COUNTRY: Nepal - Pokhara
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Education
WRITTEN BY: Erin Bonnett
Week three has been another challenging, action packed time that included an exciting trip to Chitwan National Park, questionable OH&S regulations, traditional Tibetan dress wear and the usual daily power cut.
We were faced with our first challenge of the week when nine of us found ourselves canoeing down a misty river that contained ‘crocodiles that eat human beings,’ our trustworthy guide decided to mention, after we had boarded the near capsizing wooden canoes. Luckily, Judy, Lisa and Felicity were guaranteed safety from these unforeseen crocs as they decided on a three day trek to Poon Hill that required ‘a little bit up, little bit down’ in order to see spectacular views from the top.
We were also kindly asked by our guide at Chitwan to group together if faced with the common sloth bear, and to simply climb the nearest tree if in close contact with a Rhino. As we were all wondering how on earth this was possible, Amber assured us that the adrenaline would be pumping, we would make it up that tree in no time!
As a group we have come to realize that public transport in Nepal can be summarized by the word – interesting. Some of us are faced with bus rides that squish us till our eyes pop, whereas others are simply sharing the space with a goat, however Maddy and Lyze are lucky enough to enjoy a walk to school everyday.
This week has also seen the emergence of strange but insightful quotes that challenge our thoughts such as ‘if your bowels aren’t open, your mind is closed’ – a lovely piece of advice given by Josh and Anthony’s Amala. The term ‘Karma’ has also been adopted in Tashi-Ling as a man whom has this as his given name wanders about from house to house – therefore he goes around and comes around. Anthony also decided to confuse the local paparazzi who believed that taking photos of the antipodeans volunteer group having lunch was the most exciting thing they had ever done by shouting ‘mero nam Justin Beiber ho!’ which only created more confusion but an outburst of laughter at the same time.
This amazing experience has allowed us to adopt the lifestyle of the locals. The annual celebration of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel peace prize saw the majority of the group in traditional Tibetan Tubas, that some of us quietly wanted to steal they were that beautiful. Cooking is also a very popular pastime here in Nepal which has encouraged Sasha and Alex to invest in an electric oven with a rotisserie – just to make pizza. The people of Nepal also enjoy Bollywood dancing and movies which have made their way into our everyday lives, causing some of us to idolize the very popular actor; Salmanchan and even learn some Bollywood dancing!
Unfortunately due to the joys of exploring in the jungle and bathing with elephants we had to say farewell to a fellow volunteer this week. Jo’s unlucky Tic bite caused some swelling that was just a bit too much to handle and has left Nikita without a roomie, but we hope Jo is safe and well at home.
Our final week in Nepal will begin with a sporting day at Amber and Alicia’s monastic school, followed by some frantic costume making by some for up-coming parents day. Overall our third week in Nepal has been quite an experience and we look forward to our last week with our schools and families.
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