Well, as they say 'little knowledge is dangerous'. I came from an educated background and graduated from one of the best schools in Nepal. I was also one of the first teenage 'girl driver' in my town driving my dad's car, well there were a couple of lady doctors who drove and it was quite fascinating for people 'cos around town they'd know me by 'the girl with the blue car'. The number of lady drivers has only increased by a little even today in my hometown. My dad would call me 'my son'....being the oldest, he wanted me to be able to do all those things boys could do. I took sewing classes, learned Japanese for six months, learned to drive a car very willingly, learned to ride a motorbike very unwillingly( a motorbike?!),taught aerobics even though it's hard to imagine now!,worked in my mom's salon, hiked for 9 days on one of the roughest but very scenic terrain in Nepal. My dad just thought that i should gather all kind of experiences as if i were to present my 'experience resume' by the end of my life!
The driving, the language etc. all came in handy once I came to the States. Going to the bank, having my own account, dealing with the electricity, heating, and rent bills by myself was new to me. To me the malls looked like heaven..with all the designer clothes, fancy shoes and bags.....aaaahh yes! Not that I could afford any of it. I'd go to Downtown Crossing almost everyday for weeks and windowshopped-till-i-dropped until I started working.
In Boston, I became independent and made my own living for the first time. In Nepal, girls and boys stay at home until they get married. Their expenses are taken care of by the parents until college at least and even later. It's hard for me imagine now what my life would be like back home. I was fortunate enough to be sent to the best schools and have the my necessities fulfilled.
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