Nepali fun facts
Hi all. In this post I want to share some fun facts about the Nepali culture, I, as a Danish girl, experienced in Nepal. Some are funny, some are religious, some are very inspiring, and some are just strange. :-)
Nepali’s will look at you strange if you order tea or coffee WITHOUT sugar. Even though you think the message got across, your tea will most likely still be sweet.
A slight tilt with the head means okay or yes. This takes a while getting used to! However after a while you find yourself doing exactly the same.
You never hand money or food with your left hand. This is considered very impolite, as your left hand is obviously your dirty hand - don’t ask for details. As a leftie, I have probably offended quite a few nepali’s… It is just so hard to remember!
Power cuts are a part of daily life. Apps can be downloaded showing the time schedule of the power distribution - no kidding! The app is somewhat reliable, but it’s a good idea to charge ahead, if you don’t want all your devices out of power for hours during the day or evening. Also, powerbanks are your friend!
It’s an old buddhist tradition to always walk clockwise around temples. It is said, that Buddha walks anti-clockwise. In this way, you might meet the Buddha yourself!
Some men will have very long nails on their left little finger. A practical way to scratch your nose or …..
No food goes to waste! Nepali’s are exceptionally good at not wasting any food - something the rest of the world could learn a thing or two from! Furthermore, much of the food is organic, and even homegrown.
Squat-toilets - get used to it. As many other Asian countries, this is what you will find in most restrooms. Get your squat on!
If a Nepali does not know the answer to your question or does not understand you, don’t be offended if they lie to you, or simply just smile, laugh, or say yes. This is to not disappoint you, even though it might have the opposite effect.
Trash cans are nowhere to be found on the streets. It remains a mystery to me where Nepali’s dispose of their trash.
Eating with your fingers. As in many other Asian countries, custom is to eat with the fingers. As a Westerner you might not experience it much, as Nepali’s often prefer to eat after you finished and left the table.
Cows are holy
Many Nepali’s want to be white, and use whitening cream and umbrellas to shield for the sun. Ironic when whities like me try our best to just get a hint of a tan!
It is said, that the husband/father puts a small spoon of rice on the floor before every meal in respect of his passed ancestors. People do this, however this is just to keep insects away from the dinner table!
Men are very intimate with each other (in a nice, friendly way - don’t misunderstand!)
Nepal has plenty of colourful festivals!
Nepalis work 6 days a week, and the working week starts on Sundays.
Two times Daal Bhat! Want some more daal bhat? Nepalis eat daal bhat (rice with lentil soup) twice a day, every day! Get used to it ;-)
These were just a few of the things i noticed during my stay in Nepal, hope it is of use to some of you :-)