I am an American widow living abroad on a small retirement income. I live very well in Nepal and truthfully, my lifestyle is a lot higher than if I lived in the US. However, I did have some savings when I arrived in Nepal.
The situation in the US has changed substantially since I left-for the worse. It’s been a record year for cold weather and homelessness. American people are suffering. I want to encourage those hit hardest to get out and live a better lifestyle, too, like me. But the poor seem trapped, just as trapped in the US as the poor is here in Nepal.
I’m talking about a widow/widower/retired person with $700-800 per month in retirement. I’ve read about ways to live abroad on a shoestring, but the advice never seems to be the answer. One of the budget travel guides tell you it can teach you how to live in Nepal on only $40 per day, which is about $25 more than necessary. OK, if you are trekking it can get a bit pricy, but seriously, I know it is very possible to live here, very nicely, on $15 per day. I want to get to know people who would like to give it a try. I particularly want to mentor women from the West who never thought they could get away to have some adventures.
----So, here is the offer to anyone willing to explore this.
$500 per month total charge includes:
1. Housing
a. Private room in the apartment/guest house
b. Private bathroom with Western toilet
c. On-Demand hot water
2. Food
a. All the food you can eat, prepared fresh and to your order
b. Vegetables are primarily organically grown
c. Three meals per day will be prepared for you when you are home
d. If you would like to suggest a meal it will be prepared for you
e. The kitchen and apartment/guest house will be yours to call home. The kitchen is always open for you to cook in or ask to have something prepared
f. Organic coffee and excellent Nepali teas are always free for you and your guests
3. Transportation
a. Local excursions within the Kathmandu Valley are offered throughout the week-free and low cost for extra site seeing
b. You will live near a bus route, which is very easy to learn
c. There are many places to see nearby
d. Group excursions will be planned to help you to explore Nepal
4. Medical
a. I have explored the medical facilities in Nepal and have relationships with doctors and other health care professionals. Should you become ill you will have the best possible care.
b. I suggest getting a travel insurance policy in case you have a major health challenge. This would allow you to be taken to a world class hospital in India, Thailand, Dubai or back home.
c. In the event that you need hospitalization you will have the facility upgraded to be consistent with Western medical care. A staff nurse, latex gloves, an air filter, etc. will be provided for you during your hospital stay. A day worker will be provided during your recovery time.
What this will do is get you unstuck. You could go back in May and everyone will be happy to see you. You will have escaped the cold, been active for the entire time, been in a safe environment, and will return with more pictures and stories than you ever thought possible. You could spend a few weeks or a month with each of your family members when you get back, since you probably won’t have a house anymore. Theoretically, I still have a box in Arkansas. So, that would give you another year or so to finalize your plans to make a more permanent escape.
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| This school takes volunteers and doesn't charge a fee. |
I would continue to work to bring you back, and I have a lot of ways to help you pay for your travel. If you do not have money to get here I can help you to get the money via a fundraising method I’m working on. Check out my blog of three years to come to know me. Read my references on Couchsurfing.org (FrugalTravelsNepal) to see that I am a person you can trust. This is a big task for anyone to undertake, and I am not the kind of person who would abandon you.
How it works:
Living arrangements: You would share my apartment/guest house and have your own bedroom/bathroom with a Western toilet. You would have the entire place for your use; cook a meal for yourself, etc. If your stay is in a guest house their will be communal places throughout the property for socializing.
Personal Care: I have a housekeeper who comes in daily. She brings you whatever you need each morning. If you want her to go out to get you something she will be happy to do that.
Food: It’s best to eat vegetarian here because of the refrigeration/electricity issues. You can either make your own food or it can be prepared for you each day. Of course, if you want to eat lunch or dinner out, that will be on your own rupee. I have an inverter for electricity, but the refrigerator is too heavy a load for the inverter.
Medical care: If you get sick I have a doctor who will come to your room. You will be feeling better in no time at all. If you were to develop a serious condition there are many international hospitals, including a world renowned cardiac hospital. You can get a travel insurance medical policy to help in case of a major problem.
Recreation: You will have a taxi at your disposal for daily excursions and for your needs. You could volunteer at just about any school or NGO of your choosing. Create a life, make new friends. What was your dream when you were young?
Safety: First of all, Nepal is a very safe country, particularly for tourists. We are usually treated like royalty, but it is important to understand the culture, laws and other nuances of the society. Although many Nepali will be happy to cheat you out of a few rupees, you are very safe here physically. However, if you get stuck in Kathmandu and miss the last bus or feel unsafe in any way we will be there for you and get you home safely.
Coming back home: Each of our guests will be given a large aluminum chest for souvenirs approximately 36X25X40 that can be packed and shipped home with amazingly inexpensive gifts.  |
| You will enjoy gathering up some lovely souvenirs to take back home. |
What You Will Need:
· You will need airfare to Nepal and money in savings for a return flight. This will allow you a 10-months stay in Nepal if you come in August. You need to have a stable income of at least $700 per month, so you can have some spending money and some travel insurance.
You will need to start considering your future plans in/around February or March so we will have enough time to get you settled with long term arrangements. Otherwise, you will need to return to your home country or go elsewhere after your 10 months in Nepal.
I am working to create a circuit whereby you can travel to India, Thailand or Cambodia until you can start the circuit over again by coming to Nepal.
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| Not only will you be able to explore Western medical, but there are many shamans and other alternative treatments available. |
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This is one of the ancient temples in Bhaktapur during a festival.
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Did you know I wrote an eBook filled with tips on getting the most out of your visit to Nepal?
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