Dhaal Bhaat

Daal Bhaat, is the irrefutable national dish of Nepal. Lentils and rice, every meal, always together. The lentils are usually a soup served in a different dish, but inevitably poured and mixed with the bhaat, rice. The daal isnt solid enough to grip by itself, the Nepalese eat with their hands, and the bhaat alone sits tasteless. Together, is the only way to experience this meal that the nation subsides on.

I once had a language teacher named Godson who would say "language is culture." Starting with English, I've always struggled. As a traveler, I think I can now call myself that, I've seen language as an obstacle; the overweight bouncer at the door of a poppin party that doesn't speak a lick of English.

Being here, being in a small village off of a small village, at a place that no road or number could claim, old words find new meaning. Sitting on a mud floor, eating Daal Bhaat with my Nepalese family, and laughing over my broke but not crippled Nepali, I wish I could finally let Godson know I understand.

It's been about a week now with my Nepalese family. I find myself, and the once five now four volunteers around my village, walking the better part of two hours to language class and peace corps information seminars. I spend early mornings and evenings with my host family, a harmonious and extensive group of over 15, the count is still out. Activities range from embarrassing myself in dance to songs half sang from laughing mouths, to having a counting contest with my bahini, little sister. I count in Nepali and she, in English. She wins. These people are just as much my guruhuru, actual Nepali for teachers, as my language instructor, Sanjay. With these teachers, I am thriving.

Language is culture. Without one, I might not experience the many tastes of the world around me. Without the other, the words just might slip from my fingers.