Hi All
Well I survived my time on the mountain and have loads to tell but this is just a short note for our Rubes to let her know I'm well and back in the land of soft sheets, toilets that flush and showers indoors.
I'm off to Chitwan tomorrow and then back in Kathmandu on Sunday so I'll start posting the blogs of my days on the mountain then.
It's certainly been an interesting experience and one I wouldn't have missed.
I hope you're well our mam - I love you. Jeanette and brother Dave - thanks for being there for our mam
Ceri and Mark - how are things with you?
Dave - Is my house still standing
Yas - Hope your holiday was great
Trish - thanks for the birthday wishes
If I've missed anyone it's because I haven't read my emails yet
Love you all loads
Will write very soon
Love Sue. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Friday, 11 July 2008
Friday, 4 July 2008
Trekking in Pokara
Such a contrast here to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is buzzing and interesting in a manic sort of way but it's very polluted and the people a bit more serious, here the people are friendly, don't hassle you to buy stuff and the air is clean and the surrounding beautiful and breqathtaking.
The hotel Grand is just near the lake and the back drop is wooded hills and when the clouds clear you can see the stunning snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Ramesh the hotel owner bends over backwards to help and please us. We were having dinner and there was a mosquito so he called his staff to put mosquito coils all around us. He arranged for us to be taken trekking on Friday and Saturday morning to see some of the sights. He loves to talk with us and it doesn't feel false. I may come back here once my stint in the mountain village is finished.
I'm here with Niamh from Belfast and Marianna from London, they're both good company and I'm glad to be with them on this project
Today the guide took us to Sarankot which is a hill 1592 metres above sea level. We got a taxi part way and then climbed to the summit which overlooks Pokhara. The view s were breathtaking even though there was clouds - it was so different looking at the valley through the clouds. We then walked 10 kilometers across the the hills through mountain villages. There were lots of children who said 'Namaste!' - Hello and asked for sweets, pens money or just a photo. At one point it started to pour down which I think upsets the cows/bulls. Two started to run full pelt at us and we had to dodge them - scary at the time but funny too.
Tired now but impressed with myself for having been slightly fitter than Niamh and Marianna. Off back to the hotel shortly for a cuppa and a nap before dinner.
Doubt that I'll get to the internet again until 15 or 16 July when I'll be back in Kathmandu.
Over and out
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The hotel Grand is just near the lake and the back drop is wooded hills and when the clouds clear you can see the stunning snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. Ramesh the hotel owner bends over backwards to help and please us. We were having dinner and there was a mosquito so he called his staff to put mosquito coils all around us. He arranged for us to be taken trekking on Friday and Saturday morning to see some of the sights. He loves to talk with us and it doesn't feel false. I may come back here once my stint in the mountain village is finished.
I'm here with Niamh from Belfast and Marianna from London, they're both good company and I'm glad to be with them on this project
Today the guide took us to Sarankot which is a hill 1592 metres above sea level. We got a taxi part way and then climbed to the summit which overlooks Pokhara. The view s were breathtaking even though there was clouds - it was so different looking at the valley through the clouds. We then walked 10 kilometers across the the hills through mountain villages. There were lots of children who said 'Namaste!' - Hello and asked for sweets, pens money or just a photo. At one point it started to pour down which I think upsets the cows/bulls. Two started to run full pelt at us and we had to dodge them - scary at the time but funny too.
Tired now but impressed with myself for having been slightly fitter than Niamh and Marianna. Off back to the hotel shortly for a cuppa and a nap before dinner.
Doubt that I'll get to the internet again until 15 or 16 July when I'll be back in Kathmandu.
Over and out
Love Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Off to the Hills
Well I survived the 6 and half hour trip to Pokara.
Leaving Kathmandu at 7am we saw little kids in their karate suits training in the park or jogging along the road. Same for the soldiers too. The traffic was chaos and the usual stand off for position in the road. The drive through the mountains was stunning scenery,roads were sheer drops into the valleys, hairpin bends, lots of lorries on the road passing each other by a hair's breadth. We saw children some as young as 3 just walking along the road without an adult in sight. It was like a roller coaster ride - scary but such a laugh.
Pokara is lovely - thanks Damian for suggesting to come here.
We've just done a little bit of shopping and got absolutely soaking but all part of the experience. Even the cows were running down the road trying to get out of the rain.
Hotel is amazing and the owner, Ramesh, a joy. Looking forward to the next few days and staying with a Nepalese family
I will be out of touch for a while but will tell you of my adventures soon.
