I finally get to see you in person, after hearing so many stories about you.
You are a beautiful country, no doubt about it. You also carry a quiet sense of mystery, like that thoughtful friend who doesn’t talk much but somehow knows all the secrets of the universe. Many people come for your nature, others for your rich culture. But not everyone knows about the painful parts of your recent history. That’s why I’m here this summer, to work with Ram and with NEFAD, and to listen and learn.

But before we jump into anything too serious, let’s just say hi. Let’s take a moment to meet each other properly. And maybe also figure out how to cross the street without getting caught between a motorbike, a car, a rickshaw, and a very chill street dog who clearly owns the road.

Keep Your Eyes Open — the Motorbikes Are Fast!

I arrived at Tribhuvan Airport around 3:10 in the afternoon on June 9. This season in Nepal is hot, rainy, and full of warmth. To my surprise, the plane landed half an hour early. A rare miracle in the world of air travel. Customs, baggage, currency exchange, getting a Nepali SIM card — everything went so smoothly that I almost didn’t trust it. But it turns out Nepali hospitality is just very real.

I’ve Got My Own Nepali Money!

And then there was Ram, waiting for me outside with a big smile and a Kata scarf in hand. I had just arrived, but I already felt like I belonged.

Thank you, Ram!

To be honest, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this place so quickly. The streets, the people, the food — even the dusty roads packed with motorcycles that zoom past like they’re racing in a Kathmandu version of Fast and Furious. My grandparents live in a town with a similar style, so this place instantly brought back warm childhood memories.

Ram brought me to a lovely restaurant and introduced me to momo. Life will never be the same. Why is momo not internationally famous yet? I could write a love letter to that dumpling.

The BEST – MOMO

Some people outside Nepal may only know the country through headlines, and that included me too before I came. But that is not how you truly understand a place. You understand it by how it makes you feel. Here, I see kindness in people’s faces, laughter from children, and a way of life that is both full of energy and deeply rooted in warmth. There is a real sense of home woven into the busy streets. You begin to realise that distant labels and outside assumptions do not come close to capturing the heart of this place. And “Namaste” is truly magical. You can say it almost anywhere, and it opens a door.

Walking through the city, small religious monuments appear at every turn. Some are tucked into corners, others sit proudly along the roadside. They are part of the rhythm of everyday life. Not just historical monuments, but active, living spaces that connect people to their beliefs and to each other.

I’m living in Patan now. Life here is surprisingly easy. Grocery shops are everywhere, and you can always find a cozy café nearby, which is important for someone who survives on snacks and coffee. This city is where tradition and modern life sit side by side, sharing a cup of tea.

Strolling the Streets of Kathmandu

Patan itself is like a hidden treasure. It feels more peaceful and authentic than the more touristy areas, and it is known for its fine craftsmanship. I learned that the four great stupas on the corners of the city were built more than two thousand years ago. That is older than my sense of direction. There are also around 1,200 Buddhist monuments. Every walk feels like part of a very special journey.

I can’t wait to explore more. And of course, I’m looking forward to beginning my work with Ram on transitional justice and human rights this summer.

But for now, Nepal, Namaste. Thank you for the welcome. You had me at momo.