Merry Christmas to everyone.
The celebrations began this morning with our paper Christmas Tree and gifts underneath for all the kids. It's fun to see the kids all running around smiling. (not that they are usually sad). It's just nice to be able to share in the celebrations with them.
Yesterday we prepared "chicken stuffing MOMOs (which are like dumplings). Bringing Nepal and the Western Christmas together. We are also making mashed potatoes and gravy. For dessert, cakes were made in the oven at a local bakery. Quite an event!
So, shall I write about my trek...I guess so.
I headed off with two other volunteers I met here on a 5 day trek. The trek, we believe would consist of going to Ghorepani and Poon Hill and then to Ghandruk and back out of the mountains.
We were planning to leave at 8:30am on the 16th, though we were told there would be a strike so we left just after 6am. VERY early. We had a guide and a porter that would help us along the trek and carry our stuff.
Day 1. We started out in Nayapul around 830am walking. We stopped about an hour later for breakfast. I believe it took about 2 hours, no joke. The lady had to run down to the next shop to get 2 eggs. She came back hiding them behind her back like she was embarrassed. It was quite cute. After lunch we continued walking until about 2 when we had lunch and finished our day just after. It was a nice relaxing evening playing cards.
Day 2. We started around 7 or 730 and began with about a 300 metre climb of stairs up from Thikedunga to Ulleri. It was hot out and a little challenging, but once we got to the top we had our Coke/Fanta reward. From there we made our way to Ghorepani arriving around 430pm. Got our guesthouse, Nice View, which had a great view over the mountains. We were at about 2900 metres and it was COLD.
Day 3. We started out at 5:45 to hike up to Poon Hill, 3200 metres, for the sunrise. It turned out to be not the most exciting sunrise, but the view was still stunning. We headed back to the guesthouse for breakfast before another LONG day. We thought we were going to Chuile, a little past Tadapani, but our guide decided to push us to the max and we walked till 5 pm. It was a LONG, HARD day for all of us. I don't know what our "guide" was thinking, but we did it. The guesthouse wasn't the best and we were given a bucket of boiling water to shower with. This is quite a Nepali experience. The other two girls were really unimpressed. For the money we were paying our guide (who told us we would have great accomodation) it was not up there, but I thought it was kind of fun. You haven't experienced Nepal until you had a "saucepan" shower. That meaning, along with the bucket we had a saucepan and a large bowl to mix cold water and pour it over ourselves.
The next day, Day 4. Up at the crack of day again and off by 730. We made it to the Hot Spings in Jhainu which was a nice break. The shower part of the hot springs was amazing. Probably the best shower since I have been in Nepal and that is saying a lot considering I was wearing shorts, and a tank top. Not to mention the 10 Nepali people/kids watching us wash. Again it was a long day as we had to push on as far as possible to shorten our walk for the 5th and final day. A National 3 day Strike was planned beginning on the Sunday, our last day. A national strike means there are NO cars on the road and most shops are closed. We ended in a Tolka, 3 hours from the road.
Day 5. The Final day. We started walking at 730am with a big set of steps to start. Not fun. We walked for hours. And when I say hours, I mean we had to walk all the way to Pokhara, the city we started in. We arrived at 7pm that night. We physically walked for about 9 hours that day. It is quite amazing what we accomplished. It was probably an 8 day trek crammed into 5 days. More walking than we really wanted, but I am proud of what I did and happy I did it. And even happier that I was able to keep positive the entire time and finish with a smile. The other girls seemed a little more bitter about the long days, but there was nothing we could do. Just be happy we did it. I even think that I would like to come back and do a longer trek in a couple years.
Trekking in the Himalayas....check!
Missing everyone at home but enjoying my time. I will try and put some photos up in the next few days.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Another week gone
Time started out slow, but is now flying by. Though it feels like I have been here for quite a long time.
What has happened in the past week...hmmm.
This past weekend I went up the mountain to Sarangkot with Charlotte, from France. She is staying with a homestay family and the grandparents live up there so we stayed with them. We took the local bus up which was quite funny. We were crammed in like sardines, and not only in the bus but also on top and hanging out the door. Just this morning I read in the paper about a bus on that road that fell over the side of the hill and killed about 13 people. Anyway, there was a lady on the bus that kept trying to talk to me, though all I could do was smile as she didn't speak English. She slapped me lightly for god only knows what reason. She was quite funny, and possibly drunk...who knows. She was taking 5 litres of "raksi" the local alcohol up the mountain. There were some sweet little boys that let me sit with them. It was a fun/funny ride.
