I was not lying under the debris

It was Saturday, everyone was at home. My husband and I had planned to go for a Nepali movie “Resham Filili”. We had lunch a little early so as to reach for the movie on time. Our son would not resist himself during the 3 hours movie; hence, I was trying to make him sleep. My husband was still in the kitchen with his parents.

Before I could feel the quake, I suddenly heard the vibrating sound, in some seconds, I could finally realize, it was an earthquake. I held my son and started running towards the main gate. I could hardly walk. We both fell on sofa and then on the floor, somehow we reached the main door. My husband and in -laws were already there trying to keep themselves safe under the door frame. They asked me to hold on them. It was not a good idea to run insanely so we stayed there during the first big shake.

Nobody among us thought we will be alive; nobody had experienced such a big quake ever. We hurriedly moved out of the house when it stopped. But the aftershocks kept coming, one after another. It was such a horrible situation. People were crying, some broke their legs while jumping out of the window, some were praying. I was concerned about my parents, my brother and my sister. I gave up the hope of meeting them ever again. I felt like I was the only saved among them.

To my relief, everyone was safe back at their place. Not a single close relative had any big tragedies. Thankfully we were all safe.

 Because of the network problem, I couldn’t go online for two days. One of my relative called at my home and asked if I was safe and also informed that someone has posted in Facebook that I was missing

When I opened my Facebook for the first time after the earthquake, I was so surprised to see a German friend posted two paragraphs about “missing Banita”. Then I realized media hyped the situation so much that my friend could assume nothing other than me lying under the debris. I replied back that I was safe and everyone close to me was safe.

Thus, I suggest not relying fully on media, please read the personal stories to know about the real situation.

4 Myths about Nepal

We understand your doubt about travelling to Nepal at this time when it's not even been 6 months after the massive earthquake. Probably you have delayed your Nepal travel or even have canceled it. Hence this blog is for clarifying your confusion regarding Nepal travel.

Following are the myths about Nepal

Tourist activities stopped

We agree the tourist flow is not as satisfying as it used to be but we have started receiving tourists. Bookings have started. Earthquake alone is not responsible for the least number of tourists. It's also because of the monsoon season. We are very hopeful and enthusiastically carrying out our daily job. The office starts at its original time. We get inquiries, we deal with it. We already send some groups for trekking. So it's a myth that tourist activities stopped in Nepal.

Thamel is in ruins

Thamel looks perfectly the same. It has never been  ruined. It is as happening as it used to be. All shops, hotels, bars, offices, ATM's, Restaurant are running smoothly. Tourists are seen around Thamel.  Transportation is normal. Taxi is always available, even at late night or in wee hour. Probably Thamel is a least affected place in the earthquake. It seems as if Thamel is welcoming tourist with its open heart.

All heritages in rubble

 It is again a myth that all heritages came to an end. Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Bhaktapur and Patan are  very less affected. They are already opened for visitors. However, we lost some temples and monuments of the Kathmandu Durbar square. But this doesn't mean it's not worth visiting. Lumbini is not affected at all. So Nepal still holds its beauty and contains many heritages that should be visited.

 Not worth visiting

When there is not a single reason for not visiting Nepal and there are lots of reasons for visiting Nepal, how could Nepal claimed not worth visiting? Everything that was possible before the earthquake still remains possible. Trekking, touring, rafting, driving, flights and every other adventure are possible. It's a myth that Nepal is not worth visiting.