The day has arrived. Tomorrow morning I will board a flight to the Okhaldhunga community where the next step in the process of building the school will begin. We fly into a little village named Rumjatar (45 minutes east of Kathmandu) and we will then hike for 2-3 hours to reach the village that we will be building the school in. The community is part of the much larger region known as the Everest region, and we will be situated about 3 days hike south of Everest. From what I understand, there will be no views of the great mountain unfortunately.
Yesterday consisted of a meeting between Mahindra, myself and Rudra (another teacher) who will be involved with the entire process and will then work at the school. He is a very educated man with a masters in Education. He will be vital to the success of this project, and has worked very hard to have everything prepared. Our first order of business will be to apply for registration of the school and choose the land to build on. There is a lot of work ahead, but it is a very exciting point in the process that has taken 2 years to get to.
I look forward to the weeks ahead, as long as I can get used to the food. I'm not sure when I will get the chance to e-mail or update the blog, but you will hear from me at the next earliest convience.
Here we go ... !
Monday, December 17, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Outta Bed
After spending the majority of the last week in bed due illness, the past two days have seen significant improvement. I am feeling much better, and look forward to the next few weeks in the mountains ... as long as I can handle the food.
Today I spent time walking through a part of Kathmandu that I haven't yet explored. It was an interesting walk that took me in to some remote areas of the city, where evidently not many tourists seem to visit. The looks that I received, many with smiles, were that of surprise and wonder. The children are always so cute as they try to practice their english by using the one word they know well - "Hello!" This is almost always followed by a semi-toothless smile and a lot of laughter once I respond with a polite "Hello" of my own, and yes ... a semi-toothless smile of course. I returned to my hotel, cut my hair and bathed myself, before going onto the roof to "shoot" the sunset. I have taken some footage for the documentary already, and I continue to film a lot of what I see. I wish I could post it, but I've had trouble trying to get this technology to accept the photos let alone film footage. It seems pointless.
To those of you who have sent e-mails or just a word to offer support - Thank you! I may not respond to every message, but it sure is nice to hear from home on a regular basis. As Christmas approaches fast in your part of the world, I hope that all is well and the shopping complete. I think of you often!
Today I spent time walking through a part of Kathmandu that I haven't yet explored. It was an interesting walk that took me in to some remote areas of the city, where evidently not many tourists seem to visit. The looks that I received, many with smiles, were that of surprise and wonder. The children are always so cute as they try to practice their english by using the one word they know well - "Hello!" This is almost always followed by a semi-toothless smile and a lot of laughter once I respond with a polite "Hello" of my own, and yes ... a semi-toothless smile of course. I returned to my hotel, cut my hair and bathed myself, before going onto the roof to "shoot" the sunset. I have taken some footage for the documentary already, and I continue to film a lot of what I see. I wish I could post it, but I've had trouble trying to get this technology to accept the photos let alone film footage. It seems pointless.
To those of you who have sent e-mails or just a word to offer support - Thank you! I may not respond to every message, but it sure is nice to hear from home on a regular basis. As Christmas approaches fast in your part of the world, I hope that all is well and the shopping complete. I think of you often!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Kathmandu Life
It has been several days since I last "filled you in". Business is progressing as it should through informational meetings, bookings, etc. I am currently in Kathmandu awaiting funds to be transfered to a local bank. Once these have arrived we will establish a bank account at the only branch in the Okhaldhunga region - 1.5 hours hiking distance from where we will build the school. We have temporarily booked flights to the closest airport as well. While bus is a much cheaper option, there are other challenges that we will be confronted with - avalanches, poor road conditions, maoist rebels, etc. As a result, the most effective way for us to travel is by plane. We are scheduled to leave Kathmandu on December 15.
As for me, I am hard into my weight loss program. In an attempt to prepare my body for the several challenging months living where no tourist travels, I have begun eating "local food" in small amounts. Needless to say, the last 3 days have seen me hibernating in my hotel room trying to recover from a violent illness. It has literally knocked me off my feet, as I have little energy for moving let alone going out. My time in the mountains should be very interesting to say the least. In the meantime, eat a hamburger, eat a chocolate bar, have some chips and dip, or even have a honey brown for me ... you know I'm thinking of you!
As for me, I am hard into my weight loss program. In an attempt to prepare my body for the several challenging months living where no tourist travels, I have begun eating "local food" in small amounts. Needless to say, the last 3 days have seen me hibernating in my hotel room trying to recover from a violent illness. It has literally knocked me off my feet, as I have little energy for moving let alone going out. My time in the mountains should be very interesting to say the least. In the meantime, eat a hamburger, eat a chocolate bar, have some chips and dip, or even have a honey brown for me ... you know I'm thinking of you!
Sunday, December 2, 2007
It's just Different
Yesterday was a productive day as I traveled on a local bus with Mahindra to visit a friend in a local school. We discussed in detail the best way to go about working with the local community in which we will build the school. Rudra was a wealth of information and is hoping to help us establish the school in the Okhaldhunga region. He has also invited me back to talk with some of the students in his school and answer some of their questions about Canada. I look forward to this unique opportunity.