Up at the house was interesting. The houses are just cement walls and an aluminum roof. It gets quite cold at night. We played with the children and hung around the "buffalo" house to keep warm by the fire and ate dahl baht. As it gets dark early we went up to bed just after 8, wrote in our journals and then to sleep. "Grandmother" tucked Charlotte and I into our single shared bed. It was quite cute and funny. We had to go outside to the "squat" toilet. The next morning we got up at 6 to walk up to the viewing tower to see the sunrise over the mountains. We were really lucky that it was a nice clear morning. Then a nice breakfast looking over the mountains. Back to the house around 8:45 or 9. Just in time for dahl baht at 9:15. That was my first time to have it in the morning. 9:15 is too early to eat rice and beans and curried vegetables. We took some photos with the grandparents. I love them. They are just the cutest sweetest old people.
Around 10:30 we headed out to walk to the "paragliding" take off place. Charlotte and I were doing a 30 minute paragliding down to the lakeside. It was quite the experience. Really fun and interesting, though myself, I wouldn't do it again. In order to gain height you have to circle and that made me feel nauseous. NOT fun. After we made it to the ground I felt better. We were just in time to meet up with the group of volunteers for an afternoon on the lake with paddle boats. We were 12 people and had 4 boats tied together. It was such a fun afternoon. Lots of good laughs.
Tomorrow I am heading off trekking for 5 days. We are going to "Poon Hill". It is going to be fun and challenging for me I think. I am going with 2 other girls and we will have a guide and porters. We can't/don't want to carry our things. Lots of little things to get organised today. Last minute things to get.
After my trek I am planning to be back here for the rest of the year volunteering. Looking forward to it and spending Christmas with the children.
If I don't get on here before Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone.
What has happened in the past week...hmmm.
This past weekend I went up the mountain to Sarangkot with Charlotte, from France. She is staying with a homestay family and the grandparents live up there so we stayed with them. We took the local bus up which was quite funny. We were crammed in like sardines, and not only in the bus but also on top and hanging out the door. Just this morning I read in the paper about a bus on that road that fell over the side of the hill and killed about 13 people. Anyway, there was a lady on the bus that kept trying to talk to me, though all I could do was smile as she didn't speak English. She slapped me lightly for god only knows what reason. She was quite funny, and possibly drunk...who knows. She was taking 5 litres of "raksi" the local alcohol up the mountain. There were some sweet little boys that let me sit with them. It was a fun/funny ride.
Up at the house was interesting. The houses are just cement walls and an aluminum roof. It gets quite cold at night. We played with the children and hung around the "buffalo" house to keep warm by the fire and ate dahl baht. As it gets dark early we went up to bed just after 8, wrote in our journals and then to sleep. "Grandmother" tucked Charlotte and I into our single shared bed. It was quite cute and funny. We had to go outside to the "squat" toilet. The next morning we got up at 6 to walk up to the viewing tower to see the sunrise over the mountains. We were really lucky that it was a nice clear morning. Then a nice breakfast looking over the mountains. Back to the house around 8:45 or 9. Just in time for dahl baht at 9:15. That was my first time to have it in the morning. 9:15 is too early to eat rice and beans and curried vegetables. We took some photos with the grandparents. I love them. They are just the cutest sweetest old people.
Around 10:30 we headed out to walk to the "paragliding" take off place. Charlotte and I were doing a 30 minute paragliding down to the lakeside. It was quite the experience. Really fun and interesting, though myself, I wouldn't do it again. In order to gain height you have to circle and that made me feel nauseous. NOT fun. After we made it to the ground I felt better. We were just in time to meet up with the group of volunteers for an afternoon on the lake with paddle boats. We were 12 people and had 4 boats tied together. It was such a fun afternoon. Lots of good laughs.
Tomorrow I am heading off trekking for 5 days. We are going to "Poon Hill". It is going to be fun and challenging for me I think. I am going with 2 other girls and we will have a guide and porters. We can't/don't want to carry our things. Lots of little things to get organised today. Last minute things to get.
