#100meters documents a one hundred meter stretch of road and the life that unfolds within that space.My one hundred meter location is on Lazimpat Road, Kathmandu.
Nepal
#100meters -Searching for Pavement
A short short story on opening a Nepali bank account
A woman in her late 30’s drinks lassi, no sugar, as the words of her companion prompt unexpected laughter.
Across the road Bank One sits with quiet menace. That is her mission for the afternoon, conquering that place, that building of glorified cash, to open her first Nepali bank account.
The “how to” rumours of dealing with the Nepali banking system vary from the typical red tape jumping of life to the downright ridiculous.
To get a Student Visa in Nepal you need to get a bank account, to get a bank account as a foreigner with Bank One you need a Student Visa or other resident visa status. Having a local guarantor makes no difference to the head of Customer Relations. Having documentation from your Government saying you have permission study doesn’t matter an iota. Explaining the contradictory manner of their policy which stops them having more foreign customers who want to bank with them, she gives not one tot.”No, it doesn’t and will not effect our business.”
A tautological discussion of this nature goes on for around 20 to 30 minutes. And after queuing for a good 30 minutes before this the woman is done. She kindly asks the Head Customer Service Officer one last time if there is a possible solution. “Yes, go, go to another Bank.”
The woman does. On the suggestion of another ex-pat the woman visit’s Bank Two and within 20 minutes has a bank account, a laugh with the staff taking her through the process and an assurance she will be looked after as other friends have said though they are a new bank they are okay.
All up just over two hours to open a bank account isn’t bad, actually it is down right good, but that conversation of circles with the Head of Customer Relations is telling of something amiss here.
But the woman doesn’t care, she has her bank account and is a step further in getting her visa to study arts for a few months. Leaving Bank Two she quietly wanders down the splashy humid streets to rejoin her companion.
Living on the moon – Melbourne vs Kathmandu.
Arriving in Australia to live ( abet temporarily) in one of the country’s most affluent suburbs after four months in Nepal is like moving to the moon.
In Toorak, one of the most wealthy suburbs of Melbourne ,Australian Tax Office figures (2010) indicate the average annual income hovers around $132252. In Nepal the average income, according to World Vision, sits around $200. Rather astounding that on average one Toorak resident earns the same as 661 Nepali’s. This coincides with a huge disparity in population density. In Kathmandu 13,225 people live per square kilometer, urban Melbourne is light weight in comparison with 2010 Australian Bureau of Statistics figures placing population density at 530.
But this is nothing if you look at quality of life, various pollution indicators, working conditions, access to medical care and education. The comparisons are actually pointless. Toorak is alien to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and the political miasma that engulfs Nepal’s capital, that said Ted and his resignation shenanigans last night is a step in the right direction.
It can be challenging coming back into the developed world and seeing all the blatant abundance and people having far more than they actually need. Do you really need a car in Melbourne that can take on all terrains in siege conditions? If your children are at Geelong Grammar’s Toorak campus apparently you do. School pick up time is projectile money flung on asphalt.Is that much car necessary beyond the point you are shouting your wealth at everyone else on the road? Not only is that excessive in comparison to Nepal but also to the majority of Australian’s. Particularly in Victoria as the state officially entered recession this week.
But I am being judgmental.
There is something very nice staying in a safe leafy suburb cushioned in comfort. I understand why people aspire to live like this. And I am very appreciative to the friend who has facilitated this time of luxury. It is a time out from the raw honesty of daily life in Nepal though vaguely surreal. A time to charge the batteries, no load shedding here.
But I say this knowing I will be back working and living in the Global South in two months. For me Toorak is the moon or Disneyland.This is not real life, is it?
