The Mountain FundVolunteer News

We Love Our Volunteers!

2009-02-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

We couldn't carry out our projects without the support and dedication from our volunteers and our supporters.

The Mountain Fund was founded in 2005. Since then we've participated in and supported 35+ projects. That may not seem like a lot, but some of the projects took time, and some are still ongoing.

We believe in the theory of putting your donations directly to use, therefore we do not have any employees. We are operated completely on a volunteer basis, which has allowed us, on average, to keep our administrative cots to 16% of our income.

All of that said, we could not have done this without all of the 108+ local and international volunteers, who have supported us since we founded.

THANK YOU for your time and effort!

- Camilla - Elaine - Steven - Karine - Havatzelet - Bob - Dorothy - Yuru - Tracy - Katherine - Selina - Sanya - Ari - Danny - Jason - Rebecca - Emma - Louise - Mikael - Pasi - Manuella - Ruth - Leah - Sara - Amy - Susie - Jenn - Anna - David - Scott - Simon - Valerie - Jake - Diana - Marisa - Tammy - Asif - Timea - Kanya - Jane - Gaelle - Jessica - Mydi - Claudia - Stephanie - Philip - Paige - David - Ross - Anna - Germaine - Sofia - Alida - Carl - Zack - Mitul - Laura - Susan - Heather - Dawa - Peter - Daria - Alex - Max - Gregory - Janet - Andy - Leah - Amiee - Sebastien - Nathaniel - Anelia - Jeanette - Sarah - Reinold - Andreas - Philip - Diarmuid - Debra - Timothy - Karyn - Jenn - Holli - Tahani - Thu - Ingrid - Enza - Kath - Priya - Emily - Jon - Mike - Larry - Adam - Liz - Sarah - Rachael - Johnny - Tasha - Jess - Ian - Annemaria - Edward - Roman - Milly - Shelly - Christine -

Teach at a school in Thulo Syabru, Nepal

2009-01-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

Milly
from Australia
Volunteered for 1 month at the school (August 2008)

Milly taught English and says:
'It was an amazing experience in all for me, and I have made some friends who I'll stay in touch with for years to come.'

Administrative Volunteer in Kathmandu, Nepal

2008-09-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

Volunteer from Germany:

Project Planning and Management: Improvement of the KfK Medical Clinic and support of the establishment of The Mountain Fund Volunteer Visitor Center in Kathmandu (10 weeks) June - August 2007:

“A few months before the start of my Master in Project Planning and Management, I was traveling in Nepal and decided that I wanted to gain working experience Nepal. However, it was not easy to find an organisation where I could do my own project and not have to pay at least US $ 500 per month. When I went into the office of The Mountain Fund in Kathmandu and expressed my wish for my own project, I got told that basically anything I wanted to do was possible. When I also realized that The Mountain Fund was not interested in making money from me I started with an assessment at the KfK-Medical Clinic in the beautiful Langtang mountain area. I enjoyed my time and gained important working experience up at the KfK-Clinic as well as working on the improvement of the clinic from Kathmandu. Because I agree with the genuinely non-profit ethos of The Mountain Fund I also volunteered in the office helping with the establishment of The Mountain Fund Visitor Center in Kathmandu. I love Nepal and its people and can definitely recommended The Mountain Fund.“

Volunteer in Nepal with The Mountain Fund

2008-07-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Nobody in Nepal is as prepared as we are to make your volunteer visit a complete success. Our Volunteer Visitor Center (aka “The Clubhouse”) is a great hang-out provided only for our volunteers. Here you can hang out and take a break; use the free internet cafe to check e-mail; watch some TV or a DVD; have Kul Bahadur the famed porter fix you a cup of real coffee; learn some Nepali and ask our dedicated and professional staff about any aspect of life in Nepal.

“The Clubhouse” is professionally staffed, with a bilingual staff, that’s here to help you with your every need in Nepal. In addition to your volunteer placement needs, we will take you on city tours, show you where the locals shop and help you learn all about life in Kathmandu.

To make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible, we have our own clean and comfortable house for you to live in while in Kathmandu. Located in a real Nepali neighborhood, with open-air markets a block away, as well as a grocery store, and the bus stop, this home has many Western comforts like a large living room; an 11 seat dining table; and even an oven (rare here) for heating up that take-home pizza !
The home is owned by our Founder, Scott MacLennan, and his wife, Sunita. Scott is an accomplished trek guide and works with a number of non-profits in Nepal and abroad. He splits his time between Nepal; Peru; and New Mexico, USA.

