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Marcia Abboud's avatar

Your adventures always keep me riveted, Mary. You made me laugh about the ATM, your son probably eye-rolling you. Funny! What a great immersive read. Loved it, Mary.

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

Thanks Marcia and he was rolling his eyes, you nailed it. This was in 2006 maybe they have more ATMs now in Nepal but when I went the first time, they didn't. ATM fees are sky high though.

Nepal is changing and I'm happy he came back to the USA.

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Marcia Abboud's avatar

I’ve never been to Nepal, Mary. It looks exotic, just how it does in my dreams :)

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June Kirri's avatar

I'd there still power outtage? I lived in Nepal for 5 years after my dad retired from a job in Japan moved back to his hometown of Kathmandu. We used to have power outtage for like half a year or more. Thought it would be better in spring time. Glad you had fun!

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

Hi June,

My son lived there after he started his nonprofit for women and girls for 12 years. Haven’t been back since 2018 maybe it’s changed since then.

Cool you lived there, it’s a special place. Your Dad lives in Nepal?

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Astrid Sadaya's avatar

Sounds so adventurous and raw! I met a french girl in Morocco last month and she's been to Nepal for around 4 times now. She went back there early May, so you might've crossed paths :)

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

This adventure was my first time visiting Nepal in 2006. My son lived there so I went 6 times over 12 years and that's enough.

Many Europeans visit and volunteer in Nepal, I met many over there; much shorter of a trip for them than from USA. I was thinking you were in Thailand, Morocco sounds wonderful too.

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Astrid Sadaya's avatar

Yes I'm in Thailand at the moment

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

Have a blast!

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Ral Joseph's avatar

So funny so hilarious and of course you're having all the fun without me and I'm feeling so jealous Mary 😊

You're a wonderful woman and you should get to do, Nepal and otherwise, whatever you want to do and of course be very careful to avoid getting your ATM clean out.

I haven't have this much fun with an article so thank you so much you're the best..

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Claire Franky's avatar

Oh, Mary, this was a fun one. From the ATMs or lack of to the turning electric off whenever to the poking you to see if you are real - hilarious. It all screams adventure.

And that rhino is so cute!

You must be so proud of your son for how he has made an effort to become part of the community.

You're an amazing human who raised an amazing human.

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

Hi Claire,

I am so happy for your deep reading of my writing, it makes me proud and puts a sparkly smile on my face.

Yes it was a real eye-opener for me being in Nepal the first time, immersed in the local culture.

My son tried for 12 years to give women and girls new opportunities in Nepal for education and housing with his foundation and helped one girl emigrate to USA.

Appreciate what you said, he did turn out well even though I made mistakes of course but he's a good person. This is what we try to do as mothers. :)

Love your comment, and love how you show up for my writing with your insightful comments!

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Claire Franky's avatar

Aw, I'm glad about the smile. It sounds eye-opening! What an adventure.

Yes, we just want them to be happy and kind.

Thank you for sharing such meaningful stories.

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Mary Bartnikowski's avatar

Thank you for thoughtfully reading it, Claire. :)

Nepal is an epic adventure no matter what you do there!

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