Wisdom Traveler: A Week Near the Bouddha Stuppa

Another reason to consider volun-tourism in Nepal (and probably elsewhere too for that matter) is that you are stationed in a rural area, providing a rare opportunity to experience the country's traditional culture and life not typically seen by tourists.

I quickly made a new best friend at the monastery and we went out for walks together frequently. He loves to chase chickens but was scared like hell of cows. Funniest thing ever.

He is the monastery's dog, left at only a few months old after his mother died from an illness.

It was actually quite difficult to walk him. Dogs are everywhere outside. And although friendly to people, they are extremely territorial with other dogs and would sometimes just not let us through.

The mountain views here were breathtaking. You may have heard of the famous Kapan monastery located nearby. The area is a nice mix of residential houses, monasteries and nunneries.

Farm animals everywhere. This is Lucy.

Twenty minutes away is the Bouddha stuppa. A world heritage site that is over 2000 year old. This one does not contain a relic inside, but made in reverence to the Buddha.

Lots of shops surround the area which people circle once or three times clockwise for good luck - a Tibetan tradition. Groups of monks and nuns sweetly chant "om-na-me-pad-me-om", the mantra of compassion. I still have the song in my head, it's soothing.

Nepal is also famously known for its singing bowls, which you can buy here at a fraction of the cost vs US. They are soothing to the sound and traditionally used accompany meditation. I bought one bowl to add to my collection =)

You can also receive healing by singing bowl, which is an interesting experience to say the least. But I heard it works wonders if done correctly, even cure cancer.

Another thing of interest in Nepal are the Thanka paintings. This is a Tibetan traditional representing various symbols and diagrams in Buddhism.

You can visit galleries and see artists doing their work in person. I was never keen on them before but after getting a private lesson on their meaning in one of the shops, I bought 3 without hesitation.