After my trek I am planning to be back here for the rest of the year volunteering. Looking forward to it and spending Christmas with the children.
If I don't get on here before Christmas, Merry Christmas to everyone.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Shaka Laka Boom
This is the slogan written on walls for noodles. Quite funny.
Anyway, once again it has been quite some time since I have written. I don't even remember what I have done since I last wrote. I do keep a journal and know, but it is upstairs in my room. Lets see if my memory is any good.
Last week, I don't remember anything earth shattering happening. I got my camera stolen last Sunday at a festival. That kind of sucks cause they are not the cheapest thing here. I still haven't bought a new one. I did get a police report to file my insurance. No big deal. We had gone to this festival with a guy that teaches some of our students. It ended up being awkward because he seemed to assume that we would pay for everything, Harvey and I. We paid the taxi there, fine. But his entrance fee, that is a little far over the line. I mean, he didn't even offer to pay, just assumed that we would. I didn't like that. We got coffee, very cheap, but again, he assumed we would pay. Sure it was only 15 cents, but the principal....Harvey wasn't having it and asked him for the 10 rupees.
Met a volunteer from France who is teaching in a school about 25 minutes away. SHe is the only volunteer there so we meet up from time to time. We met for dinner on Friday with her and a few other volunteers. It was a nice evening. We went to a bar after, just me and a couple of the guys, but I didn't find it enjoyable so headed home. No one had energy to do anything on Saturday. I am not even sure what I ended up doing. I think I may have met up with Charlotte(from France) and we went to book paragliding. We are going on Saturday. She is staying with a homestay family and their grandparents live up on the mountain where we will do the paragliding. They invited me to go there Friday night with them and spend the night. Then we will come down flying. Should be fun and a good experience staying with the family.
Sunday there was a strike by the Maoists. This meant that kids didn't have school in the afternoon and most shops were closed. A few of us took the kids to the park. It was quite a relaxing afternoon just lazing in the park. Some of the kids ran around and played football(soccer) and others just enjoyed relaxing. I know I sure did.
Monday Harvey and I went to school with some of the school kids. They didn't have classes because there was a teachers strike but they had this "sport" class which is really just them marching like in the military and some random exercises. It was a little wierd.
I am planning to go trekking next week with a couple girls next week for 5 days. We need to get it all planned. It should be fun. I am hoping to spend Christmas here with the children. It should be fun.
Sorry this post seems a little all over the place. I wrote half last night and finishing it up this morning. And I really don't want to re-read it all to see what I wrote or not.
Things have been going well though. I am enjoying my time here a lot. There are quite a few volunteers here now which is not the best. There are some that just rub me the wrong way which is quite annoying. At times I feel quite old because some of these people are not only young, but also immature. Part of me just wishes that we had our original group. Oh well, enough complaining from me.
I am going to eat some delicious dahl baht soon then into town...I really need to get a camera.
Ciao
Anyway, once again it has been quite some time since I have written. I don't even remember what I have done since I last wrote. I do keep a journal and know, but it is upstairs in my room. Lets see if my memory is any good.
Last week, I don't remember anything earth shattering happening. I got my camera stolen last Sunday at a festival. That kind of sucks cause they are not the cheapest thing here. I still haven't bought a new one. I did get a police report to file my insurance. No big deal. We had gone to this festival with a guy that teaches some of our students. It ended up being awkward because he seemed to assume that we would pay for everything, Harvey and I. We paid the taxi there, fine. But his entrance fee, that is a little far over the line. I mean, he didn't even offer to pay, just assumed that we would. I didn't like that. We got coffee, very cheap, but again, he assumed we would pay. Sure it was only 15 cents, but the principal....Harvey wasn't having it and asked him for the 10 rupees.
Met a volunteer from France who is teaching in a school about 25 minutes away. SHe is the only volunteer there so we meet up from time to time. We met for dinner on Friday with her and a few other volunteers. It was a nice evening. We went to a bar after, just me and a couple of the guys, but I didn't find it enjoyable so headed home. No one had energy to do anything on Saturday. I am not even sure what I ended up doing. I think I may have met up with Charlotte(from France) and we went to book paragliding. We are going on Saturday. She is staying with a homestay family and their grandparents live up on the mountain where we will do the paragliding. They invited me to go there Friday night with them and spend the night. Then we will come down flying. Should be fun and a good experience staying with the family.
