(I apologize for the time space confusion--now we're back in Nepal) Signs everywhere say “Welcome to the New Nepal.” The Kathmandu Post runs daily headlines about the Constituent Assembly and negotiations for the new democratic state. Billboards on the side of the road advocate for the rights of dalits (untouchable castes) to participate in the formation of the new country. There are kinks, however, in the functioning of the newly self-aware civil and democratic society. Political parties vie to have their voices heard, and for the ten days prior to my arrival, the entire country was shut down by a bandha [View Full Entry]

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The Wet - White Water Rafting Through the Mountains A day after returning from our trek, we headed back up into the mountains on another rickety bus, this time to raft the Kali Gandaki River with 16 other brave souls (made up mainly of Irish, Aussies, Brits and Canadians). We set out in two rafts and spent the first half hour learning a few basic skills. The first major rapid was called "Little Brother" and because it was reportedly too dangerous (several deaths in the last three years), we all got out of the rafts and walked around the rapids. This [View Full Entry]

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Today we had a tour of Kathmandu, mainly focusing on temples. We went to a Hindu temple and 2 Buddhist temples, one of which is the oldest temple in Nepal. I don't have the names with me so I will have to add them in later. The Hindu temple was first. We didn't get to actually go in, but we got to wander around the outside. The temple had a river flowing from it, eventually connecting with the Ganges, that they cremated people by and dumped the ashes into. We sat on one side of the river for a while to [View Full Entry]

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Well after 2 days of travel I finally made it to Nepal! The flights actually weren't too bad because once you leave the US they have movies in the back of every seat and they actually feed you. We even got icecream sandwiches! Too long though... but now I'm in Kathmandu. I've met 3 people from my group and the group leader and some more people are supposedly coming tonight. We walked around a little and went to a little rooftop cafe for a fruit lassi (similar to milkshakes). Now we're all using the internet (which is only 50 cents per [View Full Entry]

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During our time in Pokhara we got much and little accomplished. After our 43 days of camping through Africa we agreed we deserved time to sleep in, sit in cafes all day and enjoy the beauty of air conditioning! Pokhara is a beautiful part of Nepal and although the lake was in full bloom while we were there it was still a relaxing spot after coming from Kathmandu where car horns fill the narrow streets from dawn to dusk. Also the risk of being run over on the streets is much reduced as the heaviest traffic you will encounter in Pokhara [View Full Entry]

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Hello everybody, and happy Fourth of July! I don't have much to say because life in the village hasn't been all that exciting, but I wanted to update so no one got worried by my silence. I'm spending a few days in Kathmandu helping another volunteer finish up her project before she heads home. We're visiting three orphanages in the city to assess the needs of the orphanage and the needs of the children, as well as take pictures of the kids and make mini profiles of them. We've found out that orphanages don't tell you what they really need and [View Full Entry]

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Just spent about 30 minutes typing when the browser disappeared. So this is going to be shorter and sweeter than intended. We are now in Delhi. Back in hot, sticky, down and dirty India. But ... about a week ago we finally left Kathmandu after the national transport strike had ended. We caught the first bus to Dumre and from there walked/rode the back of a tractor full of gravel to the mountain village of Bandipur. Bandipur was beautiful. Really beautiful and the people extremely friendly and welcoming. We filled two days there with walks and short hikes and an excursion [View Full Entry]

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Hello! Wow, been a while since I updated this. Still, better late than never I guess! So Nepal……mmmm. Bit disappointing in the end to be truthful. Had high hopes when I got there, but was pretty glad to leave a couple of months later. I went trekking for a couple of weeks at the end of May…..up to Llangtang, which is just north east of Kathmandu; West of Everest in the Himalayan range. It was pretty good, but not quite as good as I’d hoped. Originally, I was going to go without a guide. The paths around that area are pretty [View Full Entry]

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Voici quelques photos de Kathmandu ainsi que de la vallee qui l entoure. [View Full Entry]

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Once again, just can't seem to hold still. Here I am in Nepal, starting work as an AP Peace Fellow with the Uterine Prolapse Alliance. I will be keeping a work-related blog (in addition to whatever shows up here). Check it out http://advocacynet.org/blogs/index.php?blog=107. It will have links to a flicker (online photo) account, which is almost ready to debut. I love being able to see mountains!!!! xo Lib [View Full Entry]

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