Taking things in stride - Miriam E. Krantz

Although not a Nepali by birth, she knows Nepal closely, or even better, than many among us. She has lived here for almost 49 years now and it would be unfair to call her a foreigner. When she arrived in Kathmandu at the young age of 26, she didn’t know she would be spending almost half a century in the alien land and ultimately call it home. But here she is, at 75, and she knows no other home than Nepal. A cheerful, warm, kind-hearted lady, Miriam E. Krantz, tells L&T how she came to call this Kathmandu, My Kathmandu:

Kathmandu is
Although I am not a Nepali by birth and have no blood-relation to it, but this is my home. My roots have gone deep in Nepal. Even when I am in America to visit my family for a few weeks, my heart stays here.

How long have you been living in Kathmandu and what is your fondest memory of the place?
It has been over 48 years that I have been living in Kathmandu. This October it will be 49 years. I have worked here as a nutritionist, in different positions and places, for many years now. It is hard to track down my fondest memory. There are plenty. Most of them have to do with people and different places, not just Kathmandu. I have met the most amazing, warm hearted and kind people all around Nepal. And with each of them, a good memory is attached. If I were to talk about all of them, I can probably even write a book.

What do you miss most about Kathmandu when you are travelling?
People. My friends and dear ones. And of course, the mountains. I cannot get enough of them. I just love to gaze at them. They are just beautiful, especially after the rain.

What advice would you give a tourist visiting this city?
If you don’t understand something, ask someone who understands. Don’t just assume that you are correct. Be polite and patient. Even more important: listen to the locals. This is something every tourist should learn, because in my case I learned it the hard way.

What would you like to say to aspiring artists?
You are never too old to try something you want to do. Just try it. I did and yes, it took a long time but I finally did. And I have no regrets about it. I am only grateful.

You are professional nutritionist. What inspired you to become an artist?
I grew up among beauty; lots and lots of beauty. There were farms, ponds, roses, water lily. I grew up in a place that was like a botanical garden. I think it just stuck to me all my life. I got a lot of exposure to art in different stages of my life too. Also, becoming an artist was on my to-do-list after retirement. I also wanted to learn sarangi, which I did and right after that I took the art classes. I learned from the kindergarten level but I did it.

Which part of Kathmandu truly represents the spirit of the city and why?
Well, this is a hard one. But I think I will go with Pulchowk. I lived there for 26 years and I have seen it change over the years. I witnessed it develop from the scratch. And Kathmandu as a whole has gone through that development too.

If you were to change one thing about Kathmandu, what would it be and why?
I would get all the roads paved. Not because I mind the potholes, or the mud—it’s the dust. It is dangerous for health, especially for small kids. Then, I would like to get everyone, from the well-to-do to the poorest, not to throw rubbish on the road.

How do you think Kathmandu’s traffic can be managed?
A lot of rules need to be added, but before all that, I think people should follow the rules that are already on place. Pedestrians should take sidewalks, if there are sidewalks available. It would be really helpful for everyone.

If not in Kathmandu, where would you be?
I believe God has a plan. The Lord wanted me to be here at this time, hence here I am. But well, if I wasn’t meant to be here, then maybe somewhere else. I don’t know where exactly but somewhere.

How do you escape regular Kathmandu’s grind?
I don’t think I really need an escape. I have too many things to do, and they are always exciting stuffs. Other than that, if I need to relax, I visit people in the outskirts of the Kathmandu.
Kathmandu’s must visit
I have a long list for that. But to name a few, Bhaktapur: a historic place, Dhulikhel for the sun rise and sunset, Nagarkot for the same reasons but also for the beautiful fields on either side along the way, Ananda Ban and Khokana: to get the taste of the early village life in Kathmandu.

The best piece of advice you have been given?
There was one that I received from the Executive Director of United Missions Jonathan Lyndell, when I first arrived in Nepal in 1963. He told me, “While you are in Nepal, you are going to be stupid, either one way or the other. So, better be stupid already”. I was confused and he explained me then, “In Nepal, the houses have very low ceilings and even lower doors. Hence, there is a lot of chance that you will hit your head on the door. So, you better be stupid: s-t-o-o-p-e-d.”
The other one was given to me a long time ago, “Wait for six months before you think you are wise enough to give advice”. I have had troubles for not considering this advice and yes, once again I have learned it the hard way.

How would you like to be remembered?
I am hesitant about this. I would like to be remembered for what I have taught and for things that I have initiated but will be continued by those who have learned from me. I have learned a lot from others too and I hope I have given some of my learning to others as well. I don’t want to be remembered as just a receiver but also a giver: either in terms of my profession or my faith.