Living abroad? You’re bound to encounter folks who have some, let’s say, interesting ideas about Nepal. Here are 9 things people often get wrong about Nepalis living away from home:
1. “You climb mountains all the time, right?”
Sure, Everest is our pride and joy, but mountain life isn’t exactly our daily commute. Most Nepalis love trekking, but many choose cityscapes over peaks. Besides, who wants to wear crampons to the grocery store?
2. “Is it always cold there?”
Nope! We have tropical jungles, warm valleys, and yes, even snowy mountains. Nepal’s got more climate zones than you can shake a prayer flag at. Not as cold as Canada though!
3. “So you are Indian?”
Uh, no. Nepal and India are two seprate countries. They are our good neighbours though and we do share some common cultural roots.
4. “Is everyone a Sherpa?”
Sherpas are amazing, skilled mountain natives for real but not all Nepalis are Sherpas, just like not all Americans are cowboys. We come from diverse backgrounds and professions.
5. “Do you eat curry all the time?”
Dal bhat is our king, but our food scene is way more exciting than just curry. We’ve got spicy momos, tangy pickles, and sweet mithai that’ll blow your mind.
6. “Are you here to clean dishes?”
Many Nepalis work hard in various sectors abroad, contributing to their host countries. We’re doctors, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, and everything in between. Just saying, our talents go beyond scrubbing dishes. Chance payo ki Nepali le garxa!
7. “Is Nepal all poor and rural?”
Nepal is developing! We have bustling cities, stunning architecture, and modern technology. Sure, there are challenges, but we’re a proud nation full of potential.
8. Are you Buddhists?
Hinduism is the majority religion in Nepal, but we have a beautiful tapestry of faiths, including Buddhism, Islam, and indigenous practices. Respect the diversity!
9. “Is everything super cheap there?”
The cost of living varies greatly depending on location and lifestyle. While Nepal might be cheaper than some Western countries, basic necessities and imported goods can be expensive. It’s challenging here in Nepal to maintian the basic living standard while earning a decent money.
So next time ditch the stereotypes and embrace the opportunity to learn something new about the beautiful Himalayan country.
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