Hello from Kathmandu

Well, I’m here. Arrived about 6pm Wednesday. Travelled down from Kettering with Brenda and had great fun trying to spot fellow Saga volunteers. A couple of misses but we met some very nice trekkers and eventually Anny and Margaret. The other two we didn’t identify until arrival in Kathmandu, nearly two hours late, having had to change a brake block – entertaining for those of us sitting in the window seats, less so for nervous fliers like Brenda.

And Kathmandu – well the only word is awesome.  We arrived at the best time of day – after dark, in rush hour! What an introduction!  But the Malla is an oasis.  We have lovely rooms, great service and the weather is around 24C. Slightly uncomfortable to be so comfortable, but I guess we’ll get used to that.

Today we were taken to Social Tours office by Raj and Binita, who showed us their outfit, explained the ethics of their organization, and the structure and functions of the several different parties involved in our stay out here – the Malla hotel, Saga, Social Tours, People and Places and the project management teams of the school and the orphanage.

Then to the school. We were introduced to the teachers with whom we will be working – all seemed very open and friendly. We were given sample text books to borrow in order to gauge the standards and content and then shown some of the classrooms. After that it was lunchtime so we were suddenly surrounded by children demonstrating their English or wanting to see our books or pictures. Some spoke exceptionally well. I was brave enough to try some of my Nepalese, most of which was not understood until corrected. One 11 year old boy who spoke impeccable English waved his hand dismissively and said – “Please, speak in English” But they did enjoy filling me in with the numbers I couldn’t remember.

Classes seemed quite manageable until we realised that there were far fewer children there than usual as there had just been a 5 day holiday and many had not yet returned.

Some shopping on our way back, a late lunch at 3pm, some Internet access to sort out and then Binita took us out to a dinner with Nepalese song and dance.

So far I’ve eaten and drunk everything on offer, and enjoyed it all.

Tomorrow we go to see the orphanage.

The Internet speed is very slow here so I think I will have trouble uploading photos but will try tomorrow.