Janani Janmavumischa Swargadapi Gareyashi—Motherland is greater than heaven

St. Augustine of Hippo suggested that man does not belong to his/her individual cities and kingdoms on earth but to the City of God. I, however, belong here in Kathmandu, a place I have come to call home.

For me, Kathmandu is but paradise. A city with butterflies, monkeys, gushing rivers, exotic birds, gorgeous flowers and foliage, clear blue skies, the most amazing subtropical plants--banana trees, palm trees, bougainvillea! And yes, the brilliant sunshines, and frequent rainbows!

My city, sadly, has been corrupted in many ways. The piles and piles of trash, over-population, road congestion, unplanned urbanization, rude conductors, tampered taxi meters, violence, strikes, impunity, load-shedding, and many more. But underneath it all, I still see my paradise. I love the fall mornings around Dashain when I wake up to the sounds of birds chirping. I love the orchestrated harmony created by a group of Newari musicians playing their Muhali, Dhimay and Tah. I love the big orange morning sun that greets me and reminds me how lucky I am to be a member of this celestial land. I love the misty mornings when the air is fresh—it is the time when Kathmandu turns pristine. I love player flags fluttering on the rooftops of every house rumbling prayers up towards the Nepali skies. I love the ancient temples that have stood the test of time.

Living in Kathmandu with its gripes is like living in my house with cockroaches, leaking faucets, and mice, and still loving it. Here, I can walk barefoot, hum my favorite tune, grin to the world, and feel perfectly at home.