My name is Fiona day and I first arrived in Nepal 2011. I had arranged a trip, alone; so I could support an orphanage in Kathmandu. As soon as I landed I instantly felt this is where I belonged, it felt like my home, and I’ve been returning ever since, 10 years later.
My love for Nepal has been a huge personal journey, from owning a small guesthouse in the heart of Kathmandu, to now offering comfortable fully furnished rental apartments. I’ve worked alongside many organisations to help the children and Nepal. I fundraised after the 2015 devastating earthquake and supported families in need. My love for Nepal is beyond anything I can even put into words, it’s special, it’s unique and I am blessed to be a part of this amazing country. I’m passionate about putting an end to child/human trafficking from Nepal. My 2 children love the country; I have a house I rent in Bhaisapati, where my adorable dog stays with my manger. I advertise and promote Nepal as much as I can. I’ve hosted spiritual retreats, and many times taken groups over from Dubai to experience the amazing Nepalese energy. Anything to do with Nepal, I’m there and I’m helping whenever possible. In Dubai I’ve attended many Nepalese events, and during the covid lockdown crisis for one month we organised and fed 80 men in the labour camps as they had no food and jobs.
Over the past 10 years on my many visits to Nepal, I have often felt upset, frustrated and disappointed the way I am treated because I’m not a Nepalese. Each time I am actually filled with dread before I even leave Dubai airport. Dread due to the knowing I have a headache ahead of me! On arrival there is either huge queue as soon as you step inside the terminal, or the system is so slow it can takes hours to proceed through the immigration. One time I stood in a HUGE time consuming que only to be told the gentleman needed his lunch, everyone in the line was in shock, we were all tired, hungry and in need of rest. Many travel from the other end of the world to visit Nepal. This is not acceptable for a county to allow this system which clearly doesn’t work. And it leaves an everlasting impression on visitors arriving in Nepal. Not a pleasant one!
Back in April of 2021 I was excited to visit the cable cars in Kathmandu, where I’m taken up and receive a magnificent view once I reach the top. Standing in the que with my Nepali friend I was told I’m a foreigner so I have to pay 3000 NPR, whilst my friend pays 800 rupees, I was so shocked and upset I walked away and declined. If I’m searching for a taxi I hide around a corner and my Nepali friends grabs a car else I’m charged double. This in not ok, we are all equal and we should all be charged the same price. In Thamel when I shop if I speak Nepali, I’m offered a lower price, If I don’t then its 3x higher. What is this??
Taking my PCR test at a local hospital back in April I was charged again, 3x the amount as I’m white and not a local. I’ve been called on numerous occasions, British rich white girl.
Nepal requires tourism to continue. How can this happen if foreigners are treated this way? Arriving back last week from Nepal was very upsetting, once again! I arrived at the international airport. I was unaware, due to miss information regarding the requirements with the covid situation that I needed ANOTHER PCR test. The previous day I had taken a PCR presuming that was all I needed. On arrival I was literally laughed at by a group of 5 people at the PCR form desk that I needed to go over to the other building to take a rapid test. I had 2 large cases; I had to run over by myself along a half completed construction road, down a steep paved road to take another test. No one helped me. I had only one and a half hours before my FlyDubai flight was taking off. I’m a single mother and was afraid to miss this flight as my daughter was expecting me home. After all the commotion and stress I managed to enter the terminal whilst waiting for my Nepali friend to run over and receive my negative PCR. I was handed my boarding pass at check in at 6pm. My flight was scheduled for 6.30pm. The airport system is a total headache for anyone arriving and exiting.
I’ve returned home, sad, frustrated and in wonder if I have any energy to go through this every time I arrive. My heart is slowing leaving and it makes me feel like my voice is not heard and no changes will happen Changes that are desperately required to help the tourism industry in Nepal. A county I love. Please Nepal, please make changes, please understand that Nepal NEEDS Tourism. If we’re treated we way we are, many will not want to return. Leave a beautiful everlasting positive impression for the foreigners visiting. Leave them wanting more and eager to return.
-Fiona Day
