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This week I joined the ranks of the greats. F Scott Fitzgerald (‘The Great Gatsby’), Herman Melville (‘Moby Dick’), and Adele. No I didn’t visit Madam Tussauds or have a book of my columns published. Now wouldn’t that be nice? No, I’m suffering, as these three famous writers did, from writer’s block. But unlike these and other authors, writers and lyricists over the years, my ‘writers block’ has been brought on not by my inability to think of anything to write, but by not being able to access information at the right time.

The reviews I am asked to write alternate to this column depend not just on my own experiences and imagination but on other people. And therein lies the rub. Relying on others is never the best policy. My reviews are not investigative journalism. I’m not going to uncover any Watergate scandal at my favourite venue. I’m not going to interview ex-staff with a grudge, check the source of their ‘organic’ products, or scrutinize the stage to see if the guitarist really does know how to play. No, I want to talk to the people involved face-to-face. And I want to make my reviews as up-beat
as possible.

I really don’t see the point in tearing someone’s work apart unless it really is justified and not just as a publicity stunt or self-promotion. And this week I couldn’t talk to anyone. Having semi-arranged a meet with one restaurant I discovered they had a press briefing the same day. A press brief that I was unaware of. (Their media person is not on the ball then. Oops, negative comment!) No point meeting them at the moment since they will probably get coverage in other media (if they invited any… slap on the wrist Jackie!). Another venue did not reply to my messages. And like I said, as I’m not trying to uncover any scandal, if you don’t reply, well that is your loss.

I do try to keep ahead of my articles, particularly if going on holiday or if I know I will be busy. That’s the other side of the coin. Perhaps I was too relaxed this week. Taking it easy after a few weeks of intense work. Too relaxed to
anticipate rejection!

Meantime, I thought for fun I would Google writer’s block. The definition is “losing the ability to produce new work, or experiencing a creative slowdown”. It was first described as a condition by a psychoanalyst in 1947. Interestingly, the same psychoanalyst, Edmund Bergler, said that homosexuality is a curable illness. So we should not put too much store on his analysis. Maybe better to say that writer’s block is simply a burn-out. Not dissimilar to a burn-out suffered by an athlete, or by a busy mother or business man. Sometimes the body, or brain, simply forces us to slow down. But none of that helps my situation—the one where reliance on others can put up blocks of a different kind.

In my Google search I came across a restaurant and bar in Philadelphia called Writer’s Block Rehab. This looked exciting but as far as I can see from the limited pictures and reviews (they have no website) it’s only connection to writer’s block is that it has shelves of books inside. Not very original as there are several restaurants selling and/or offering books to read in situ
in Kathmandu.

Described as ‘funky’ for its sofas, again I’m thinking of all the cafes and restaurants in Kathmandu with ‘funky’ seating and designs. But having never been to Philadelphia, maybe that is funky for that town? But what a great name for a café or co-working space here: “Writer’s Block Rehab”. So I’ve now patented the name. Contact me if you want to talk!

Inside the pristine forest of Shivapuri National Park lies the Nagi Gompa Nunnery. Here, after a morning hike of around two hours, you can have lunch with the nuns in a peaceful environment while enjoying the amazing view of the Kathmandu valley. The lunch along with the trek will cost you Rs 12,500. The price includes an English speaking guide (in case you need one), entrance fees to the national park, and private transport. For more information, visit socialtours.com/trip/lunch-with-nuns.

Knocking down the ‘Iron Gate’ is not easy. Years in the pipeline, the last few months of the process can be incredibly stressful. So, at the end of it, three months of holidays is not only well deserved but also enough time for students to rejuvenate before they join high school. In this time, they can pick up some fun activities that help them explore their interests and in their overall growth. If you’re wondering what you can do with your time, fret not. We list some fun activities just for you.

LEARNING MUSIC 

One engaging hobby most students pick up during this time is music. They can take up an instrument and learn to play their favorite songs and learn music theory. The music schools listed below may be worth exploring.

1) Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC)

Location: Jhamsikhel, Contact: 01-5543554 

KJC makes you spoilt for choice. Students can pick between vocals, bass, piano, drums and guitar. A popular school for aspiring musicians, KJC also offers elementary, middle and higher diplomas. Admission for elementary two-year diploma opens coming August. Students get a 30 percent discount if they enroll for lessons between 10 am and 12 pm, Monday to Friday. 

2) Nepal Music Center

Location: Karuna Marg, Sinamangal, Contact: 01-4465463 

Run by a guthi, Nepal Music Center offers lessons in guitars, keyboard and western vocals. Enrollment cost is Rs 500 and monthly lessons, Rs 2,000 (for eight lessons a month). You will be required to keep Rs 3,000 in refundable security deposit with the center. 

