In Nepal we like to move slowly so chill out and relax

COUNTRY: Nepal - Pokhara
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Education
WRITTEN BY: Alyse Kendall

Our arrival into Nepal was met with a sign at the airport that we feel best describes the Nepalese way: "in Nepal we like to move slowly so chill out and relax". The taxi ride to the hotel really set the seen of Kathmandu, no road rules, multiple pot holes in rhe road and cows, goats and chickens casually strolling across the rubbish filled,buzzing streets of Kathmandu.

With three of us arriving early (hannah S, Alyse and Sharon) we took our extra days off to see the The Royal Palace museum, the Garden of Dreams. The following day was spent through the side streets of Kathmandu doing the lonely planets recommended walk through every temple to Durbar square. We found this to be a lovely way to experience the life and ways of the Nepalese culture. The following day all other team members met on the steps of Thamel Eco resort (along with our new comedian friend Kalden), then heading out for a walk around the streets of Thamel. Later that night we meet up with previous antipodeans volunteers who were back to see and enjoy the life and scenes of Nepal.

The Bus ride the next day included an early wake up call followed by a 7.5hrs bus ride of amazing scenery and very comfy seats. We stopped for tea where we all froze, then another atop for lunch of dal baht which was really good way to excite our taste buds, food was amazing.

After a night in a hotel in Pokhara, which included a quick Nepalese language and culture crash course, Kalden showed us to some of the hidden tourist hot spots. Later that afternoon we arrived into the Tashi Ling Tibetan Village where we anxiously waited to meet our soon to be families. Our families have all been very welcoming and mine comes with amazing food all the time, and yes we have all adjusted to the drop toilet concept.

First week of placements have been fun filled which has included many hours of arts and crafts along with exercise and dance time. And many have already been given the privilege of teaching English to the class.

Our Plan for the weekend is to climb up Sarangkot sleep the night before early rise to watch sunrise over the Himalayas then paraglide over Pokhara and see the valley and lake from a whole new perspective.

Check back in with you soon!!