The hottest day of the summer -so far- welcomed me to Nepal. I got a taxi at the airport and in the short journey to the Guest House I got kind of propositioned by the driver! With a smile but a serious look he told me he was young, hard working and ambitious, moreover, that he didn't fancy Nepalese girls -at all!- and that he didn't really mind if I didn't want any children.. I just shook my head,smiled staring out the window... thinking about last year, when I first came here...
Some things have changed : I have a new room, it has been recently refurbished and it's lovely! I am very happy about that.

Abi, the elderly nun that used to be my neighbour (I'm now across the hall) keeps yelling at me like making up for lost time. She jumps out of her room whenever she hears me coming into the bathroom (HER bathroom) just to check I don't leave the taps open, or the light on or the door unlocked... some things have not changed!

Others have grown, like the genuine joy and delight I felt to see my friend nuns. Although they were again in a silent retreat when I arrived, there was no need for words to show our sincere affection. Real proof that the universal language of love trades with hugs,looks and smiles.

We are all going to India soon and after some time less than half of us will return to Kathmandu. In my heart I feel something similar to whatI felt before I left England. How the joy of seeing friends and family was mixed with the anticipated sadness of saying goodbyes.

Good thing that the bonds are strong, like thick rubber bands that can get stretch a bit but will spring back together sometime. I am sad and sorry for the ones that are currently being stretched a bit too much and anticipate the joy of seeing many of you rubber bands soon!!

lots of love,
Bea

ps The manager nun asked me how was my holiday when she took me to my room and gave me the keys. I was surprised and touched. So, this is home... I just went away for a bit (?!)