We were honored to be invited to Darshanad's home for dinner and an excuse to bring his family some foods that are too expensive for them to buy on a regular basis like fresh fruit, juice, figs, and chocolate.
We had no idea what to expect since thus far we had only been invited into the homes of comfortable educated families. Their home was like so many we had walked passed going into town; skinny, tall, mud formations. The windows had no glass or screens but instead were covered by framed wood slats. We stooped through the door into an entry way of sorts that contained piles of corn. We removed our shoes, as is customary in Nepal, and glanced around the mud home. I thought hard to make pleasant conversation but I was speechless as my eyes adjusted to the dark room and I began to take in the detail of the house.
Directly next to the entry way was the kitchen with a ceilling so low that Kevin could not stand up straight. There were no tables or chairs and cooking was done on the floor. Little storage shelves were built into the walls with a few unrecongnizable items on them.
The ceiling was made from randomly arranged saplings holding up a floor made of the same clay as the walls. Black smoke stains covered the walls and ceiling from the open fire cooking they had done for many years, although they now had a single burner gas stove with a portable tank.
We were directed upstairs by Darshanad's wife who did not speek English but smiled warmly. The stairs were a wood ladder that I carefully maneuvered in the dim light. At the top of the stairs were piles of large bags of rice and a couple of bedrooms.
We were directed to the daughters bedroom and sat on her bed and the daughter and mother sat across from us on a bench that also served as a dresser. The walls were painted an aqua color with areas of the natural color of the mud walls shining through. The daugher spoke English but only answered my pleasantries with one or two words and smiles.
When Darshanad arrived from washing his feet and changing his clothes the conversation began to flow easily and the woman left to get the meal ready. It was a little awkward when they served us and insisted we eat without getting food for themselves. There's nothing like three pairs of eyes staring at you while you chew to make you mind your manners.
The daughter and wife waited on us and only spoke when we directly spoke to them. By the end of the evening the daughter spoke to us more freely even though her father gave her some strange glances. The situation was incredibly ironic for me because I was doing most of the talking between Kevin and I (if I hadn't the evening would have been very quiet). My extroverted actions were completely accepted because I was an American Dentist but his 24 year old daughter was subject to the family traditions. If fact, unknown to the daughter, a potential suitor for her arranged marriage was going to visit later that weekend to check out her and her family. All I can say is that I feel so blessed to be born into the family and country that is my home.
Entrance to their home
We had no idea what to expect since thus far we had only been invited into the homes of comfortable educated families. Their home was like so many we had walked passed going into town; skinny, tall, mud formations. The windows had no glass or screens but instead were covered by framed wood slats. We stooped through the door into an entry way of sorts that contained piles of corn. We removed our shoes, as is customary in Nepal, and glanced around the mud home. I thought hard to make pleasant conversation but I was speechless as my eyes adjusted to the dark room and I began to take in the detail of the house.
View out the front door
Directly next to the entry way was the kitchen with a ceilling so low that Kevin could not stand up straight. There were no tables or chairs and cooking was done on the floor. Little storage shelves were built into the walls with a few unrecongnizable items on them.
Shelves built into the wall
The ceiling was made from randomly arranged saplings holding up a floor made of the same clay as the walls. Black smoke stains covered the walls and ceiling from the open fire cooking they had done for many years, although they now had a single burner gas stove with a portable tank.
Kevin looking out the kitchen window with the new stove in the background
We were directed upstairs by Darshanad's wife who did not speek English but smiled warmly. The stairs were a wood ladder that I carefully maneuvered in the dim light. At the top of the stairs were piles of large bags of rice and a couple of bedrooms.
Kevin with the ladder stairs behind him
We were directed to the daughters bedroom and sat on her bed and the daughter and mother sat across from us on a bench that also served as a dresser. The walls were painted an aqua color with areas of the natural color of the mud walls shining through. The daugher spoke English but only answered my pleasantries with one or two words and smiles.
Eating inside the daughter's room while the family watched
When Darshanad arrived from washing his feet and changing his clothes the conversation began to flow easily and the woman left to get the meal ready. It was a little awkward when they served us and insisted we eat without getting food for themselves. There's nothing like three pairs of eyes staring at you while you chew to make you mind your manners.
Nepali bread, yogurt, lentils, pickled potatoes
The daughter and wife waited on us and only spoke when we directly spoke to them. By the end of the evening the daughter spoke to us more freely even though her father gave her some strange glances. The situation was incredibly ironic for me because I was doing most of the talking between Kevin and I (if I hadn't the evening would have been very quiet). My extroverted actions were completely accepted because I was an American Dentist but his 24 year old daughter was subject to the family traditions. If fact, unknown to the daughter, a potential suitor for her arranged marriage was going to visit later that weekend to check out her and her family. All I can say is that I feel so blessed to be born into the family and country that is my home.
Father and Daughter seated on a bed in the kitchen
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