Scott’s wife Sunita, is a native of Nepal, and will be your “housemother” during your stay. They have two children: 1 girl and 1 boy. This is a great way to learn about the local Nepali lifestyle. However, they also have a young live-in assistant, Sushila, who can help with any English translation, if needed.

In addition to our own volunteers, who find placement through us, we do offer homestay for volunteers from other organizations. You can see their photos HERE.

Your Placement Fee of $300 USD includes:
Pick-up and drop-off at airport. Travel advice and assistance. Introduction at your volunteer placement. Full use of “The Clubhouse”. We will even accompany you on site-seeing around Kathmandu, show you where the locals shop, and provide any other support possible to make your stay a really great experience.

Affordable Homestay: You're welcome to stay in our own volunteer house in Kathmandu. You will have a shared bedroom (up to 3 per persons per room); Western-style bath with solar hot water; 2 Nepali meals each day (breakfast and dinner); and free use of the internet at the house. We also have a guest-house attached, and it can sleep 1-2 people; has hot water and an Asian-style toilet. The cost of this program is $10 USD per day.

EXTRAS: For extra fees, we can arrange remote village placements for you if you wish. We can also arrange trekking in any area of Nepal for you.

NOTE: Hospitals in Kathmandu charge a fee for volunteers. This fee of $90 USD is not included in your placement.

Click HERE to visit our website for more information.

Teach English at a School in Chabahil, Nepal

2008-07-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Gargy Shiksha Sadan School, (primary)
Location: Chabahil, Ganesh Marg, Kathmandu

Message from the school Director:

"To provide primary education in lovely and affectionate environment, the Gargy Shiksha Sadan is established by a group of well educated and trained female teachers in 1961. Gargy Shiksha Sadan is an English medium school located in Chabahil, Kathmandu,Nepal. The school is registered in government office.

The major objective of the school is to provide an Educational Excellence in Homely Atmosphere with Affection to each individual student on personal basis, so as to develop full of self confidence and nurtured to be an excellent human being. There are presently, over 107 students and running classes up to grade III. Most of the students are from neighbourhood. However, some of the students are also from far western region like Kalikot district as well."

Ian R. is our volunteer, from United Kingdom, who's teaching at the school from April thru Nov 2008.

Volunteer at a Women's Awareness Center in Nepal

2008-07-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Elaine L.
from United Kingdom
Volunteered for 6 weeks at the "Women’s Awareness Centre Nepal"

"It was good to know that the work I was helping with really made a difference; it was a real eye opener, you hear about trafficking and organ selling, but you’re so far removed from it, it doesn’t register. Although my work was office based, I visited a field office and stayed with a Nepali family. I got to see their work in action and the difference they were making. The women I worked with were extremely friendly and looked after me like I was family."

"While I was there, I helped with the following:

Corrected their English on reports, funding proposals, and articles for newspapers.

They helped me learn Nepali in exchange for some conversational English lessons.

There was some opportunity to impart computer knowledge. Eg shortcuts to the desktop, cut and paste using ctrl + x / v, etc.

When I visited their field office, I stayed with a Nepali family. I saw the cooperatives in action, they showed me the tourist sights, I visited a school and visited a lady who’s life had been changed by the loan they were able to give her. I saw how she had put into practice the farming methods she was taught. She is now able to earn money and is not poverty stricken."

About The Women's Awareness Center:
Location: Gyaneshwor, Nepal

WACN was established by a group of women who were interested in rural women’s development. WACN is run entirely by women. WACN’s programs enable women to participate in the decision-making process of the family and to join all levels of development activities. WACN’s activities are geared toward realizing our vision of creating a just and equal society by reawakening women's inherent power. WACN has found that as local women become involved in development projects they begin to gain a voice within their families and communities.

WACN’s objective is to improve the socio-economic status and self-development capacity of disadvantaged people, especially women. We accomplish this primarily through women’s savings and credit co-operatives that provide women with the opportunity to work together, and to run a “formal” financial organization. The women’s savings and access to loans often provide them with greater voice in family decisionmaking.

WACN reinforces the lessons learned through the co-operative activities with training on a variety of issues of interest to women, from income generation skills to health and gender relations.

Programs: Community-Based Development Program; Women's Saving and Credit Co-operatives; Sustainable Agriculture; Community Centers; and Networking and Advocacy.

