Nepal is a beautiful country full of gorgeous countryside, fascinating cultural and a rich history. But my favorite thing about the country was the people. They left me with a lasting impression of peace, happiness and love.
They are happy
The Nepalese people were always so happy! They had big smiles on their faces and always gave us a warm greeting. According to Phycology Today “a happy person is someone who experiences frequent positive emotions, such as joy, interest, and pride, and infrequent (though not absent) negative emotions, such as sadness,anxiety and anger. Happiness has also been said to relate to life satisfaction, appreciation of life and moments of pleasure.” To me this has never been more evident than on the faces of the Nepalese people.
Nepalese Family
They are simple
This may be closely related to number 1. Perhaps when you don’t have to spend two hours a day commuting or have to worry about posting on all your social media it is easier to just be happy. The people that I saw were very poor. They lived in little shanties and were lucky if they had electricity. Yet they seem to genuinely appreciate what they have, instead of focusing on what they don’t have.
They seem to care about the environment
Nepal was much cleaner than India. Sure, I saw some garbage here and there, but nothing compared to the loads of trash heaped in piles along the roadside like I do in India. In Nepal there were garbage cans around, even in public places. Their sky looked clearer and I could see the stars at night. We asked our driver about it and he said they have garbage trucks that drive around all day and pick up litter and garbage.
This Napalese woman ran the dhaba where we ate lunch
They are accepting
I never once felt like I was being judged because of the color of my skin. In India I almost always feel like an outsider. I get stared at all day long. The “Aunties” (older Indian women) look at me with the type of disapproving look you might get from your mom when you were 14 and trying to leave the house in a miniskirt. I never once felt that way in Nepal. They seemed genuinely happy that I was there.
Nepal woman riding the bus
They are helpful
The Napalese people were always happy to help us. They pleasantly pointed us in the right direction, answered questions and shared their seats on the crowded bus. They help each other carry heavy loads, fix their cars or round up the chickens. They keep an eye on each other’s kids and livestock and do what they can to be a good neighbor.
Nepalese woman bathing in the street
I really enjoyed the Napalese people and I hope one day to return to Nepal. I can’t help wondering if maybe it is their Buddhist religion that has such a positive influence on their lives. If so, it is a testament to their faith and one of many great reasons to visit.