Today I headed out to meet friends from school. I was feeling good and excited, looking forward to a pleasant afternoon. I walked a couple blocks to a nearby western style restaurant to enjoy a light breakfast. After enjoying a chai latte, yogurt with granola and a banana chip muffin, I began my journey. Walking down the street I heard the bus coming, I turned and waved it down. People were squashed in tight and there was only standing room on the steps.
One thing about Nepali buses is that the door stays open, there is a young man at the door who calls out to people and takes the money when people get off the bus. That takes a bit of a switch of thinking, because in Canada there is a box at the door and you put the money in a box or you show your bus pass to the driver when you get on.
I took the bus a short way, enjoying the warmth of the day I got off and meandered to where I would meet them in Lagankhel. I was early as usually so was in no rush, except to cross the busy street with 6 lanes to cross, its not a good idea to dottle too much, although one does need to be cautious that the cars in each lane are stopping. Enjoying the sights and expressions on peoples faces I continued on my way, browsing in shops and greeting people in the traditional Namasta. My Nepali was slow in coming, so conversation was interesting.
I bought some oranges from a lady selling them on the street, then I had about an hour until my friends would arrive (usually I am not that early). So, I decided to explore the area and get a feel for where I was. Suddenly I went over on my ankle, stumbling, I caught myself by grabbing a railing that happened to be there. I slowed down and started watching every step. Arriving at Salesberry I saw some tables so I bought a coke, and sat down to rest. I checked my ankle and foot, it seemed okay, deciding to continue exploring, I got up to walk on, forgetting to watch every step because I wanted to see where I was and what was around me, whoops over I went falling on my right side. It was not only embarrassing but also painful. I sat on the sidewalk for a few moments until a gentleman, who had seen me fall, reached down and helped me up. He asked if I was okay. I had tears in my eyes as in fact I was in quite a bit of pain and was a bit shook up. I could not believe how my beautiful day turned upside down, quite literally with me turning upside down, (well okay almost). I took a few minutes to gather myself wondering what I should do. Reaching for my phone I called my friend and told her I was going to take a taxi home, I kind of regret that decision now as I never had that chance again to spend time getting to know the beautiful young lady. Yes we talked some at school but it would have been a blessing to spend the day with her.
As I sat, soaking my ankle, I wondered what it was that caused me to fall. I fell one other time and I have successfully twisted my ankle several times. What makes me so accident prone I don’t know but I do know I am so glad God has given me the gift of laughter. After all that I sat on my couch with my feet up, laughing. I am sure I must have looked quite funny going down like I did, for no apparent reason.
Well you’ll be glad to know my ankle healed, although slowly. I still lose my balance once in a while when a cracked sidewalk or stone gets in the way, but I am still laughing and enjoying life.
General traffic between my home and school.
View from a rooftop.
This was written a while ago but finally got back to it, it happened one Sunday in the fall or winter.
An Adventurous Life 