3) Sushila Arts Academy 

Location: Jana Marg, Maharajgunj, Contact: 01-4015643

Sushila Arts Academy offers a variety of courses in performance arts, including on piano, guitar and violin. The basic course (Rs 4,500) is of six months, but we recommend a diploma of two or three years. In addition, the academy offers lessons on kathak, bharatnatyam, freestyle, flamenco, hip hop and contemporary dance forms. 

PICKING UP A NEW LANGUAGE

Learning a new language is difficult when you’re inundated with schoolwork. So the break is a great time to acquire a new vernacular. 

1) ALTA VISTA, A school of Spanish Language 

Location: Putalisadak, Contact: 01-4010529 

The basic one-month, 30-hour course costs Rs 8,000, with Rs 1,000 in discount for SEE graduates. The instructor is a native of Spain and teaches in English. You get a certificate after the completion of 30 hours. Students nearing their high school graduation and applying abroad may also enroll.  

2) GOETHE-Zentrum Kathmandu

Location: Thapathali, Contact: 01-4250871 

This institute of German language offers new sessions every August. A student can choose between normal and intensive courses, which are of two months and four months respectively. Normal course costs Rs 12,000 while the price for intensive course is Rs 14,000. 

3) Nepal Japanese Language School 

Location: Puspalal Path, Contact: 01-4365555

Love anime? Students interested in Japanese language can enroll here. The school’s introductory course (N5 level) spans over six months long and costs Rs 2,000 a month along with a one-time registration charge of Rs 500. Students can opt for more advanced level courses later if they plan to go to Japan for higher education. 

SHAPING UP

Most teenagers take an interest in fitness during this holiday. A healthy approach to improving and maintaining a good physique can yield many benefits. While heavy lifting is not recommended at 15 or 16, having an instructor teach you cardio and basic workouts can come handy. 

1) The Physique Workshop 

Location: Kumaripati/ Maharajgunj/ Maitidevi, Contact: 01-5521190

TPW offers gym and cardio facilities in packages ranging from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months to 1 year. There are a variety of equipment for weight training. The one-month basic package costs Rs 3,000, which goes up to Rs 25,000 for a year. Your admission fee of Rs 500 may be waived off in case of referrals or group-attendance.

2) RAGE fitness

Location: Sama Marga, Naxal, Contact: 01-4411288 

Or why don’t you join RAGE fitness, a popular space for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training? RAGE offers training for MMA, Boxing, Cardio Kickboxing, Zumba, BodyAttack, TRX, Aerobics, and a fully equipped gym. Among the younger age group, boxing is said to be the most popular choice. The option costs Rs 3,500 a month, with sessions taking place four times a week. 

3) Banu’s Total Fitness

Location: Kamalpokhari, 01- 4434830

Another popular gym, Banu’s Total Fitness, offers services such as boxing and weight-training. The monthly gym membership costs Rs 4,520 and monthly boxing membership costs Rs 4,500. An instructor is always present to guide you. Unlike most other gyms, Banu’s is open even on Saturday mornings. 

WORKING THE LENS

With Instagram feeds becoming more aesthetic and YouTube gaining popularity, learning how to operate a camera can give you an edge, in just about anything you do.

1) National School of Photography 

Location: Chabahil, Contact: 01-4488616

This is the place to be if you want to nurture your inner photographer. The National School of Photography offers a wide range of courses in photography, photo and video editing, and videography. Yes, SEE graduates get special discounts. The cost for a month-long basic level course is Rs 10,500 whereas a higher level three-month ‘Foundation’ course costs Rs 35,000, after which students have the option of internship. The school provides certificates for all students who complete the program. 

2) Nepal Photography Training Institute

Location: Kamaladi, Contact: 01-4216291

For beginners, the training institute has courses on photography, photo editing, videography and video editing. The 21-day photography course costs Rs 7,000; the photo editing course is priced at Rs 4,000. Likewise, the month-long videography course costs Rs 15,000; the video editing course is priced at Rs 10,000. After the completion of basic courses, students have the option of pursuing advanced courses. 

3) School Of Creative Communications

Location: Kupondol, Contact: 984-1242307 

The courses offered here are tailored to people of diverse interests. SEE graduates and +2 students can enroll in the courses here regardless of their chosen stream. The 30-hour, 15-day photography and photo-editing course costs Rs 5,500. Admissions open the first week of every English month. The school also offers need-based scholarships. There is a creative writing course, too, if you are interested.

Kanchan Amatya has become the first Nepali to win the prestigious “Princess Diana Award”. Amatya was awarded for her work in boosting women’s financial standing, which she did in affiliation with the United Nations.

After the fatal car accident of Princess Diana in 1997, the British royal family had started this prestigious award, to be given on Princess Diana’s birthday to the ones contributing to the welfare of the society. Every year, her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, hand it out in the house where their mother spent her childhood.

Amatya, a graduate of St. Mary’s School in Kathmandu, is currently in the United States, where she is a student and also working for
United Nations Youth and Women Rights. She has also gotten several other awards. Moreover, the US House of Representatives has appointed her to advocate for the cause of Nepali youth and
women.