Good to talk to you mam. Love to Ceri and David and Mark and Laura
Have fun
Sue. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Leaving Kathmandu at 7am we saw little kids in their karate suits training in the park or jogging along the road. Same for the soldiers too. The traffic was chaos and the usual stand off for position in the road. The drive through the mountains was stunning scenery,roads were sheer drops into the valleys, hairpin bends, lots of lorries on the road passing each other by a hair's breadth. We saw children some as young as 3 just walking along the road without an adult in sight. It was like a roller coaster ride - scary but such a laugh.
Pokara is lovely - thanks Damian for suggesting to come here.
We've just done a little bit of shopping and got absolutely soaking but all part of the experience. Even the cows were running down the road trying to get out of the rain.
Hotel is amazing and the owner, Ramesh, a joy. Looking forward to the next few days and staying with a Nepalese family
I will be out of touch for a while but will tell you of my adventures soon.
Good to talk to you mam. Love to Ceri and David and Mark and Laura
Have fun
Sue. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Love Nepal
Have only been here a short time and love it already.
Orientation yesterday and language lesson so fully fluent in Nepalese.
Had lunch on a rooftop restarant - 260 steps to the top but well worth the view of Kathmandu
In the afternoon visited the monkey sanctuary which again had spectacular views. Lots of shrines, temples and prayer flags.
We were supposed to go back to the Happy home but Niamh, Marianna and I decided to go shopping. When it was time to go home none of knew the address so we rang Bicky (our co-ordinator) and he explained directions for the taxi driver. Needless to say we got lost - traffic was horrendous because everyone was queuing for petrol - there had been none the day before. Anyway all turned out all right in the end and got back home to curry and rice.
I'm not sure I'll get used to curry (dahl/baht) and rice for breakfast.
Off to Chitwan National Park tomorrow (elephants and tigers) then off to our host family in the mountains above Pokara. No indoors showers or toilet and will be out of touch until 15th July.
When I get back to Kathmandu -I get back in touch and tell you all about my adventures.
Don't worry our mam - I'll be fine
Love to you all.
Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Orientation yesterday and language lesson so fully fluent in Nepalese.
Had lunch on a rooftop restarant - 260 steps to the top but well worth the view of Kathmandu
In the afternoon visited the monkey sanctuary which again had spectacular views. Lots of shrines, temples and prayer flags.
We were supposed to go back to the Happy home but Niamh, Marianna and I decided to go shopping. When it was time to go home none of knew the address so we rang Bicky (our co-ordinator) and he explained directions for the taxi driver. Needless to say we got lost - traffic was horrendous because everyone was queuing for petrol - there had been none the day before. Anyway all turned out all right in the end and got back home to curry and rice.
I'm not sure I'll get used to curry (dahl/baht) and rice for breakfast.
Off to Chitwan National Park tomorrow (elephants and tigers) then off to our host family in the mountains above Pokara. No indoors showers or toilet and will be out of touch until 15th July.
When I get back to Kathmandu -I get back in touch and tell you all about my adventures.
Don't worry our mam - I'll be fine
Love to you all.
Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Monday, 30 June 2008
Nepal - First impressions
Well after 24 hours travelling I've finally arrived in Nepal. Was absolutely knackered but went to bed at 9 and have had a g ood 8 hours sleep
We're in the monsoon season so it's been a bit wet but it's nice to be cooller at the moment after Sri Lanka.
Like Sri Lanka -lots of mad driving (though less so than Sri Lanka) and cows in the middle of it all.
The house we're staying in during our orientation is nice but it's in the middle of a number of houses that are still being built. They call it the happy house. Food is rice and curry - haven't had breakfast yet but it may be curry too. LOL
Seems poorer here and the people more serious – not as friendly yet!
Off to our orientation at 10 for language lessons and learning about the culture here.
Will write properly soon
Love Sue
We're in the monsoon season so it's been a bit wet but it's nice to be cooller at the moment after Sri Lanka.
Like Sri Lanka -lots of mad driving (though less so than Sri Lanka) and cows in the middle of it all.
The house we're staying in during our orientation is nice but it's in the middle of a number of houses that are still being built. They call it the happy house. Food is rice and curry - haven't had breakfast yet but it may be curry too. LOL
Seems poorer here and the people more serious – not as friendly yet!
Off to our orientation at 10 for language lessons and learning about the culture here.
Will write properly soon
Love Sue
Friday, 27 June 2008
Last day of school - Moving On
Small excitement on Thursday evening as there was a huge spider on the wall and Jenny and Rowena and me were standing on the chairs. However I remembered my bush training and got the glass and removed the hairy being to the garden.
Last day at school on Friday and it was truly lovely. We joined in the morning exercise class and sang the Sri Lankan National anthem at assembly. We then spent some time teaching every grade and afterwards all the children were called together and they gave us flowers chocolate a note from one of the children, the teachers gave us a necklace each and a mask plaque for the wall. We gave all the children a small give and then had tea and cake and lots and lots of photos taken. It was an amazing morning and one little girl bowed to my feet as a sign of respect for the teacher!
