Leaving Nepal wasn't easy. But I found belonging and helped build a community in Berkeley.

"It's such a rich culture and region, and we took it for granted; it was just a way of life. People over here spend a lot of money to go to the mountains. For us, it was a daily thing. "

Life in Kathmandu began with early prayers and rituals, followed by cooking and simple, fresh meals. Food centered on rice, lentils, and vegetables, with everything prepared and eaten the same day and no leftovers. Once a week, meat such as chicken or goat was eaten, reflecting the country’s earlier mostly Hindu character. Work in government jobs started at 10 a.m., so people ate a full meal before leaving, then had a light snack in the afternoon and went to bed early. Mornings were quiet, with fewer cars, and walking to school was normal. The Himalayas were a constant backdrop and part of everyday life.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org