Six surprising things two French students discovered in Nepal
KATHMANDU: As France eagerly anticipated hosting the Paris Olympics after a century, a group of 32 French students made an unexpected decision. Instead of staying to witness the historic event in their home country, they embarked on a humanitarian journey to Nepal. “We have no regrets,” they said, reflecting on their month-long stay in Ruby Valley, Dhading.
Julien Cremer and Alice Bouchard, both 24, were part of this group. They spent a month volunteering, hiking, and soaking in the breathtaking views of the Ganesh Himal. In a collaboration with the Mission Ganesh Himal Association, they joined the 12th batch of French students to volunteer in Nepal. On the evening before their return to France, they shared their experiences with Nepal Press.
“There were many things in our lives we used to complain about, but after living in a Nepali village, we realized how luxurious our lives truly are,” said Julien. “Nepal taught me not to complain,” Alice added. Despite missing French food, they embraced the local cuisine, often hearing the phrase, “Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hours.” Julien chuckled, “I can manage dal bhat once a day, but twice is a bit much!” He fondly recalled daily river baths in Ruby Valley, an experience that would stay with him for a lifetime.
While both were captivated by the warmth and kindness of the Nepali people, six specific things stood out to Julien and Alice during their time in Nepal.
1. Hindu Majority in Nepal
Before coming to Nepal, Julien had watched videos that portrayed Nepal as a predominantly Buddhist country. He was genuinely surprised to find that the majority of Nepalis practice Hinduism, challenging his initial expectations.
2. A Church in a Remote Village
Alice never imagined that she would find a church in the small, infrastructure-poor village of Nepal . Even more surprising was learning that it was not European missionaries who built it but Koreans who had converted to Christianity only a few hundred years ago.
3. Nepalis Speaking Fluent French
Julien and Alice were astounded to meet Nepalis who spoke fluent French. They had expected English, but finding French speakers in a country that had never been a French colony was unexpected. This connection deepened their bond with the country, encouraging them to consider returning.
4. Children’s English Proficiency and Video Game Obsession
While volunteering at a local school, they observed that many Nepali children spoke English fluently, often surpassing their parents’ abilities. To their surprise, these children were also just as addicted to video games as their French counterparts, debunking their preconceived notion that Nepal was free from such modern distractions.
5. Hiking on Paths That Become Rivers in the Monsoons
Their hiking adventure in the monsoon season turned perilous when the trail they were on suddenly transformed into a river. Alice was nearly swept away but was saved by their guide. This unexpected transformation of roads into rivers during rains was a new and shocking experience for them.
6. The Incredible Strength of the Nepali People
Julien was in awe of the physical strength of the Nepali porters. One porter, a 22-year-old named Pravin Gurung, carried 50 kilograms with ease. “Perhaps this is what you call ‘Dal Bhat Power,’” Julien remarked, impressed by the resilience and endurance of the Nepali people despite the challenging conditions.
Despite the physical and infrastructural challenges they encountered, Julien and Alice were deeply moved by the strength, hospitality, and originality of life in Nepali villages. As they prepared to return to France, they carried with them not only memories of stunning landscapes and adventurous hikes but also the heartfelt connections they made with the people of Nepal.
