RWIB

I think Steve Winwood might owe royalties to the Nepali people for his hit of yesteryear "Roll With It, Baby" (#RWIB).  This posture/mentality seems to be an effortless strength of the locals that I've interacted with here thus far, and I'm excited to participate and pick up a thing or two from these folk about riding the waves collectively.  

Day 1.5 and I am aligned with the rising and setting of the sun on this side of the planet.  RWIB  

After some morning Qi Gong and a SIM card adventure (who knew you need a passport photo and the names of your father and grandfather to get one?) I met Hasta (MMW's Nepali organizer) for the first time at the Boudha Stupa.  There were some challenges to understanding each other when trying to find each other (and my phone was not yet fully functional), so I ended up circling the Stupa several times looking for him.  As I approached his intended meeting place three people offered me a taxi ride, and when he pulled up on a motorcycle and shouted something to me, I declined, not knowing that he was offering me the ride I was looking for.  So I circled the Stupa some more and finally someone who spoke Nepali led me to him.  Had a good laugh and then a terrifying ride on the back of his motorcycle (it took three rides for me to enjoy riding but only one ride to convince me to NOT rent a bicycle while I'm here).  RWIB

We wound up at the 7th Ward Office in a meeting with the Alderman of the Chabahil district of Kathmandu.  I was greeted with a warm "Namaste" and tea, and sat in a meeting of local politicians as Hasta finalized details for the new acupuncture clinic (the one I'll work in which opens tomorrow).  RWIB  

Later I met my translator -- and holy cats (man du) she's just graduated from a three year acupuncture program!  So translating will be her side-gig with me.  I'm very stoked to be working with someone who knows the medicine and is eager to practice.  I work best in collaborative environments and so far this is looking to be one.  Her name is Debika, but she says gringo's call her "Jessica" (Allman Brothers, anyone? RWIB).

Technically the clinic opens tomorrow (Monday) morning at 10am, but we will likely be finishing preparations and cleaning (holy cats is it dusty here) until noon.  I'm hoping my taxi driver shows up with some of friends for treatments.  Otherwise I'll be going downstairs to the Alderman's office and recruit some of the street level bureaucrats for treatments.  RWIB

This evening I had dinner with Nepali friends of Linda's parents.  They are Christian pastors here and have invited me to set up a one-time acupuncture clinic for their parishioners.   They've also found a guitar for me to borrow while I'm here!  You know the first tune I'll be jamming on it.  RWIB