Teach at a School in Thambuchet, Nepal

2008-07-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Manuella R., from France, volunteered at Believer's English School in Thambuchet, Rasuwa for 3 weeks in June 2008 ~

“It was a really interesting and enjoyable experience living and teaching in this small and remote village. The people in the areas are Tamang and still live and dress traditionally. Everyone was very friendly and welcomed me warmly. The surroundings are amazing with high mountains, rivers, and terraces all around. I stayed at the village lodge which is very comfortable. I taught different ages; students in class 2 and 3 spoke good English which made teaching easy. It would be helpful to know some basic Nepali when teaching young students. All the children were keen to learn. I would encourage anybody to go and support the development of this small community.”

Manuella and her homestay family in Nepal

Volunteer at an Orphanage in Kathmandu, Nepal

2008-06-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Jason T. (Canada) and Sanya K. (US) both volunteered at the Social Development Centre orphanage in Kathmandu for 2 and 4 weeks respectively in May/June, 2008. The Centre is currently home to 12 orphans. Jason & Sanya helped the kids with their homework and organized after school activities and games for them

Jason – “I felt I was to contribute to the children’s learning of the English language in addition to being a positive role model. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the children, and seeing their academic growth. I gained a further appreciation for the life I live back home and the opportunities that may or may not be available to others in less fortunate circumstances.”

Sanya – “Usually the day consisted of arriving around 8am at the Social Development Centre and helping the kids get ready for school. This entailed helping them put on their uniforms properly and walking them to school. Also, I would sometimes stay and watch their morning assembly. Then around 3.30pm the kids would come back from school and work on their homework. I would assist those that needed help and afterwards we would play soccer or basketball.

I felt that just spending time with the kids and helping them out with their English I contributed somewhat to their education. I felt that I gained experience working with kids and I now know what great responsibility one has to be a good role model when children are involved. I was always interested in specializing in pediatrics so it definitely helps to have experience working with kids. I definitely felt that my help was needed at the Social Development Center. Even though it is a small orphanage the children really craved attention and it was nice to have one on one time with the kids that really needed it.”

The Volunteer Visitor Center in Kathmandu - A rewarding experience!

2008-06-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

After coming to Kathmandu, Nepal with an expensive Volunteer Placement Agency and being totally dissapointed, Rebecca was sent to The Volunteer Visitor Center which is provided by The Mountain Fund. The center is in in Thamel across the street from KEEP and from Hotel Dynasty. Our center helped place her with a pleasant and rewarding volunteering experience. Here is her response:

"Hi there!

I just wanted to send a another big thank you to all of you (Scott, Sunita, Kath, Sushila, Bibu and Krittan) for your hospitality and all of the help, work and kindness you showed me in Nepal. It REALLY made a huge difference to my entire experience in Nepal and it is making me more inclined to visit once again. I am really inspired by all the work Mountain Fund is doing in Nepal and I have a huge amount of respect for each and everyone one of you. In the beginning of my trip, I never thought I would ever hear myself saying that I would come again to Nepal, but after meeting all of you I would be silly not to come again. Hopefully we will all see each other soon until then, I hope everything will work out, and I hope the monsoon season will not be too wet this year! Take care!-Rebecca"

Click HERE to check out a list of our current volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer at our Health Clinic in Thulo Syabru, Nepal

2008-05-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ross Campbell is from Scotland. Ross decided to take some
time off after college, and before starting a career in alternative energy engineering, to travel and volunteer. Ross came to Nepal with the idea of installing a solar lighting system, which he paid for out of his own pocket, in a school or clinic. Ross came to The Mountain Fund’s Volunteer Center in Kathmandu to see if we could help him find a location to install his solar lighting system. When we told Ross about the clinic we were starting in Thulo Syabru, he decided that his lighting system would be perfect for it and set off for Thulo Syabru to install it. Four of the rooms at the clinic now have solar powered lighting thanks to Ross.

Ross at the new clinic in Thulo Syabru, with a local Nepali.

Ross wasn’t content to install a lighting system. Once he saw the incredible project underway in the village to build a new school he jumped right in; grabbed a shovel and went to work digging dirt and hauling rocks. The school is really an incredible story. This school sat on ground that was about fifteen feet higher than surrounding buildings. As a result, the soil was continuously eroding away from the structure and following every rainy season the villagers had to work hard to reverse the erosion damage. In a display of unbelievable tenacity, the village raised the money for a new school then took apart the old school stone by stone and removed fifteen feet of earth to create a level site on which to build a new school. Construction of the new school is now underway and progressing well. It’s a real community effort to get it finished and ready for students.