After lunch we went to the orphanage and the children spent the afternoon making friendship bracelets for us and themselves and again we took lots of photos. At the end of the afternoon we gave them balloons and biscuits and sweets and said our farewells - sad moment.
On the way home we got Arunolis, our driver, to stop for the final icecreams and then we gave him a bottle of Arrack as a thank you. His smile was lovely to see.
Back to the family and Manjoo called round to say goodbye - weird as the family are in the room with us and half the time we have no idea of what's being said.
I spent the rest of the evening packing some of my stuff and chasing 2 huge cockroaches around my bedroom. I threw them out 4 times but they kept finding a way back in so in the end I agreed to let them stay in my room but made very sure my mossie net was firmly secured.
That's all from Sri Lanka - I've had an interesting experience here and looking forward to Nepal.
Love to you all. Speak to you next from Kathmandu or Pokara or Chitwan. Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Last day at school on Friday and it was truly lovely. We joined in the morning exercise class and sang the Sri Lankan National anthem at assembly. We then spent some time teaching every grade and afterwards all the children were called together and they gave us flowers chocolate a note from one of the children, the teachers gave us a necklace each and a mask plaque for the wall. We gave all the children a small give and then had tea and cake and lots and lots of photos taken. It was an amazing morning and one little girl bowed to my feet as a sign of respect for the teacher!
After lunch we went to the orphanage and the children spent the afternoon making friendship bracelets for us and themselves and again we took lots of photos. At the end of the afternoon we gave them balloons and biscuits and sweets and said our farewells - sad moment.
On the way home we got Arunolis, our driver, to stop for the final icecreams and then we gave him a bottle of Arrack as a thank you. His smile was lovely to see.
Back to the family and Manjoo called round to say goodbye - weird as the family are in the room with us and half the time we have no idea of what's being said.
I spent the rest of the evening packing some of my stuff and chasing 2 huge cockroaches around my bedroom. I threw them out 4 times but they kept finding a way back in so in the end I agreed to let them stay in my room but made very sure my mossie net was firmly secured.
That's all from Sri Lanka - I've had an interesting experience here and looking forward to Nepal.
Love to you all. Speak to you next from Kathmandu or Pokara or Chitwan. Sue xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Life is dull after the weekend
Hi All
Thanks for the comments - made me laugh. Will try and upload pic of Manjoo and the monk on Saturday though it's only a view of his back but you'll get the picture.
Monday was back to school as normal and stopped at the bank lunchtime as I'd spent the 80 pound I'd come with. The bank was heaving - it was like Asda at christmas. But being 'a respected white teacher' I was called to the front of the queue - sat down under the air conditioning and received my personal service. The banks in the UK have a lot to learn. I felt like royalty!
Tuesday - went to the orpanage all prepared for giving an english lesson at pm. At 2.55 the monk arrived and all the children had to go and listen to him chant and deliver some 'lecture' - he was still going at 4pm when the jeep arrived to collect us, so no teaching for the day.
Spent the evening making gifts for the school and orphanage for our last day on Friday.
Wednesday - odd day today - the family seem very 'offish' like we've done something wrong - not sure if they've discovered that we haven't bought them the oven they were hoping for as a gift.
Thursday - the family are back to normal and I had a hug from Ranjani - so whatever I've done - I'm obviously forgiven.
Tonight will sort my stuff out for what I'm leaving behind for the school and orphanage.
Sorry not much to say today. Yas have a great holiday - live the memories as I know you will.
Love Sue.xx
Thanks for the comments - made me laugh. Will try and upload pic of Manjoo and the monk on Saturday though it's only a view of his back but you'll get the picture.
Monday was back to school as normal and stopped at the bank lunchtime as I'd spent the 80 pound I'd come with. The bank was heaving - it was like Asda at christmas. But being 'a respected white teacher' I was called to the front of the queue - sat down under the air conditioning and received my personal service. The banks in the UK have a lot to learn. I felt like royalty!
Tuesday - went to the orpanage all prepared for giving an english lesson at pm. At 2.55 the monk arrived and all the children had to go and listen to him chant and deliver some 'lecture' - he was still going at 4pm when the jeep arrived to collect us, so no teaching for the day.
Spent the evening making gifts for the school and orphanage for our last day on Friday.
Wednesday - odd day today - the family seem very 'offish' like we've done something wrong - not sure if they've discovered that we haven't bought them the oven they were hoping for as a gift.
Thursday - the family are back to normal and I had a hug from Ranjani - so whatever I've done - I'm obviously forgiven.
Tonight will sort my stuff out for what I'm leaving behind for the school and orphanage.
Sorry not much to say today. Yas have a great holiday - live the memories as I know you will.
Love Sue.xx
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