A Guide to Trekking in Nepal

I fell asleep reading this book last night and thought there were a few interesting things - especially related to cultural differences in Nepal and how to behave while there.  I picked up "A Guide to Trekking in Nepal" by Stephen Bezruchka (Foreword by Sir Edmund Hillary) used at Russell's Books in Victoria - a great bookstore!!  It is the Fifth Edition from 1985 - so I have to take a lot of this with a grain of salt!  But - I also have to think about it!

Someone named Robin received this book on October 10, 1989 on her 21st birthday, according to the inscription...I wonder if she ever made it to Nepal.  The writer was hoping that she would someday.

"Nepal is there to change you, not for you to change it.  Lose yourself in its essence.  Make your footprints with care and awareness of the precarious balance around you.  Take souvenirs in your mind and spirit, not in your pockets.  Nepal is not only a place on the map, but an experience, a way of life from which we all can learn."

That's the quote at the front of the book.  Something to think about while I am trekking and working there for sure.

Some of my favourite things came from Chapter 4 - INTERACTING WITH NEPAL

"...learn some tips from the Nepalis on patience."

"Nepalis are eager to please Westerners and in their enthusiasm to do so often give incorrect answers to questions."

"Don't always be in a hurry, eager to cover as much ground as possible.  Sometimes, stop at noon and watch village life or explore the surroundings.  Consider spending an entire day in someplace that is not the highest, the most spectacular, the most beautiful, and just let things happen."

Cross-Cultural Clues for the Survival of Trekking in Nepal

"To expect Nepails to conform to and accept outsiders' ways is the most extreme form of cultural arrogance."  Donald Messerschmidt

"Women should attempt to wear long skirts, mid-calf at least, as often as possible.  It is important that women do not expose their legs."

"Hindus are concerned about ritual pollution of food when it is touched by anyone outside their caste or religion.  As a foreigner, you are outside the caste system.  Often you are considered an outcaste or untouchable.  Thus, do not touch any cooked foods on display, though it is usually all right to handle uncooked foods such as fruit and raw vegetables."

"Don't touch food with your left hand."

"To encourage and support begging is an important example of cultural ignorance that characterizes many tourists."

"Sarcasm is not understood in Nepal."

"Treat your porters with respect.  Make sure they have equipment and food sufficient for the undertaking."

"Shoes are considered the most degrading part of your apparel, so keep them on the floor or ground."

"When sitting, do not point the soles of your feet at anyone.  Nepalis will not step over your legs and feet.  Be sure to draw them up to make a path for anyone coming or going."

"While traveling, you may pass Buddhist mani walls containing tablets with prayers carved on them in handsome Tibetan script.  Walk by them, keeping them on your right, as Buddhists would do as a sign of respect."

"Many Western habits are offensive to Nepalis.  Some, such as shaking hands, using dry toilet paper, carrying around a used handkerchief, and eating without washing seem unsanitary to them."

So many things to think about and keep in mind.