In a place where I can be myself and my sight is left with nothing but the beauty that Nepal holds, the first thought that came to my mind when my mom told me she had booked us tickets to go to Nepal for vacation was, "Wow, I’m going home." I traveled from Zamboanga to Manila, then to Singapore, and finally to Kathmandu via connecting flights. The moment I landed, the smell of the fresh air hit the spot, and I knew I was home. We reached Kathmandu airport at around 11 pm; everyone was rushing to get home to their families. I saw people carrying banners and khata (a scarf symbolizing purity and compassion, given to arriving guests as a welcome gesture), and we went directly home.

I stayed in Kathmandu for about a month, and each day I explored new places that left me with unforgettable memories. During my stay, I had some significant experiences that highlighted Nepal's beauty and rich culture. The people in Nepal, known as Nepalis, are kind, pure-hearted, and approachable. The majority of the population practices Hinduism or Buddhism. Cows are considered sacred and are the national animal, which is why selling beef is prohibited. There are many temples and monasteries, and most people are deeply religious, visiting the temple every morning before eating.

My trip began with a visit to the Federal Parliament of Nepal. My dad, a member of parliament, got us tickets. It was an honorable experience to see it live in front of me, something I usually only see on a screen. I also had the opportunity to meet the Honorable Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister of Nepal, who is also known as 'KP Baa' or 'KP Father.' I deeply admire his leadership and dedication to serving the country. We walked around Bhaktapur, a historical place where the kings used to live. It is filled with temples and statues of gods, perfect for capturing photos for social media. The streets are filled with tourists and lined with local clothing and jewelry stores. Thamel, known for its nightlife, offers many tourist-friendly spots and a variety of ethnic restaurants, including Korean, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and Italian cuisines. My favorite has to be Fire & Ice, where the pizzas are freshly out of the oven and the Italian desserts are excellent.

In Boudha, we spun the prayer wheel and visited a monk, where we offered our prayers and received a holy rope for protection. One of the most enjoyable spots here is the markets near the temples, where you can find a variety of local handicrafts and traditional foods at affordable prices. We also browsed local products and paintings, which were quite expensive but beautifully crafted. 

We also visited Swoyambhu, also known as the Monkey Temple, where monkeys are as numerous as the people. As I was walking up the 365 steps of the stupa, which represent each day of the year, a monkey came and grabbed my local friend Sonam's apple. It was a funny yet slightly scary experience. The sound healing yoga I experienced was one of the most memorable moments. We went to a yoga place and participated in sound healing sessions that left a lasting impression on me. During the sound healing session, I felt as though the burden on my shoulders was being lifted. We went to New Road, another place where you must try the local lassi, and Thakali food is also a must-try. Visiting all these places made me regret not appreciating the culture more when I lived in Nepal. I realized that Nepal is an underrated place that most people don't know much about. It has a rich culture and diverse people. It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and is also home to the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest. The food is delicious and mostly healthy. Although I lived in Nepal for 12 years, I never visited the historical sites, experienced the spiritual culture, or had a traveler’s mindset. Coming back truly changed my perspective and made me appreciate the beauty of Nepal more. Even though it was always right in front of me, I never fully appreciated it until now.

So pack your bags and take the flight. With every step and prayer you take, you'll find a land that's ready to welcome you. Nepal awaits your arrival, ready to reveal its hidden gems to the next traveler.