This is my fourth time visiting Kathmandu, the bustling capital city of Nepal. My first experience there, however, was anything but ordinary. It was during the tragic 2015 Nepal earthquake—a time of fear, uncertainty, and widespread devastation. To be honest, I was terrified to make that journey.
The earthquake left a deep scar on the country. Buildings had collapsed, entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and nearly 9,000 lives were lost. Thousands of people were left homeless, many suffering injuries that would change their lives forever. Amid such horror, my family and I—my mother, father, and I—found ourselves traveling to Kathmandu for a necessary medical treatment I required.
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I want to keep this article short and straightforward so you can get a clear sense of each journey without taking too much of your time.
My First Visit: Facing a Health Crisis During a National Tragedy
During my treatment in Kathmandu, I was diagnosed with a rare illness: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). I was admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a 14-day stay. Those two weeks felt like an eternity, filled with discomfort and anxiety. Every day was a struggle, and the overall chaos in the city added to the stress. I could feel the weight of the devastation around me, even within the hospital walls.
After completing my treatment, we returned to our hometown, Butwal. I had to focus on recovery, but the doctor required me to return for a follow-up visit the next year.
My Second Visit: Witnessing the Slow Road to Recovery
My second visit to Kathmandu was for that follow-up appointment. It had been a year since the earthquake, yet much of the city remained in ruins. The skeletal frames of collapsed buildings stood as grim reminders of what had happened. Still, there were glimmers of hope. Construction work had finally begun in some areas, marking a step toward recovery for the city and its people. Although it was encouraging to see these efforts, the slow pace of progress was sobering.
My Third Visit: A Farewell to My Father
The third time our family journeyed to Kathmandu was not for medical reasons. This time, we were there to bid farewell to my father, who was leaving Nepal to work abroad. Our trip coincided with the Teej festival in 2023, an auspicious time for many Nepali families. It was a bittersweet occasion. On one hand, we were proud of my father’s commitment to support us; on the other, the thought of him being away for an extended period was difficult. This trip added a new layer of emotion to my experiences in the capital city.
My Fourth Visit: Another Round of Medical Treatment
Recently, I had to travel to Kathmandu again as my health took a turn for the worse. The need for treatment was urgent, and we could only spare three days for the trip: one day for the journey from Butwal to Kathmandu, one for the medical checkup, and another to return home.
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Those three days were some of the most exhausting of my life. The non-stop travel, combined with my health condition, left me drained. The physical pain was almost unbearable, and there was hardly any time to rest or recover. Despite this, I was grateful for the opportunity to receive medical care. I realize that not everyone in Nepal has access to such facilities, and for that, I consider myself fortunate.
Looking Ahead
For now, that wraps up my journeys to Kathmandu. Each visit has been memorable, albeit challenging in its own way. As I look back, I see how much these experiences have shaped my perspective—not just on health and resilience, but also on the strength of the people around me and the enduring spirit of Kathmandu.
2 Comments
You're the inspiration for many. Keep slaying.
ReplyDeleteThankyou, you are awesome
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