The wonderful experiences of taking public transport in Kathmandu- Part I

I like to think that I am a relaxed person able to maintain my composure when needed. But, there are a lot of things… especially people that piss me off like no other. Like, for example, the middle-aged-sweaty-pot-bellied men who try to get close to you in a public bus/micro in Kathmandu. I am sure every Nepali girl who has ever taken a public transportation has had this experience in life before. My dad volunteers to drop me off most of the times (which is the 93943296^th reason why I have the best parents in the world) but sometimes I have to take a micro or a bus because he is too busy or away. So, I dread the day when I have to take a local bus and so I get ready at least an hour before I actually have to leave just so I won’t be crammed into a micro with sweaty men around. And since I live in Kirtipur, I walk 20 minutes to get to the first bus stop, just so I can get a seat, by the window-- away from perverts.

But this fine afternoon, I knew the bus would not be that packed, since it was 1 in the afternoon and I had to get to Baneshwor. I planned it carefully; I would get off at Balkhu, and then take “Nepal Yatayat” to Baneshwor. Perfect! I had my I-pod out once I got into the Nepal Yatayat and sat at the back seat. Awesome. Taking a local bus did not seem that bad that day. Then as Usher was singing in my ear about how he wanted to trade places with me, I felt someone’s arms around me. I turned to look around and yes, it was what I feared - a middle-aged-sweaty-old man trying to touch me. I tried to move a little far away…my mom always told me to count till ten when I am really pissed off. But that nasty piece of fat meat would not give up; I kept on moving away and he kept on moving closer. I got mad…like really Really REALLY mad. I elbowed him in his stomach and got up and went to sit at the front. But deep inside, I just wish I had yelled at him “You filthy piece of a person, asshole, DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH ME! Don’t you have a daughter or a granddaughter?” It sounds really corny but that is what I always wonder how they would react if someone did that to their daughter/sister/mother. 

Thankfully, my dad came to pick me up on my way back just because he is an angel and when I got back home I told my mom the story. She thinks I am too impulsive and always advices me that I should try to be a lady and control my temper. So, obviously, being a typical Nepali mother, she told me I should have just walked away and should not have hit him. Being the stubborn person I am, I told her what I did was right and would do it again if I had to and that I let him go easily. Yes, I would.

Why is it so hard for Nepali girls to be themselves or be somewhat independent? I know we have come a long way from getting married to the man your parents chose when you were 14 and spending your whole life in the kitchen and taking care of your family, but unfortunately we are still not where I would want us to be. I hate paying for taxis, so I do not take taxis unless I have to, and I do not have a scooter since I do not live in Nepal. Should a girl dread taking public transportation because the men in it will assault you? And, if we tell them not to do it, or take actions against it, should we feel guilty? I say no, unless you let a men know you are strong enough to lash out if they try to misbehave, they will not give up. So, all the ladies out there who have had the same experience as I have, trust me, you are not the first girl and you will not be the last, so say something or do something in that situation. I am not trying to preach or anything but I really just wanted to let my voice out because this is one thing that always bothers me when I am in Kathmandu and I know other Nepali girls have been through the same thing.

-Moana Kanel is our regular blogger who wants to put a "feminine touch"(her words) to the website and has an opinion about everything. Coming soon: Part II. And many more!