Sunday there was a strike by the Maoists. This meant that kids didn't have school in the afternoon and most shops were closed. A few of us took the kids to the park. It was quite a relaxing afternoon just lazing in the park. Some of the kids ran around and played football(soccer) and others just enjoyed relaxing. I know I sure did.
Monday Harvey and I went to school with some of the school kids. They didn't have classes because there was a teachers strike but they had this "sport" class which is really just them marching like in the military and some random exercises. It was a little wierd.
I am planning to go trekking next week with a couple girls next week for 5 days. We need to get it all planned. It should be fun. I am hoping to spend Christmas here with the children. It should be fun.
Sorry this post seems a little all over the place. I wrote half last night and finishing it up this morning. And I really don't want to re-read it all to see what I wrote or not.
Things have been going well though. I am enjoying my time here a lot. There are quite a few volunteers here now which is not the best. There are some that just rub me the wrong way which is quite annoying. At times I feel quite old because some of these people are not only young, but also immature. Part of me just wishes that we had our original group. Oh well, enough complaining from me.
I am going to eat some delicious dahl baht soon then into town...I really need to get a camera.
Ciao
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Feels like so long
I can't believe it has been a week since I wrote. Time seems to be going quite slow here which is nice. It means I still have quite a bit of time here with the kids. It is really nice to watch how they change and open up over time. There is one girl about 9 who is in class with kids about 7. She is quite quiet and doesn't seem to try and learn (though a lot of them don't). She is really starting to get closer to me and I really want to help her. It's too bad she doesn't go to school with the others. I love these kids though. They are just really sweet.
What have I done other than working/teaching here...hard to remember. Don't get upto TOO much on a regular basis. Nice to just go out into town and enjoy the life here. Saw a goat that had just been slaughtered. Saw how they take the hair off a goat. Got henna done on my hand one day as I hung out with the girls and the couple women that work here. "Auntie" one of the ladies did it on my hand while others died girls hair with it. THey all seem to want whiter skin for some reason too.
Took a couple girls out for a drink and food one day with Harvey. Something different for them. That afternoon we(me and 4 other volunteers) took a group of kids to the park. This ended up in a swimming excursion first. All the boys decided to jump in the lake (half in underwear the other half nothing) and the 2 girls eventually decided to go in a bit too.
On the 25th it was a sponsors 85th birthday. He was here and we ended up having cake for him and a SPECIAL meal of MOMOs (a sort of dumpling - super good). Felt a little bad for one of the kids, Kunga, whose birthday was also that day. No one seemed to acknowledge it. We got him a piece of cake and a card. His face just seemed to light up. It was really cute. And he continued to cut the piece of cake into a million little pieces so everyone could share.
On Thursday Mike, Razvan and I decided to venture to Devi's Falls (waterfall). We walked right past the stupid thing and up hill for quite some time. We ended up at someones house/shop having a tea before heading back down the hill to the falls. It was a neat place that should also be seen in rainy season I think.
Yesterday was our "day off" and we really treated it that way. We started with eggs for breakfast at the restaurant/hotel across the street. Then we decided to rent a boat and row across to start our hike up the hill to the World Peace Pagoda. It sits at 1100meters about sea level. That was quite the hike up. Amazing view. We also for some odd reason decided to paddle around the lake which ended up with us getting tangled in some fishing nets. A little Nepalese fisherman had to come free us. It was quite a funny adventure. We had a nice day off. Such a change from the other days.
Today it is quite quiet here after teaching this morning. The kids are in class this afternoon and a none of the volunteers are around. So I am having a relaxing afternoon with some time to myself and catching up online.
Miss everyone.
What have I done other than working/teaching here...hard to remember. Don't get upto TOO much on a regular basis. Nice to just go out into town and enjoy the life here. Saw a goat that had just been slaughtered. Saw how they take the hair off a goat. Got henna done on my hand one day as I hung out with the girls and the couple women that work here. "Auntie" one of the ladies did it on my hand while others died girls hair with it. THey all seem to want whiter skin for some reason too.
