A Thank You Letter

I am currently reading Jen Hatmaker's book For the Love. For those of you who don't know who she is, she is a kick. She can't help being funny. In the midst of her serious conversations she has a chapter or two of thank you notes, all quite satirical of course. She admits to taking the idea from Jimmy Fallon because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In the wake of reading her book, last week as I was riding the bus I was simultaneously writing a thank you note to the bus system in Nepal in my head. I thought you all might appreciate a little view into the letter...

Dear Nepali bus system,

When I arrived in Nepal I wondered how I was going to be able to work out. It is a bit odd for a Western woman to be out running and the risk is high for me to be hit by a car, bus, motorcycle or truck all why trying to fill my lungs with oxygen at 5,000 ft. Then I discovered the Nepali buses and it all became so clear. It may seem a bit counter intuitive at first, but bus system, you have allowed me to tone muscles that I never knew I had. Since I am quite taller than the average Nepali I am able to use some yoga positions as I enter the bus to cock my head to the side and be able to stand up. I then grab the bar above me and hold on. My arm muscles flex from holding on to the bar as we are packed in like sardines and move as a school of fish inside the bus. With each turn, twist and bump I am able to flex my abs to remain standing upright and gain my balance by anchoring my feet. It is no small feat to have the weight of many others leaning up against you as the bus comes to a stop and you have to push back not to fall out. Buses, you have also appealed to my American sense of efficiency. Not only am I able to work out, but I also can get to where I need to go all in one shot. Thank you. I will be counting the time I spend on the bus as part of my workout routine, unless I get a seat. 

Until next time,

Kristi

And just for your pleasure, I got to try on a partial sari. Whooo!