The exchange rate is about 98 rupees per dollar. So basically we estimate that 1000 rupees is ten dollars. 100 rupees is one dollar. It sure makes it easy to calculate how much something cost in US dollars.
One really begins to realize the implications of our foreign policy when in a foreign country. Although the Russian Embassador to Nepal and his wife are well liked, the US Embassador cannot invite them to any functions or associate with them because of the Ukraine situation.
Also we spoke to the Ambassador's driver at our apartment Sunday morning and he said the Ambassador has a new BMW with all kinds of security extras.
Although we don't see many cows in Kathmandu (probably because there isn't much grass for them to graze, we do see lots of unowned dogs. Dogs are protected and they pretty much lay anywhere they want and somehow they get enough food to survive. You just walk by them on the sidewalk for wherever and they seldom bother anyone. I have had one come up to smell my pant legs, but that is the most bother they've been. They seldom bark unless they are owned by someone and kept in a kennel. There is an organization here that raises money to take street dogs and treat them for any diseases, neuter or spay them and then put them up for adoption.
Tonight (Sunday) we took a taxi home from our adventures for the day and the roads were so congested and the streets so dusty that it almost became hard to breathe. I can't understand why most of the residents of Kathmandu don't have asthma or some breathing condition. It is really bad.
Cost of things: a liter of water for drinking is 25 cents. We drink a lot of water. We could get a large blue jug of water (like they sell at Menards) is available but we don't have the container for it. A loaf of bread is 45 cents. A kraft cheddar cheese package (like we get in the store) is $5.45. (but it was worth it!) Of course souvenirs are more. I bought a Daura suruwal ( a traditional dress/pant outfit) for $35.00. It is all cotton. I have bought several singing bowls (most made from 5-9 metals) ranging from $35 to $70.00 depending on the size. I could get about a cup of cinnamon for 65 cents.
Evie and I eat at our apartment quite often. We have instant oatmeal or hard boiled eggs and coffee for breakfast. We did have delicious sweet rolls that we bought Saturday morning. We have cheese and bread, a fried egg, tea, or a rotisserie chicken for dinner.
It is very easy to get a taxi and we do most of our traveling by taxi. That way Evie can get dropped off right at the door to our apartment building. We are one floor up from ground level. The taxi is usually $2 to $5 of course depending on how far we travel.
Picture one is of Evie and Mondle with his two daughters. Archana, the one of the right keeps in touch with Evie and calls her grandma.
Picture two is taking communion at Kathmandu International Christian Church. It was very unceremonious but awesome to share the body of Christ with so many Christians from different cultures and countries. We cannot share our faith in Christ with Nepali citizens because it is against the law. But we can tell people that we are Christian.
The third picture is of our Sunday lunch at Betty's house: left to right front: Rose from US LaDonna and Patty from UK. Back row Betty and Evie.
Sister LaDonna Olson, M.A.
Deaconess Community of the ELCA
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