Took a couple girls out for a drink and food one day with Harvey. Something different for them. That afternoon we(me and 4 other volunteers) took a group of kids to the park. This ended up in a swimming excursion first. All the boys decided to jump in the lake (half in underwear the other half nothing) and the 2 girls eventually decided to go in a bit too.
On the 25th it was a sponsors 85th birthday. He was here and we ended up having cake for him and a SPECIAL meal of MOMOs (a sort of dumpling - super good). Felt a little bad for one of the kids, Kunga, whose birthday was also that day. No one seemed to acknowledge it. We got him a piece of cake and a card. His face just seemed to light up. It was really cute. And he continued to cut the piece of cake into a million little pieces so everyone could share.
On Thursday Mike, Razvan and I decided to venture to Devi's Falls (waterfall). We walked right past the stupid thing and up hill for quite some time. We ended up at someones house/shop having a tea before heading back down the hill to the falls. It was a neat place that should also be seen in rainy season I think.
Yesterday was our "day off" and we really treated it that way. We started with eggs for breakfast at the restaurant/hotel across the street. Then we decided to rent a boat and row across to start our hike up the hill to the World Peace Pagoda. It sits at 1100meters about sea level. That was quite the hike up. Amazing view. We also for some odd reason decided to paddle around the lake which ended up with us getting tangled in some fishing nets. A little Nepalese fisherman had to come free us. It was quite a funny adventure. We had a nice day off. Such a change from the other days.
Today it is quite quiet here after teaching this morning. The kids are in class this afternoon and a none of the volunteers are around. So I am having a relaxing afternoon with some time to myself and catching up online.
Miss everyone.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I'm lovin' it.
Well, it has only been 4 days since I got here to the orphanage in Pokhara. It feels like I have been here forever. I am really enjoying my time here. I love these children. They are all just so amazing. They are adorable. Though when I got here it wasn't what I expected as we will teaching, but it's all good. Usually our schedule is teaching 830 - 1130. We are to teach English, Math and Social, which can include a variety of things. Geography, social activities and environments. After that it is lunch and free time in the afternoon as they have Tibetan and Nepali classes. The kids all come from a Tibetan region of Nepal called Mustang. It is north of the Himalayan mountains. You have to walk to get there and it takes about 5 - 7 days. The main village has a population of 2000. Some of the kids still have parents, but they can't take care of the children. They are all quite bright though not all of them can go to school as they don't have sponsors. That is why we teach them at home. In the afternoon we are free to do what we like and on Saturdays it is our free day.
So far I have not done too much around here though have done a lot of walking into town and what not.
Last night I got talking to Tashi, one of the volunteers who is also from the Mustang region. He is 23, has a sponsor and is going to college. He is such an amazing person. He cares so much about these children but also wants more. The orphanage where we are is rented, not owned. It is only 250USD per month. But there are things that they really need. For example, a solar panel. Power cuts are quite frequent here and can last hours. For example, last night it lasted 2 hours and we only had a couple battery operated lights that lasted about 20 minutes. If they had a solar panel, costing 50,000Rupees or 750USD, which could light 5 lights and a TV. This is something so big for them, for a price that is so insignificant for us. And to sponsor a child is only 405USD per year and that includes everything (school, food, health care, etc). It is just so crazy to think the things we take for granted and if I just didn't go out for that extra meal in a restaurant a month and these children could have so much. I would love to find a way to give these children something that could improve their lives.
On another note. I am really enjoying myself. I need to buy another pair of pants. Lightweight linen trousers. Great, and only about 450 Rps (6.50USD). I seem to be wearing the same ones over and over again. I bought them in Kathmandu. They are wonderful!!!
I am really enjoying my time here and really think I may extend my stay over Christmas. The kids here celebrate xmas and I think it would be an amazing experience.
Anyway, enough for today. I have put photos on facebook. If you want me to send you a link to them as you don't have facebook, just let me know. Miss you all.
So far I have not done too much around here though have done a lot of walking into town and what not.
