Well, the jungle excursion has come to an end. I saw rhinos, elephants, monkeys, deer, and many birds. There was a canoe ride, a tribal dance, delicious food, and many bumpy truck rides.
I'm not sure why, but this place seemed to highlight the difference between tourism and real Nepali life more so than any other place. After the bus ride from pokhara to chitwan, we were picked up by our hotel in a truck with seats in the bed, which is where we rode. As we bumped along we went through the town which was, like most places in Nepal, very poor. The locals watched us go by with our obscene amounts of luggage in the hotel truck with impassive faces. I couldn't help but feel that they must be disgusted by us. Here we are, viewing their life as a tourist attraction. Taking pictures of their lives, judging and feeling pity for how little they have, while counting the days until we're back in our privileged lives that are so much more comfortable.
And then we turned down a road, went through an iron gate, and entered paradise. This hotel, resort really, was beautiful. There were courtyards, stone walkways, people greeting you with cold drinks and carrying your bags. Now I had just come from trekking through the Himalayas where getting a place with an inside toilet was considered a big win, so this was extra culture shock for me.
It's such a double edged sword. Most of the industry is focused on tourism, yet it sometimes feels like their lives are on display for us to gawk at.
Everyone should have to feel this feeling I have. Everyone should have to look poverty and struggle dead in the face. It's ugly. It's dirty. It's uncomfortable. But it's real. And it's important to acknowledge. I know I will go home with a newfound appreciation for all I have, especially the opportunities.
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