Conquering My Own Everest

ISABELLE SMITH

During September 2013, I travelled to Nepal where I spent 13 days in Kathmandu with an organisation called
Hog Heaven (created by Joanna Giles). I experienced the highs and lows of extreme cultural shock but, most
importantly I learnt to truly understand why the Nepalese refer to themselves as the happiest people in the
world.

The trip forced me to question not only my own life and its worth but also to question the society in which I
live. By visiting Nepal I realised that western cultures are judgemental and less community based, when
compared to third world countries, and I found this extremely disheartening. The way in which the Nepali
people always seemed to bond together singing and dancing, was a magnificent sight that was not only seen
but also felt in the heart. As a 16 year‐old‐teenager, this experience was an immense leap into understanding
how culture and the importance of community can bring an indescribable type of happiness.

MEMOIR

I arrived in Nepal, feeling a turn in my stomach like never before; the
culture shock was horrific. As I exited the airport, I could feel a hundred
eyes burning holes in the back of my head. People were staring simply
because they knew I was different. I was white. A middle‐aged monk with
the most genuine and biggest smile came and sat next to me while I was
sitting in the airport. He began to have an English conversation with me;
trying to discuss Australia’s politics and the strange land from which I
come. Each time he looked into my eyes, I could see his hope to travel one
day and his burning eager to learn more about the unknown.

The kind monk from the airport listening closely