Last night I got talking to Tashi, one of the volunteers who is also from the Mustang region. He is 23, has a sponsor and is going to college. He is such an amazing person. He cares so much about these children but also wants more. The orphanage where we are is rented, not owned. It is only 250USD per month. But there are things that they really need. For example, a solar panel. Power cuts are quite frequent here and can last hours. For example, last night it lasted 2 hours and we only had a couple battery operated lights that lasted about 20 minutes. If they had a solar panel, costing 50,000Rupees or 750USD, which could light 5 lights and a TV. This is something so big for them, for a price that is so insignificant for us. And to sponsor a child is only 405USD per year and that includes everything (school, food, health care, etc). It is just so crazy to think the things we take for granted and if I just didn't go out for that extra meal in a restaurant a month and these children could have so much. I would love to find a way to give these children something that could improve their lives.
On another note. I am really enjoying myself. I need to buy another pair of pants. Lightweight linen trousers. Great, and only about 450 Rps (6.50USD). I seem to be wearing the same ones over and over again. I bought them in Kathmandu. They are wonderful!!!
I am really enjoying my time here and really think I may extend my stay over Christmas. The kids here celebrate xmas and I think it would be an amazing experience.
Anyway, enough for today. I have put photos on facebook. If you want me to send you a link to them as you don't have facebook, just let me know. Miss you all.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Kathmandu
Sitting here in an "cheap" internet cafe in Kathmandu. The horns of all sorts outside are loud. Just found out about this internet cafe. The other one was quite expensive as it was in the heart of the tourist area.
So...it has been an interesting adventure thus far. I have been staying in a guesthouse, rooming with a fellow volunteer. There are 13 of us in total. For the most part a good group. On Friday, which was my real first day, there was just two of us. After sleeping till 1, we managed to go into town get some food and experience Thamel. I bought some pants and haggled from 850 to 450. That evening we went for dinner with 2 more volunteers and a Canadian man who has been to Nepal many times and was full of great wisdom. After returning from dinner we found 4 more volunteers enjoying Nepali beers in the restaurant at our guesthouse. We joined the group and quite a fun interesting night getting to know each other.
Saturday was quite an adventure. After lunch, 6 of us decided to head to a Buddhist temple. Only 3 people made it...not including me. I was stuck in the taxi with someone that decided what they saw was where we wanted to be and we all jumped out. You live you learn. :) Don't let the boys make decisions. haha.
Yesterday was our first day of orientation. We had some language training in the morning and then a 3 hour break. 6 of us hopped into a taxi....well, rather chased down a taxi that would fit all of us, and headed to Pashupatinath. This is a Hindu temple and also the cremation ghats. Quite an interesting experience. It felt quite wrong standing there watching this. We had a unsolicited tour guide who proceeded to charge us 500Rps per person for the tour...not exactly what we were looking for though it was very interesting and informative. A couple of the girls wouldn't put in the 500 and the guide was not happy. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up. It was very busy as it was some sort of festival/holy day for the Hindus. To get back the guesthouse we decided to attempt the bus...more like a mini van...like one of those 9 seaters, though at one point there were 26 of us. Instead of a taxi for 500Rps, we each paid 20. Quite an adventure. FUN!
We got back to the guesthouse just in time for our afternoon outing with the group. We went to the monkey temple, Swayambhunath. 365 steps later we made it to the top. A fair number of us well out of breath. It was a fun afternoon with our "guide" from the organisation, Rabin. He is super sweet and very helpful....
I am running out of time on here so I am going to finish up.
Although it has been very interesting getting used to everything here, I think there is still a lot more to come. I think I will be going to my homestay on Wednesday. Atleast I hope. It is going to be interesting.
I am really not a blogging person...this feels very dry and not exciting to read...sorry. Hope everyone is well.
So...it has been an interesting adventure thus far. I have been staying in a guesthouse, rooming with a fellow volunteer. There are 13 of us in total. For the most part a good group. On Friday, which was my real first day, there was just two of us. After sleeping till 1, we managed to go into town get some food and experience Thamel. I bought some pants and haggled from 850 to 450. That evening we went for dinner with 2 more volunteers and a Canadian man who has been to Nepal many times and was full of great wisdom. After returning from dinner we found 4 more volunteers enjoying Nepali beers in the restaurant at our guesthouse. We joined the group and quite a fun interesting night getting to know each other.
