"Twas the Night Before Christmas and All Through Nepal...

On Saturday, December 24, I saw a great sunrise from my room at the Kumari Inn in Kathmandu.

On that day, I was the invited guest speaker for the Conservative Dentistry and Endodontic Association of Nepal (CDEAN). The meeting was held at a hotel in Kathmandu, not too far from my guest house. After my typical guesthouse breakfast, Nisha picked me up, and drove me to the venue. There were 112 attendees! I noticed that the audience was predominantly female (90%) and predominantly young in appearance. I was told that dentists in Nepal are about 70% female overall and they are young because most of the dental schools here have existed for less than 15 years. I did learn that there is a 85-year-old endodontist in Nepal, so that made me feel young!

I gave my presentations on the requested topics and they seemed well-received. The audience was polite and gracious. We had a hands-on section at the end where attendees practiced bypassing ledges created in plastic J-block canals. Unlike in the US where everyone "skidaddles" right after the meeting, here most of the audience lingered for maybe an hour. Many attendees had questions or cases they wanted to ask me about, and others wanted to capture a photograph with me. I felt so honored and respected. 

I didn't pack my usual suit and tie for CE speaking. I really didn't think I'd be doing this here. Nobody seemed to mind my casual attire. I had an incredibly fun day because the audience was so receptive to my remarks. I met many new Nepali friends/colleagues, and received invitations to visit 2 other dental schools and the military hospital's dental program.

Afterwards, Nisha drove me to the home she shares with Dash, their two daughters and Dash's parents. They have a very comfortable home and insistently welcomed me there for a Christmas Eve celebration.

This is the sunset as viewed from the upper level of their home.

 

I was so touched that Dash had actually gone to the Bhat Bateni store earlier that day and acquired a Christmas tree (for a Hindu household) -- just for my visit! The girls had decorated it appropriately.

Dash prepared a delicious Chinese "hot pot" meal. 

Each of the girls performed a dance for me. I was impressed with their dance skills.

I was returned to the Kumari Inn where I slept well with visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. It was another great day in Nepal. This Chirstmas Eve will be long-remembered.