20 minutes
on Adventures in Nepal (Nepal), 07/May/2010 16:09, 34 days ago
_uacct = "UA-3483228-1";urchinTracker();Day 6 of strike.9:15 pm on Friday, May 07.Email received from the US Embassy in Nepal. Email reads:Large demonstrations and traffic disruptions continue to occur around Kathmandu and throughout the country. These strikes have been successful in completely shutting down vehicular movement and businesses. As of May 7, 2010, the political situation remains deadlocked and we are unable to predict when the strike will conclude.Supplies are running short and travel has been disrupted throughout the country. Businesses and public transport have been severely affected.U.S. citizens are encouraged to stock adequate supplies of water, food, fuel, money and medication.9:35 pm on Friday, May 07. SMS received from the VSO emergency mobile. SMS reads:Good news. Strike called off!I am jumping up and down right now. Really. But only for a second...off to write Brian an email to figure out how we can find a way to meet up in the next couple of days. The torrential downpours that have come with the thunder storms in the last two days have made the dirt roads between here and Kathmandu difficult to navigate, I believe. That seems like a such a small challenge at this point, however.I have enjoyed these last days the best I have been able. I soaked in having all the time I needed for exercise, cooking, hanging out with friends, reading, watching episodes of LOST, relaxed time at work, and reflection.There is something to be said for freedom, nonetheless. Freedom of movement, freedom from fear of potential violence and curfews, freedom to buy food whenever I need food, freedom to be busy if I want to be busy, and the freedom to think forward and make plans.Freedom. Not something to be taken for granted.