Nepal’s electricity is hydropower. During rainy season this is great and we have a plethora of electricity. During the winter when there is no rain this is a different story. Currently there is not enough power to keep the whole city of Kathmandu going so we are forced to adapt to a load shedding schedule. Starting today we will be without electricity for 16 hrs a day and most likely this will increase to 18hrs in a few weeks. We are given two 4hour blocks of electricity. For example the power came on this morning at 8am and we are expecting it to shut of around 12. It will probably be off for eight hours and then come on again for another four and so it goes for the rest of the week.
A friend recently asked when this would all be over and no one really knows. Most likely it will be towards the end of March or April…or when the rain comes.
So how does one function in Nepal, in the winter, without electricity for the majority of the day? Here are a few things that keep me going…
Smart wool socks that go up to the knees and warm fuzzy slippers.
WSU lap blanket…thank you Fiona Grant
Hot water thermos …this thing will keep water hot for days!
Two down comforters…I’m so glad I made that IKEA purchase before moving here
Candles, Flash light or head lamp…and a lighter
Inverter…three large batteries that can keep my house going for a few hours
Plenty of gas tanks to keep the shower hot, the oven going, and the heater running if there is a spare tank.
Hot water bottles…guaranteed to keep your toesies warm at night
It is amazing how one adjust to life without power. You learn to charge your phone, computer, etc whenever you have the chance. Candle light dinners no longer hold romance it is just a way of life. You constantly search out sunshine and sit in it. You tend to go to bed early when the power goes out and reading under the covers is the warmest place for you and your book.
Now you have a small glimpse into how I cope.
3 comments:
love this post.. especially glad that you purchased the down comforters from ikea also.. i slept nice and cozy on that coach wtih that blanket.. or then maybe it was the good drugs the nyquil.. or maybe that at my house you can see your breathe in my room at all times.. hmm....
Hey, what a whimp...don't you also remember having to walk 5 miles to school as a 5 year old.... Actually you are doing well, and making adjustments to get through.We take so many things for granted and complain when we have to wait more than 5 minutes in the "Fast Food line."
Love you and thanks for the update. Dad
I used to fill up 2 water bottles...one for my feet and one to hug. Now THAT was luxury!
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