WEST to EAST.

San Francisco, United States

I landed in California by chance, having met a friend this past summer she offered for me to come out and help with her non-profit, Interculutral Encounters. The original plan actually dabbled with organic farming in Bulgaria, then Ireland and a quick stop in Orlando to visit my brother but, here I am. After a few nights in the Bay Area, my friend and I went into San Francsico. We ended up at a restaurant named, 'The Taste of the Himalayas,' and it has seemed to be my head quarters in the city.
The man running the restaurant also does work with a non-profit, 'Curry Without Worry.' Now in their 19th straight month of a Tuesday night ritual, they have been serving delicious Nepalese food to the hungry and curious souls of San Francisco.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to check out the scene where the largest pot of curry I had ever seen, was cooking. The warm smells of spices permeated the air while the easing sounds of kind hearted Nepalese folks singing rung through the kitchen. They enjoy what they do, you can feel it. They enjoy sharing their culture, their love, their smiles with everyone. Able to feel the positive energy flowing back and fourth, the excitement and joy seemed to never end as the founder, Shrawan Nepali, sang out 'Happy Tuesday, everyone!'
We loaded the car and were off to the Civic Center in the heart of the city. From what I was told we were running a little late that evening, about a half an hour. A line had already been formed. Passerbyes stared as the lined seemed to lead to no where. Calls from those waiting, as they do every week, were directed towards us as we had beaten the food to the sight. "I thought you guys weren't coming," an elderly man shouted, face worn from life's hardships, but still managed to say it with a smile. The food arrived quickly and we began to set up.
Efrat, a young traveler from Israel, approached me asking if I had any idea where she would drop off some clothes before she left to go home. Not being from the city, I directed her to someone else. Not quite receiving the answer she was looking for, she decided to offer he help. We gladly welcomed her to help serve. Exchanging stories about why were in San Francisco and how she had ended up coming to the states we began to speak about traveling and all it can really offer, "it's amazing the people you can meet when you travel alone," she said. "Having been traveling with someone else, I wouldn't have stopped to see what this line leading to no where was all about." (Sharon and I actually interviewed her for an upcoming project, more on that project later.)
As the line came to an end and the food had diminished, everything was packed up. I couldn't help but feel humbled. I have seen extreme poverty before while traveling, but hadn't experienced it such as this in my own country. Growing up in Trempealeau, I wasn't exposed to such hardships. As the feelings of love that came from sharing this opportunity and feeling like a part of a community came to me in waves, I couldn't help but be thankful for the journey I am on and everything that is yet to come.

London, United Kingdom

I arrived in London a bloody mess,departing from San Francisco, a lay over in Frankfurt only to landing at the London City Airport 16 hours later. I hadn't slept in a day or so. The airport was tiny but I knew that outside of the airport was a gigantic city that I knew just one person in. I was visiting my friend, Stacey Harrison, whom I had been roommates with in Kathmandu earlier this year. Being the amazing person that she is, she showed me as much of England as she could in two days, meaning London and where she lived, Surrey. The first day she treated me to a pasty in a popular square in London where street performers often gather to share their traits with passerby's hoping to make a few pounds.
Venturing about the city of London I couldn't help but feel the charm that grew from every cobble ally or the taxi that would pass. We visited Buckingham Palace which lacked the men in red suits, huge bummer. I for one, was stunned to see parliament. This may be a fact that most people wouldn't admit, but seeing it in front of me made me remember when I used to watch the men in wigs argue with one another, too bad they were all on holiday. Exhausted from walking around the city all day we hopped the Tube, were I deliberately made eye contact with every Brit to make them feel uncomfortable as they would read their newspapers.
The next day we went to a neighboring city where we drank very tasty juice, even though that has nothing to do with England, the juice was amazing. We carried on to a small castle over looking the city and rolling green hills that made me fall in love with England.
Making our way back to town, we were headed for the pubs. Stacey said it was crucial that I visit a 'proper pub' while in England which ended up being more than just 'a' pub. We ended the night with a few drinks while watching the football game, England vs. Croatia. I think during this match, I also became a fan of football or may it has to be a combination of Stella and football, I am not sure but am most definitely willing to test my theory as much as needed.
Saying good bye to Stacey early on Thursday morning, I boarded the train to the Gatwick airport, I wasn't too fond of the lay out and lack of signs, but people were helpful. Waiting only 20 minutes, I was anxious to arrive in Doha, Qatar and munch on Arabic pastries.

a travel blog by Katie

San Francisco, United States

Curry Without Worry.

San Francisco, United States

England

London, United Kingdom