The Beauty of Urban Life

Living in the midst of the crowded and noisiest place of Nepal, Kathmandu, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the simpler life I once knew back in the lush green fields of my village. The smell of damp wood after rainfall, the loud chirping of birds signaling the start of a promising morning, and the crescent moon shining in the night sky were all distant memories that felt like a lifetime ago. As I walked down Kalanki's unappealing road, I couldn't help but wonder if my life would become monotonous. I was unable to see the sunset from my balcony. Tall structures were all I could see in front of me. “Had I made a wrong choice by coming here?” I doubted myself and fell asleep.

I heard a tiny ‘queech-queech’ sound close by. I knew that sound. It was the same bird that sang a song nearby my window back in my village. I thought I was dreaming until I heard the loud motorbike. I got up and was astounded to see about 15 sparrows on my balcony. I flung open my window and watched as a flock of Myna flew past. It felt like they were welcoming me. A huge flock of pigeons flew together toward the foodgrains on the ground an elderly woman downstairs was throwing. Likewise, other bird species such as crows, sparrows, barn swallows, rock pigeons, kites, and oriental magpie robins are residing in every available area, building nests in bushes, trees, nest boxes, the ground, balconies, and beneath bridges. They did not come across fruits, berries, or flower nectar as they did in the village, but they had adapted by consuming whatever they could find including grains, peels from fruits and vegetables, and leftover food. Watching these tiny birds with their music and vibrant color was a blessing to me amidst the cement and concrete.