I woke up incredibly happy--but an hour early. It was too bright to go back to bed, so I had the pleasure of Skyping with Collin until it was time for me to get ready! Skype worked out very well, and I am glad that the slow internet connection was not affecting it too much.
Breakfast was lovely, as usual, and I began my workday with a goodbye to Rashmi, who will be participating in a seminar on the Koshi basin Thursday and Friday. With Rashmi gone, I summoned all the courage I had and approached some of the other interns there, Sonika and Merina. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, and allayed any anxiety that had previously plagued me.
I asked if they took tea breaks, too. To this they replied only occasionally, but that they would let me know when they did! I was so thrilled to hear this. After an hour and a half of work, they beckoned me over and we drank our tea on the balcony of the ICIMOD building. While they mostly talk in Nepali between themselves, it was still so enjoyable to be apart of their interactions and learn more about them. With the absence of Rashmi in the back of my head, I asked if they were eating at the canteen (cafeteria), and if they minded if I joined them. With huge smiles they quickly agreed on meeting up.
After another two hours of reading on water scarcity in Himalayan cities, I the other interns, some of their friends, and I had lunch in the lovely pagoda-like building in the backyard of ICIMOD. Unfortunately, they spoke almost entirely Nepali there with some of their other friends, but it was fun to listen to nonetheless. :) After lunch, I went to the front yard to talk with Prakesh, whom I had met the day before! The whole lunch break went swimmingly, and I perfectly timed my arrival in the office at 1:30. The rest of the afternoon, I was much more focused than the previous days. My work stamina is only increasing, and I've made a lot of progress on what I am doing now (at least I think!). In four days, I have over 53 articles and case studies read, and 30 pages of typed summaries and outlines on them. My meeting with Aditi tomorrow will be a recap of what I've done, and I hope to make her proud!
As the work day came to a finish, Sarita came and took me to attend a pre-wedding party (bachelorette party meets wedding reception). There was a pedestrian walkway above the road--perfect for taking pictures!
There, I talked with Sonika and Danuja then ate dinner with Danuja, Merina, and Upama. It was all so fun and enjoyable! :) The buses dropped me off at the gate of the guest house, and once inside I headed right back out across the street with everyone who is currently here. We chowed down on some Indian food and talked the rest of the night. That brings me up to this point!
It has almost been a full week since I have left home now--just 24 hours to go. So far, everything is really incredible, and I am so happy with the way work and relationships are developing. I'm really excited to get to know the interns more, and the residents of the guesthouse are becoming more and more like a family. This weekend, I also have lunch with Aditi to look forward to, Thai food the other day, visiting of temples with Lettie, and maybe shopping for kurtas! I'm not sure I could be much happier. :)
Until tomorrow,
Abby Snyder
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