As well, I was invited to Mahindra's home in Kathmandu to enjoy some lunch (Dal Bat) with his roommate Arjun. This was quite the experience, as they share a single room (about 10 feet by 12 feet) that contains two single beds and gas stove for cooking. It is very basic, and I feel honoured to have been welcomed into this intimate aspect of their lives. We spent time sharing stories, talking and laughing. Most of the laughing was at my expense while I sat on a cement floor trying to eat Dal Bat with my fingers ... of my right hand. Quite the sight I'm sure.
Perhaps the biggest difference that I was witness to yesterday was on the bus. Many people were crowded into a tiny vehicle while the conductor hung off the edge of the bus telling people where it was headed, trying to attract more business. About 45 minutes into the trip, he fell off and was run over by the bus. We were ushered off the bus immediately so that it could take him back to the hospital, and a crowd quickly gathered around him while he lay in the street so as not to let any other vehicle hit him. When I saw them pick him up and put him on the bus, it appeared that both femurs were broken and he was bleeding heavily. This is not a good situation anywhere in the world, let alone in a developing nation that has extremely inadequate medical assistance. I'm not sure what his fate will be. Once he was put on the bus, people left and went on with their day - this occurance is not uniqe - it happens on a fairly regular basis. I don't think that life is less precious ... it's just different.
As well, I was invited to Mahindra's home in Kathmandu to enjoy some lunch (Dal Bat) with his roommate Arjun. This was quite the experience, as they share a single room (about 10 feet by 12 feet) that contains two single beds and gas stove for cooking. It is very basic, and I feel honoured to have been welcomed into this intimate aspect of their lives. We spent time sharing stories, talking and laughing. Most of the laughing was at my expense while I sat on a cement floor trying to eat Dal Bat with my fingers ... of my right hand. Quite the sight I'm sure.
Perhaps the biggest difference that I was witness to yesterday was on the bus. Many people were crowded into a tiny vehicle while the conductor hung off the edge of the bus telling people where it was headed, trying to attract more business. About 45 minutes into the trip, he fell off and was run over by the bus. We were ushered off the bus immediately so that it could take him back to the hospital, and a crowd quickly gathered around him while he lay in the street so as not to let any other vehicle hit him. When I saw them pick him up and put him on the bus, it appeared that both femurs were broken and he was bleeding heavily. This is not a good situation anywhere in the world, let alone in a developing nation that has extremely inadequate medical assistance. I'm not sure what his fate will be. Once he was put on the bus, people left and went on with their day - this occurance is not uniqe - it happens on a fairly regular basis. I don't think that life is less precious ... it's just different.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Welcome Back!
The journey from Vancouver to Kathmandu was via a one hour stopover in Seoul, Korea, and a 6 hour stop in Singapore. The total travel time was 30 hours, that saw me get about 4 hours of sleep. Still, as I stepped out into the craziness that is Kathmandu, Nepal, I remembered why I loved it here so much. Driving back into the center of the city, Thamel, I enjoyed getting to catch up with Mahindra and share stories of the past 2 years.
After I found a hotel, it didn't take us long to begin discussing business. I am happy to say that we seem to be on the same page right now, and we spent the afternoon discussing our plans for the next couple of days. We will be researching the most effective type of school for us (boarding vs trust), and we also have a meeting tomorrow morning with a local teacher who will be of significant benefit to us when it comes to both curriculum and government communications. From what I understand, we have several plots of land to choose from. This will be the first order of business once we are in the Okhaldhunga region. After we choose the land that is most suitable for the building, a field, and possible future expansion, we will continue to move forward. It is my expectation that by the end of next week we could have the land chosen and the materials being gathered in order to begin the project. Incidently, the gathering of materials appears to be the job of myself and Mahindra. This will be a matter of trekking every day carrying significant weight for hours at a time. I haven't completely wrapped my head around the extent of it, but it will definately be a challenge.
As for my blog, I will be heading to the mountains very soon and it is my understanding that the internet availability will be limited. I will be doing my best to make the 3 hour trek (each way) a couple times per week when time permits, to help keep all of you up to date with our progress. Be patient ... I'm old, and a bit slower at 10,000 feet above sea level.
After I found a hotel, it didn't take us long to begin discussing business. I am happy to say that we seem to be on the same page right now, and we spent the afternoon discussing our plans for the next couple of days. We will be researching the most effective type of school for us (boarding vs trust), and we also have a meeting tomorrow morning with a local teacher who will be of significant benefit to us when it comes to both curriculum and government communications. From what I understand, we have several plots of land to choose from. This will be the first order of business once we are in the Okhaldhunga region. After we choose the land that is most suitable for the building, a field, and possible future expansion, we will continue to move forward. It is my expectation that by the end of next week we could have the land chosen and the materials being gathered in order to begin the project. Incidently, the gathering of materials appears to be the job of myself and Mahindra. This will be a matter of trekking every day carrying significant weight for hours at a time. I haven't completely wrapped my head around the extent of it, but it will definately be a challenge.
As for my blog, I will be heading to the mountains very soon and it is my understanding that the internet availability will be limited. I will be doing my best to make the 3 hour trek (each way) a couple times per week when time permits, to help keep all of you up to date with our progress. Be patient ... I'm old, and a bit slower at 10,000 feet above sea level.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hey everyone, on the eve of my departure to Nepal I am fortunate to share time with Tara and Darcy while I work on figuring out how to control this blog spot. As I am slightly computer illiterate, you'll need to be patient with my progress ... like everything else in life!
I look forward to sharing the next 6 months with you.
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