A Nepali attitude towards life

COUNTRY: Nepal - Pokhara
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Education
WRITTEN BY: Erin Bonnett

Our final week in Nepal and we are all wondering where the time has gone. It feels like only a couple of days ago that we were sitting in the hotel lobby introducing ourselves and receiving welcoming scarves from Kalden and now the time has come to board the plane back to Australia.

The week began with a two hour hike up to the peace pagoda in Pokhara. We were all able to witness spectacular views and felt very proud of ourselves for reaching the top, except for Sasha and Maddie who both unfortunately felt sick. The photos we were able to take are breathtaking – including the group photo that had Judy and Erin in a laughing fit for days as Lisa looked like ‘the hunchback of Notre dam.’

We were also fortunate enough to be invited to help Amber and Alicia at the Monastic school with their fantastic idea of a sports day. The local Usain Bolt made an appearance in the game ‘Tag’ when a five year old outran everyone. The nuns decided to join in aswell and loved the sack and balloon racing. The afternoon was finished off with an interesting cup of tea and a game of sunset dodge ball with five year old Buddhists Monks, overlooking the mountain ranges – not something you’d do everyday. Thanks to Anthony, Alicia and Amber the school now has an extra supply of mattresses and blankets for the children to enjoy.

Last minute shopping was of course factored in this week and the majority of us were able to get our hands on lovely jewelry, including ‘save Tibet’ bracelets that we will all gladly wear back in Australia. The women’s organization shop has also become a popular place to spend our money on beautiful bags and shawls…a trend that Nikita started.

As the time for goodbyes came around we decided to organize a last minute bonfire that was characterized with dancing babies, singing, guitar playing and lots of laughs. Although we will miss our amazing Amala’s and families, we know that they will never forget us.

At our final dinner with Sonam and Kalden we all gained a scarf, a singing bowl and knowledge that we will all be lifelong friends. This knowledge was furthered in our schools through their heartfelt farewells and gifts that show us just how much we really were appreciated.

The final morning in Tashi-ling saw a few tears and last minute goodbyes that were a bit too much to handle for some. Anthony cheered us up at the ‘Swiss’ bus station before our six hour ride to Kathmandu by stating‘if you’re tired and stressed, you’ll feel better on Swiss.’

Once we finally reached Kathmandu after the journey that has just a few too many pot holes, we were faced with the usual craziness that includes packed streets, lots of noise and random questions such as: Are you married?

It’s these people and many others of Nepal that we will miss the most. We have gained many new friends and attempted to adopt the carefree attitude to life that Nepali people have. Over the last month have learnt a lot about the world and ourselves and we hope that we have made a difference in the life of some, as they have made a huge difference in ours.