Judging by the diversity of people in the capital these days, an outsider, a tourist, a person on business or anyone with a passion for cultural observance etc would be either impressed or perplexed by what he sees here. One thing is for sure that Nepal indeed is a haven for many Westerners who feel very comfortable in such an informal environment where every Nepali is ready to give a smile or a welcoming grin to a foreigner or someone who looks different, which is remarkably different from what one comes across in the West.

Having either worked in or traveled to other countries, things that I have found both interesting and intriguing. The formality in human relationships and the dictates of “politically correct” statements as well as the analytical approach to certain human communication forms such as gestures, facial expressions , accent etc. are such.

Looking different often means standing out in the crowd “like a sore thumb” and for a first timer in the West this can be highly unnerving and awkward what with a foreign

accent which becomes quite an amusement . If you happen to speak very correct and fluent English you are unknowingly taking people by surprise and the bombardment of questions like” Oh ! Where did you learn English” or “You speak such good English” pose an embarrassment than a compliment.

The dress code is also an issue. However, thanks to racial diversity you can flout a saree in the whereabouts of Manhattan or the UN Building in New York City. More often than not one may have to think twice before embarking on dressing differently.

Back home one observes the level of comfort expressed by foreign visitors and friends and colleagues in Nepal. Whether in the city or in rural areas they are overwhelmed by the reception, kindness, concern and absence of aggressiveness amongst Nepalese. The environment allows anyone to walk about freely without the nagging feeling of “looking different”. The average Nepali is proud to host and share the family hearth with no questions asked. Often, public rules are bent to accommodate Westerners who often receive unasked for privileges.

A semblance of normalcy is also needed for back bending to please could become a chronic practice of servitude.