in the library or kitchen in the big house, the office, or the activity rooms and daycare in Kalimati. Your socks will be filthy and since you do your own laundry they will always look disgusting).

Be careful giving money to children (It is so extremely sad to see children who are dirty and hungry, especially when they ask for food. However a lot of kids use the money to fund their drug habits (glue mostly). If you want to help buy them some food, if they are truly in need they will take it (some just want the money and get mad or when you give them money demand more). I urge you to avoid the situation altogether).

Bring hiking sandals, or as I call them “ugly Israeli sandals” (You can wear them with anything and put socks on when the weather gets cold. I did not bring a pair and I have been regretting it from my first week. Wear them on a hike, to the market, even out to a bar. They match with everything and will never fail you).

Bring lots of movies (If you are bringing your laptop download or if you are not then put a bunch on a hard drive. There are a lot of long nights, especially when it gets deeper into winter the power cuts get very long. Having movies not only provide entertainment but will give you a nice taste of home).

Bring a laptop (It is not necessary but will make your life easier especially if you are blogging. It also helps to have a laptop for documenting your activities. It is also nice not to have to ask anyone to borrow his or hers).

Bring a jacket (You might think it’s pointless at first but the winter does get cold. There is no heat in the big house or in Kalimati and a lot of the time it is colder inside than outside. Bring a fleece; you can wear it outside, inside, or to bed. I am from the East coast and am used to winter and still need my fleece inside!).

Bring under armor (Yes you can buy it here, and yes it will be warm. However it will not be as good as what you can buy back home. I pretty much live in mine and I know for certain that the people in who live in the villages do as well. This is an excellent thing to bring from home).

Hot water bottle (Many of the girls had them and I couldn’t understand why until I was given one and used it. It makes the cold nights better and is amazing for that time of the month).

 Blow dryer (I am one of the two people to have one but personally, I hate having wet hair when it is freezing out. I absolutely love my little blow dryer. It makes me warm and when I want to “dress up” it’s nice to have).