Home again

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So, here I am back at home in the UK after four amazing months in Nepal - I am definitely going back! There is no question that I was extremely sad to say goodbye to my lovely host family, Godawari, and the school Cresent Academy where I was volunteering, as well as the rest of the group, but it was nice to see my family again. It is strange being home as nothing here has changed, so it is hard to believe that four months have passed. But then I think back on all the amazing experiences I've had and the great people I've met and I realise that these last four months did certainly not just disappear, far from it, they were probably some of the best months of my life!
Anyway, I'll briefly talk about some of the things we did in the last month of our stay in Nepal. Most of the weekends were spent shopping or relaxing in Thamel, but for one of them, the whole group came to visit Godawari and meet mine and Fay's families and to see our schools. I have to say they were all very jealous of the beautiful gardens and the monastery, and the general peacefulness of the place, and I realised how lucky I was to have been placed there in the first place!
On Nepali Mothers' Day, there was a school holiday so I went with Gunjan to visit her ill grandmother in Kathmandu. Everything was going fine until we were stuck on a micro-bus in rush hour. I didn't think anyone else could physically fit on that bus, but the bus boy clearly disagreed with me as more and more people were pushed in, and I ended up pinned against the side (I was standing - bad move) unable to move, and barely able to breathe! Now I know why Basant told us to avoid rush hour...
On my last day at school I was given a farewell ceremony by the children and teachers, and went away with a huge bag of flowers, given to me by the students as they filed past. Throughout the day I was also given countless letters, cards, and small gifts (such as some colouring pencils and an exercise book!) - I was very touched by the whole ceremony, and will definitely miss the friendly faces and energy of all the children.
During my last days in Godawari, Gunjan's mother insisted that I was dressed in a sari and photographed, so it was done - it really is very difficult to walk in one, let alone dance - I don't know how the Nepali women do it!!
Saying goodbye to the family on Sunday, was very emotional and extremely hard - I will miss them all so much. I then had one more full day in Kathmandu, before heading to the airport for my flight home on Tuesday evening. After 15 hours of flying and more painful goodbyes, I was back in the UK. Goodbye Nepal... but hopefully not for long!!

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Photos

Me and Gunjan in the Botanical Gardens
Gunjan came with the group on a picnic to the gardens while they were in Godawari.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
I went back here one morning on my own to see it one more time and to take some photos.

Inside a Micro-bus
I am sitting on the back seat, so that's the whole length of the bus. You fit 3 people on each of the rows, and four along the back, as well as people standing and even hanging out the door.

Comments

[Pete Jones]

Great stuff
Brilliant Em - really been great following your epic journey from the safety and security of our home in Brighton. It sounded absolutely amazing, and can't wait to really catch up properly with you and talk through some of your experiences. Best of luck with the next part of the year, loads of love - Pete

[Andy Jones]

Wow!
Wow Em. What an amazing time. Brilliant. Maybe nothing's changed down in Putney, but lots has changed in Hackney - Molly's now in pants!!! Hurrah!! And Pips is eating proper food, and last night slept through the night. I know. Big things going on over here. Please come over and see us when you've got a moment, we'd love to have a catch up, and the girls are both very cuddly especially Pips. Lots of love and have a great time in Iceland if we don't see you before. Andy xxx

[Andy V]

A great trip
Emma, we've thoroughly enjoyed reading about your trip. You've obviously had a great time, meeting many people and seeing many interesting things, but you've also written about it so well. It has been great to read each of your blog entries as soon as they were posted. Well done.