Nepal is such a colourful country with a kind natured population. My stay here has been a thoroughly enjoyable one. Living in a home stay has given me real insight into the Nepali way of life which although is hard work is so rewarding, they are very family-orientated people and religion is a big part of their life, i am now used to being woken up by my 'Ba' (Dad) praying and ringing a bell at 5 O'Clock in the morning! to bring god into their home.
My family welcomed me into their home and made me feel a part of the family straight away i am now considered one of 'Ma's (Mum) daughters, being in a home stay has stopped me feeling homesick. After 10 weeks i am now used to having Dahl Baht twice a day everyday, it was a little bit of a struggle getting used to at first as back home in England i barely ever eat rice or spicy foods - i now love it and have learnt how to cook it for when i return home ..... although i can't wait for a roast dinner!!! 
As i came to a Newari family i have been introduced to trying new meats such as buffalo, duck and goat which i tried over Dashain festival. My family's main language is Newari so i have been learning new words like 'tasty', 'full' they understand Nepali though so i use this more often as i leant some before i came to the family. Nepal is definitly the most beautiful country i have been to, we came during the rainy season, so we were fortunate enough to see everything so lush and green, the view out of my window is breathtaking and on clearer days you can see the snow topped mountains in the distance which are stunning!
The squat toilet experience i found rather unpleasant, something you get used to though. Also having a cold shower.....its okay if it has been a hot day, a cold shower can be nice, but early in the morning - not so nice! I will definately visit Nepal again someday and visit places i didn't get to see like Pockora, Chitwan, Everest etc but not going to these places did not ruin my experience and i will remember my family in Sirutar forever. I feel so privileged for getting this chance as i would have never have gotten it if not for Platform2 thank you so much!!!    
 
Harriet Naylor
Nepal/Sirutar
12/10/09