Saturday was quite an adventure. After lunch, 6 of us decided to head to a Buddhist temple. Only 3 people made it...not including me. I was stuck in the taxi with someone that decided what they saw was where we wanted to be and we all jumped out. You live you learn. :) Don't let the boys make decisions. haha.
Yesterday was our first day of orientation. We had some language training in the morning and then a 3 hour break. 6 of us hopped into a taxi....well, rather chased down a taxi that would fit all of us, and headed to Pashupatinath. This is a Hindu temple and also the cremation ghats. Quite an interesting experience. It felt quite wrong standing there watching this. We had a unsolicited tour guide who proceeded to charge us 500Rps per person for the tour...not exactly what we were looking for though it was very interesting and informative. A couple of the girls wouldn't put in the 500 and the guide was not happy. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up. It was very busy as it was some sort of festival/holy day for the Hindus. To get back the guesthouse we decided to attempt the bus...more like a mini van...like one of those 9 seaters, though at one point there were 26 of us. Instead of a taxi for 500Rps, we each paid 20. Quite an adventure. FUN!
We got back to the guesthouse just in time for our afternoon outing with the group. We went to the monkey temple, Swayambhunath. 365 steps later we made it to the top. A fair number of us well out of breath. It was a fun afternoon with our "guide" from the organisation, Rabin. He is super sweet and very helpful....
I am running out of time on here so I am going to finish up.
Although it has been very interesting getting used to everything here, I think there is still a lot more to come. I think I will be going to my homestay on Wednesday. Atleast I hope. It is going to be interesting.
I am really not a blogging person...this feels very dry and not exciting to read...sorry. Hope everyone is well.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Quick!
Well, I am currently in Kathmandu. Arrived on Thursday night. This is just a quick little post...I have a meeting this morning with the other volunteers and the organisation. I had to go to the tailor this morning as the pants i bought yesterday were too long. Oh well. It's fun. I love it.
Things are good. Just a quick update to say I'm good.
Things are good. Just a quick update to say I'm good.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Change
Sitting here in the Hong Kong airport between flights. Just on the itouch. :) hating the Brits for there stupid plugs (I don't have an adapter). Battery is getting low and can't charge. I had a really good flight over though long and I didn't really sleep much. I sat next to a British ex-pat living in NZ. We had some good laughs a few drinks some spilt red wine and more good laughs. Watched a couple movies. Food was good. BreAkfast with BACON was GREAT. Mmmmm.
I feel like quite a minority here.
Anyway, I'll write more soon when I'm not on a limited battery. Maybe tomorrow when I'm in Nepal.
I feel like quite a minority here.
Anyway, I'll write more soon when I'm not on a limited battery. Maybe tomorrow when I'm in Nepal.
Friday, November 6, 2009
drizzly dreary HAPPY
As you may be able to guess from the title of this post....I am in ENGLAND! And yes, as we all know, the weather is often wet, damp and grey. To no surprise, that is what the weather is like on this trip for me. I could never live here. I need sun in my life. Something to brighten the day.
I am staying with my friend Miriam in Sheffield until Tuesday when I am heading down to London for a night and fly out on Wednesday to Nepal. I am really looking forward to the new adventures, experiences and people that await.
I am staying with my friend Miriam in Sheffield until Tuesday when I am heading down to London for a night and fly out on Wednesday to Nepal. I am really looking forward to the new adventures, experiences and people that await.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Something to write about
Well, as you may have noticed, I am not a real big blogger.
Anyway, here is the beginning of my adventure. After spending a week in Montfavet with the family I was headed to Pamplona. I had my flight booked to fly via Biarritz (in the south west of France) and take the train and bus the rest of the way. So off we go, Kevin and I to the airport at 5 am. My flight was leaving at 650. As I am waiting in line to check my bag I realise that my wallet is missing...panic set it. I called my uncle who had already left to go back to Avignon. (him and the family were supposed to head to Lyon that morning) Thankfully he made his way back to the airport for me. After we did a full search of the entire terminal, including garbage cans and notified the police, back to Montfavet I went...not really sure what to do from there. On my drive back after unsuccessfully trying to cancel one of my credit cards I had a message on my phone. Hallelujah! Someone found my wallet and it still had everything in it. Oh...happiness! And oh, what an idiot I was when I dropped it getting out of the car.