Scott & Nima at the Grand Opening of the new clinic.

"Experience of a lifetime"

2007-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

"I went last October and it was the experience of a lifetime. The trip's a nice blend of vacation and work... if you like hiking, camping, etc. Everything was very well organized. The food was great and days of hiking were totally doable usually 3-5 hours of walking. Most of the villages we visited are inaccesible by car and many people had never seen a doctor or nurse. It was like travelling back in time 200
years. Amazing."

~ Shelly O.
Shelly is a RN in the PICU at a local hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She attended the Medical Camp in Nepal in October 2007.

Volunteer at an Orphanage in Nayabazar, Nepal

2007-09-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Diarmuid S.
Dublin, Ireland

Volunteered in the ‘Orphan Help Centre’ and the ‘Nepal Society for the Disabled’ in Kathmandu for 5 weeks in July/August 2007:

“My time at the OHC was a fascinating experience, everyone at the centre is hugely welcoming. There are 19 kids at the centre and the variety of characters is a source of endless entertainment. The 3 staff and 19 children are like a big family and it was a privilege to be invited into this environment, to experience the local lifestyle, to learn about the reality of life here and to see how people manage to keep upbeat regardless. My time at the Nepal Society of the Disabled was an equally interesting experience. It provided me with an invaluable glimpse at Nepali office life, the workings of NGOs and the hardships faced by the physically disabled in this country. The Mountain Fund Volunteer Visitor Centre was always there to help and Sudhir is a good guy.”

About the Orphan Help Centre:
Location: Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Established in August 2004, the orphanage cares for Nepalese village children whose parents have either passed away, disappeared or are too poor to feed and educate them. At this time, the orphanage is home to 17 children. The most important requirement to be a volunteer here is that you love connecting with children.

Volunteer assistance needed for: Reading; Teaching English; Helping with Homework; Playing Games; Arts and Crafts; Helping with Cleanliness; and Taking the children on outings on the weekends.

Work with Children in Kathmandu, Nepal

2007-09-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Jane B.
Birmingham, England

Was teaching part-time English at a Secondary School and part-time volunteering at a Child Protection Home in Kathmandu for 4 months in April to July 2007:

“I would describe it as an excellent school for using and gaining teaching experience. Very enjoyable! The placement has well behaved and attentive students and friendly and helpful staff. I respected the staff and students at the school, and I was made a part of the school team from day one. The students eagerly participated in every class and I was often asked to stay later to chat with them. I really enjoyed my time with the children and had such a beautiful time with them that I did not want to leave them."

"My volunteer experience at the Child Protection Home was amazing. Working with 61 children from an age range from 6 to 14 years, who have almost no one because their parents are in jail, was a very special experience for me. They were always excited to see me and spend time in the library or playroom making pictures, doing arts & crafts activities, reading books and playing games both inside and outside. Each day spent with the children is both personally rewarding and very beneficial for the children."

"Both of my volunteer placements were extremely worthwhile; there was not a single day when I did not look forward to going in, so of course I would do it again! The Mountain Fund Team were welcoming and helpful, I was given a full orientation at the school and told what to expect. The staff are always on hand to answer any questions I had about the placement and volunteering.”

Volunteer Update: Philip H.

2007-06-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Philip H., M.D., and his wife
USA

Participated in Moving Medical Camp held in Goljung, in April 2007:

“We were driven to Goljung (7 hours from Kathmandu) by a very competent driver. We lived with the staff at the clinic (very rustic). We saw about 170 patients in 3 days, which wasn’t work; it was pure and simple delightful fun. Seeing patients, observing the beautiful Tamang women and children in their native dress, watching the sunlight on the mountains. The people at the clinic as well as all the patients were so beautiful; I could have stayed there for weeks. Then we trekked for 3 more days with our trustworthy and intelligent guide. We had hoped to make a moving clinic of our trek, but had not made sufficient preparations, so we more or less just hiked in the beautiful Langtang area. I recommend this trip and The Mountain Fund to others and I am planning to come soon again.”

Volunteer Update: Stephanie H.

2007-06-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Stephanie H.
USA

Participated in Moving Medical Camp held in Goljung, in April 2007:

“Having experienced a little of Nepal medically and culturally, I found my experience during the clinic to be incredibly different culturally as well as medically. I think it was a well organized clinic given the circumstances and the trip gave me a good insight as to what a well developed clinic can do for it’s surrounding villages. Of course, like so many others, it needs continuous support and training. The people who we worked with were wonderful and welcoming, as were the villagers. I liked the curiosity of the villagers and the discovery of a different tribe of people in Nepal. The Mountain Fund, and Visitor Center were helpful and very friendly. I absolutely can recommend them.”

