I’m on the road again, or rather on many planes and stopovers en route to Victoria. The school year is done, and I’ve said adieu to Kathmandu until August. I’ll meet up with most of the Kathmandu family again after our respective summer homes and travels, but there were also a few especially  heartfelt hugs and farewells to fabulous friends and colleagues (whose new locations will undoubtedly influence my travel plans).
Thanks, Michael Waldron, for this fav photo I swiped off your FB.
Sarah, who goes by her full name with Miss salutation in my head, was one of the first contacts I made when I knew I was moving to Kathmandu. Looking at the list of teachers at the school, I immediately spotted her staff photo and thought, “We’ll be friends.” I don’t know quite what it was–perhaps the devilish twinkle in her eye, her fabulously stylish scarf, her beautifully English name, or just the mid-laughter photo that captured what I love in Sarah. Sarah and I became FB friends soon after my decision to move to Kathmandu, and my sister and I (but mostly my sister) began to follow her photos and posts as some great insight into what life would be like. And to credit Sarah, it was insightful! I saw how LS teachers wear tutus, I saw morning coffee rituals, I saw the explosion of colour I would later know as holi, I saw adventures to the Galapogos made possible by international teaching, and I saw a great appreciation for students, friends, and the community at LS. Sarah’s posts gave me comfort that all would be awesome. And I remember her simple advice on packing: knickers.
Over the past school year, it has been an absolute treasure getting to know Sarah. Not only did she live up to all the assumptions I made from her staff photo, but she is a well-respected and admirable teacher who has helped ESOL students transition to LS and have the confidence to succeed with flying colours. One particular student started off the year with hardly any English and spent his swim practices bobbing on the floor of the pool because he didn’t have a clue what I was saying anyway, but ended the year giving a humorous public plea to bring Galileo back to life on the super surfboard. Success due in part to Sarah’s constant support and advocacy for this kid.
I don’t quite have the words to sum our friendship up. I believe this is because it’s not over yet. She’s a lifer, and I hope to see her and her Mik in Kiev (or elsewhere less tumultuous). Until then, I’ll continue to gain insight from her FB posts and photos and follow her moments on Instagram. She will be missed in the K’du family, but her bloody brilliant English phrases will keep us entertained and reminiscing for endless dinners out. xo
Contemplating life, pros and cons, pre-paragliding leap.
Chris was my teaching partner for one class and a fabulous round-table collaborator. We both taught sections of Algebra I, and we tended to think we were hiliariously ingenious teachers. As for our students: the jury’s out. Chris and I bonded over wine glass shopping at Bhatbetini, the Nepali Wal-Mart where every good expat has to pay their dues, and quickly became more than just teaching buds. We endured the trek that rained, holding out for mountain views along the Annapurna (Gorepani-Ghandruk) circuit with another friend, Mark. We lined our rain jackets with yak blankets, trying to ward the rain off our shoulders and keep our core warm. We subsisted on dhal baht, bottomless ladles of Nepali power food. But to be honest, I don’t remember any of this trek being a miserable rainy experience. Rather, it was a trip of endless positivity, telling stories and laughing at the rain and the supposed spectacular mountain ranges that surrounded us. Chris and Mark were usually a few steps ahead, ready to greet me at the top of a set of burning stairs with smiles and encouraging remarks. “Dees, I see ya!”
Did I mention Chris’s impressive affinity for languages? Perhaps it is his Peace Corps experience or obvious innate intelligence, but I have heard him effortlessly transition from English to Spanish to Nepali to Chinese. I can’t wait to hear what he will pick up next in his new undisclosed location. No, he’s not a spy, but now that I think of it….affinity for languages? cover as a math teacher? code signs on the radio? effortless paragliding skills? potential Eastern Eurasian move? Hmm…
I will miss popping down the hall for a quick laugh and rolling our eyes at grade 8 absurdities. I will miss sundowners and chili night at Casa Dorgy with Chris and Charles. I will be lost on Wed collaboration time without my roundtable partner. I will miss not being able to talk about diabolical House of Cards schemes. But all that is ok! Missing is a good feeling-reminding you that someone (or something) important has touched your life. I know Chris and I will keep in touch and make plans to see each other in some “undisclosed” location. Until then, friend. xo
Voyidges 