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Nepal
RIGHT NOW
Life is uncharted territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time.
Leo Buscaglia
After enjoying a New Years' Eve dinner at Nepal's five-star Dwairka's Hotel in Kathmandu, I was about to turn in at
my lodge when I received a call. "Madame, please join us for dancing and drinks," said an unidentified but
official-sounding voice of a lodge staffer.
It was 90 minutes until the New Year. When I entered the dining room, a fire blazed, perfuming the room with toasty
wood. Glittering streamers festooned the ceilings and columns, and professional Nepalese musicians and dancers
performed on an intimate corner stage. The drinks and fresh popcorn were free.
To my left sat a vocal, merry group, the only female member of which smiled and beckoned me over to her table. "Are
you alone?" asked Sabina, a German expat who was the lodge manager.
"Yes, I am."
"We can't have that on New Year's Eve," she said. "Come join us."
I had become quite content with my solo celebration in the Nepalese Himalyas. And though the beginning of my evening
never hinted at it, I was delighted to share company with a cadre of international travelers.
The countdown began, and at its conclusion Sabina and I toasted with imported champagne. We hugged to the sound of
horns and popping balloons. Sabina yelled, "Happy New Year!" Then she paused, eyed me quizzically and asked, "What is
your name again?" We broke into hysterics as I shouted my name through the din of music and merriment. I don't think
she heard me. And I didn't care.
We can't script every aspect of our lives. But we can solve the riddle of fulfillment when we plan ahead while
simultaneously embracing the surprises of each moment.
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