Pokhara Portraits
Dakshinkali photo essay
Nepal and Northern India Earthquake
An earthquake struck Nepal and Northern India at 6.10 pm local time on Sunday, September 18. Indian English language News X service is reporting that the 6.8 quake hit the region causing significant damage, waves up local rivers and casualties. Associated Press footage from Nepal shows a number of dead at a Kathmandu hospital, the crumbled wall of the UK embassy and people out in the streets post quake. (Please note in the link provided there is footage that may disturb some people.)
The Kathmandu Post is reporting landslides and seven deaths from one landslide alone in the Rolpa district. (* please note this landslide occurred the day before the quake, my apologies for any misunderstanding) The Guardian is reporting 16 confirmed deaths and damage to buildings.
Infrastructure and building codes are variable in Nepal so the potential for more fatalities and damage to needed services is high. The steep mountainous terrain means there is a potential risk for more landslides.
If anyone has any additional information on what is happening within Nepal please let me know. You can email me at neesha@storytellerproductions.net
To all my friends in Nepal, be safe!
Nepali journalists still targeted in Nepal
“Both sides of the (Nepali civil war) conflict committed abuses against press freedom during the civil war but promised to respect freedom of expression after the peace agreement. Yet many atrocities committed during the war remain un-investigated, and attacks on journalists continue with impunity.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists latest report, following the murder of Nepal FM journalist Shah in the central Bara District and subsequent trail, illustrates journalist safety is an ongoing concern in the Himalayan nation. With the constitution negotiations coming to a head and other political uncertainties it is important journalists working in Nepal can work safely. The country is walking a tightrope and critical, in-depth journalism is essential to a good out come for the population not just Maoist insiders and other invested parties.
Deadline day looms
Tomorrow – May 28th – is the deadline for Nepal’s constitution.
Differing political blocks (of the 20 plus political parties involved including the Maoists)have been scrambling to get an extension of the deadline but with little success. Parliament is closed today and will reconvene for the deadline.. Rival factions have started to have photo ops with the media of their paramilitary groups according to the Himalayan Times and Kathmandu Post. There is no finalised constitution. Nepal is amazing but rife with problems inflicted from external and internal sources – development issues, economic uncertainty, political instability, lack of access to clean water, food supply costs, load shedding, pollution, competing INGO’s and NGO’s, homelessness, land seizures, drugs…
But this country deserves a bright future.
The people are tenacious even after years of political instability and civil war. They are open-hearted, funny and intelligent. The country is beautiful and despite its issues Nepal gets under your skin. I miss living there. I love Nepal and I am fearful about her future if things go badly after the deadline passes.
Here are some links if you wish to follow what is happening more closely.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/05/2010525101847265629.html
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/
http://epaper.ekantipur.com/ktpost/epaperhome.aspx?issue=2752010
To my friends and family in Nepal be safe – my thoughts are with you.
Please contact me if needed or you have information about what is happening you would like to share.
Bhanda -day 1
A few hours ago, according to the Himalayan Times, Maoists took to the streets of Kathmandu filling the night with shadows sourced from burning brands.
I don’t know about you, but for me a group of protesters carrying burning torches and patrolling the streets has a menacing undertone.
The Himalayan Times was a sobering read this morning. The email in my inbox from a Nepali friend , “Bob” (named changed) was even more sobering.
This is what Bob had to say about the Maoists actions in Nepal;
“They have weapons and ordered people to come to the capital city for war with government. And many people came from village and participant in their demonstration though many people do not have desire to participant.”
“Actually Maoist are lying to the world. They are playing double role. One thing saying to the world -but another things they are doing here. Their activities are against the democracy.”
Other friends I have managed to contact say it’s okay but a bit edgy with locals advising them not to go out.
But it is Nepal, anything could happen and everything could be fine in a few days or not. It is that kind of country.What to do?
Also the American’s have stopped public services at the embassy- I don’t like it when embassies close like that.
For all the latest happenings in Nepal. I suggest the Himalayan Times is a good starting point.
Check them out here
P.S If you have any news of what is happening, on the ground in Nepal, please get in touch.
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