I hope this isn't too graphic to be telling ALL my friends and family, but oh well. I am untouchable at the moment and it is a very enlightening experience.
As an untouchable, I eat in off to the side of the kitchen by myself. I am not allowed to turn on the water or touch the tap at all. It's a little awkward when I have to call my little brother to turn it on for me after going to the bathroom. Especially when he doesn't hear/understand, or maybe just ignored me this morning. I decided to use Purell instead of feeling any more embarassed. Tomorrow is the 4th day and I have to clean. I will wake up extra early (chito) and wash in the cold morning (bihana), then I will wash all the clothes (lugaa) I have been wearing as well as put my sleeping bag out to air. That's a lot of work! It is so different and I feel lucky to be able to get so much cultural knowledge so personally. At the same time though, I feel like I have super intense cooties and I feel isolated and lonely.
It is interesting, but I am glad it will be over tomorrow. My neighbor is going to teach me to cook! I am excited. She has a really nice more western kitchen. I can try out the gas stove.
Hailey
5 comments:
What an amazing experience, now you'll have a whole new understanding of "untouchable". Thanks for sharing! LOVE MOM
wow hailey. I don't know if you have read any Gary Snyder, but you are living the "deep ecology". Reading about your experiences makes me feel very proud of you! you go girl!!! --mitch (by the beach in west maui)
Wow Hailey, that is really really different. I can't believe that periods are still a huge big deal in Nepal, I had absolutely no idea. It seems like it should be private, but I guess not. How different! I am so proud of you and know this must be pretty tough to get through. You are amazing. Hang in there and tell me all about it!!!
Wow! I had no idea it was such a big deal there. Sounds like you are getting an amazing cultural experience, but I'm sure if must be rough at times too. If anyone can get through it, you can.
Si se puede :)
love you lots,
Sarah
Quite a few native american tribes use to isolate the women during their cycle as well. Some felt it was because the woman was too powerful or able to drain men of their power as opposed to "dirty".
I prefer the former...
Post a Comment