Well, with the great news of my wallet, came the side note that it was no where near where I currently was. As I had already caused a slight ¨time¨set back for the family I got a train from Avignon to Toulon in the south of France (east of Marseille) where I was meeting the woman who found my wallet. And what a WONDERFUL woman she was. She found me at the train station with the help of my big backpack (how could you miss me) and gave me my wallet. She was there with her husband. They asked me what I was going to do then and I said try and find a way to get to Pamplona Spain where I was headed. They told me they would wait to make sure I found a train etc. My train wasn´t until 1050 pm (it was about noon) so they had me go home with them where they invited me to spend the day instead of waiting in town at the station. They were such a lovely couple. I had lunch with them took a nap and a nice walk around the grounds of where they lived. That evening we had a nice dinner before Agnes took me back to the train station.....14 hours later, Pamplona!!!!!
It was quite an adventure but I made it and along the way I met some really wonderful people.
What is that saying.....something about all ending well.....
Anyway, here is the beginning of my adventure. After spending a week in Montfavet with the family I was headed to Pamplona. I had my flight booked to fly via Biarritz (in the south west of France) and take the train and bus the rest of the way. So off we go, Kevin and I to the airport at 5 am. My flight was leaving at 650. As I am waiting in line to check my bag I realise that my wallet is missing...panic set it. I called my uncle who had already left to go back to Avignon. (him and the family were supposed to head to Lyon that morning) Thankfully he made his way back to the airport for me. After we did a full search of the entire terminal, including garbage cans and notified the police, back to Montfavet I went...not really sure what to do from there. On my drive back after unsuccessfully trying to cancel one of my credit cards I had a message on my phone. Hallelujah! Someone found my wallet and it still had everything in it. Oh...happiness! And oh, what an idiot I was when I dropped it getting out of the car.
Well, with the great news of my wallet, came the side note that it was no where near where I currently was. As I had already caused a slight ¨time¨set back for the family I got a train from Avignon to Toulon in the south of France (east of Marseille) where I was meeting the woman who found my wallet. And what a WONDERFUL woman she was. She found me at the train station with the help of my big backpack (how could you miss me) and gave me my wallet. She was there with her husband. They asked me what I was going to do then and I said try and find a way to get to Pamplona Spain where I was headed. They told me they would wait to make sure I found a train etc. My train wasn´t until 1050 pm (it was about noon) so they had me go home with them where they invited me to spend the day instead of waiting in town at the station. They were such a lovely couple. I had lunch with them took a nap and a nice walk around the grounds of where they lived. That evening we had a nice dinner before Agnes took me back to the train station.....14 hours later, Pamplona!!!!!
It was quite an adventure but I made it and along the way I met some really wonderful people.
What is that saying.....something about all ending well.....
Saturday, October 17, 2009
France...Montfavet
Made it to France, and I remember, yet again how much I love France. I could move back here easily...someone find me a job for next fall...PLEASE!!
I got here to my aunt and unlces place in Montfavet with my mom yesterday. It was a long trip but it wasn't bad at all.
Keeping this post short...went to Uzes today to the market. Had lots of family fun!!!
I got here to my aunt and unlces place in Montfavet with my mom yesterday. It was a long trip but it wasn't bad at all.
Keeping this post short...went to Uzes today to the market. Had lots of family fun!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Last sleep
Well I am just going to bed now. A quick little post with my awesome iPod touch!!! My last (short) nights sleep in my bed. I am not completely ready but what can you do. I always been a last minute person. A few more things to pick up, a quick trip to OHIP a massage and then trying to cram the last things into my "little" backpack. I am looking forward to going to Europe, seeing some friends and family. (wow I am getting really good on this ipod touch). I think the part where I go to Nepal and then travel all over hasn't really sunk in because it is still a few weeks away. I know it is going to be great. Going to miss my family and friends but I think I am also going to have an amazing experience and adventure. Alright time to call it a night. 7:30 is going to come early. Night.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Pre Trip Stress
Well, 6 days until I depart....the stress is starting to set in.
I had a bit of a debate on whether or not to start a blog, so we will see how long I keep this up.
I'm in the midst of packing...trying to figure out what to take, what not to take. My room is a disaster right now between the trip packing and moving out.
I am really excited, but I always seem to get anxious before.
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