Last days in Pokhara for UniBreakers

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


So the week began on Friday with a trip to Chitwan National Park. This was a five and a half hour bus trip along the bumpy road following the green rivers. As we arrived Sarah perfectly summarized our entry with "I feel like we have left Nepal and arrived in Africa". Our time began with a tour village through the mud houses with thatched roofs. Then we walked to the elephant breeding centre and got to admire the adorable elephants. The night was topped with a village cultural show, which was very inspiring and we got the privilege of joining them on stage for traditional dancing.

The next day began with a peaceful canoe ride along the fog covered, cold and still river. It felt like we were in Pirates of the Caribbean! An hour and a half later we carefully climbed off the wooden boat and stepped into our next adventure of a jungle safari. This was for sure topped by our close encounter with two rhinos where we spent almost an hour edging closer to them. We hid behind a one metre wide tree as the guides threw sticks at the rhinos in an attempt to bring them closer. It was a mad adrenaline rush and a very eventful time. As our jungle walk came to an end, we squeezed in elephant bathing. This included many falls off the elephant and finished with us being drenched head to toe! After a walk around town and drying off, we jumped on some elephant backs and went on a safari walk. It was an amazing day finished off with team bonding around the camp fire. The morning was an early start as we went for a walk around the lake to bird spot before back on the bus and returned to Pokhara by mid afternoon.

With the half way mark having now passed, everyone is feeling more settled in their placements and embracing all opportunities.

Catherine finished off her teaching this week to ensure she could complete her life dream of climbing Namchi Bizarre! She loved her teaching experience with years 8,9 and 10 and really embraced the students enthusiasm to learn English. We wish her the best of luck on her trek and what a privilege it has been to get to know her.

This weekend some are relaxing in lakeside with others opting for the Poon Hill trek and the 4227 steps it includes. By the end of next week all will have finished placements and some on their return back to Australia! But not before a day of white water rafting together followed by dinner one last time in lakeside.