MF Supporter Reports on the 2006 Climbing Season from Nepal

2007-04-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hi, Scott.

I am in Kathmandu now, it’s warm and dry and calm. In fact, the weather is unusually good for this season, when in years past it has been cold and rainy at this time. It seems they have been having an unexpectedly warm and dry climate for the last 18 months or so. One could even characterize it as a drought. Is the old global warming beginning to make its mark?

On the flight in yesterday, I saw a surprisingly clear view of Nepal's 8000 metre peaks, seen from east to west: Kangchenjunga (3rd highest mountain in the world), Makalu (5th highest), Lhotse (4th highest), Everest (1st highest), and Cho Oyu (6th highest). I think it was one of the best airplane views I have ever had of the Himalaya. We thought we could see Pumori (our current objective), but weren’t sure, as from our perspective flying up at 9000 metres above India and Nepal, Pumori is relatively dwarfed by the sea of peaks around it.

Here in Kathmandu, it has just been Buddhist New Year and the famous Hindu Shivaratri festival all at the same time, so everyone looks relaxed and happy, and it appears not much work is getting done. It might be even more laid back than usual. On the drive in from the airport yesterday, we saw quite a few groups of people parading around, waving flags, holding banners, chanting, praying, and playing music. Nepal may be having political struggles, but it’s certainly not very apparent when you wander around the streets of Kathmandu.

In one busy section of town where many people were out on the street, our driver and local agent, who is himself from one of Kathmandu's old established families, pointed out several foreign dignitaries wandering around in the streets, probably walking to have their lunch at a famous 5 star hotel restaurant in the embassy district. This small group of mainly white men in suits and ties looked a bit out of place next to the Nepalis wearing their Saris and Dotis and carrying handbags filled with vegetables, going about their business. The dignitaries were walking slowly, gesturing and laughing.

Our driver, who seemed to know all of the dignitaries in the group, pointed out several top level embassy staff. We did not see anything that looked like a policeman, security, or bodyguard within a half kilometre of them. Either the embassy officials on their lunch break were walking with security agents who were extremely well camouflaged as being very relaxed, smiling and laughing and enjoying the day, or they were feeling quite relaxed about the Nepal security situation at the moment. That may seem a bit of an unexpected surprise, as these same embassies have been busy crafting frightening announcements to folks back at home warning them that Kathmandu is unsafe.

Do you suppose that is their day job; to please the folks back at home hungry for bad news, and when they are on lunch break, they just relax and enjoy life? As ever, it seems that Nepal is a country of contrasts.

Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to help mountain people everywhere. Best Regards.

Yours Sincerely, Dan

Nepal, April 8th - May 7th 2006 by Anna Pettigrew

2006-08-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

When asked to write about my experience in Nepal, I thought it would be an easy task to undertake. But when faced with a blank sheet of paper the reality was somewhat different. Trying to cram in all the wonders of one of the world most beautiful countries is a mammoth task.

After graduating and leaving the snug cocoon of The Edinburgh College of Art, where I had studied photography for 4 years, I attempted to plant some roots from where I could build up my photography. However, they never took hold, and it became apparent that they were not meant to. Instead, my photography was going to take me places.
First stop, Nepal.

Nepal was somewhere I had always longed to travel to. So when I got the opportunity through The Mountain Fund, I jumped at the chance. My main goal with going was to do photography work for the fund, where my job would be to document the efforts and progress the Mountain Fund and its partner organisations were making.

The news in the papers and on the internet was sparse but what was available didn’t look good for my prospects of going to Nepal. Over the winter months of 2005-2006 the situation in the country had worsened, threats of strikes where being announced, and the situation was looking more and more vulnerable. Yet, to the horror of some family members, I still got onboard the plane bound for the Himalayas.

Up until I landed in Kathmandu, I wasn’t aware of the curfew the city was under. The confusion buzzed about the airport terminal among the passengers, and no one knew quite what was happening, or how we would get to our hotels. The Opposition Party of Nepal had announced a nation wide strike, which had seen the whole country grind to a halt. The King had then responded with a curfew and a ‘shoot on sight’ order, which in toll meant the Nepalese were denied access out into the city, and as a result where house bound. Fortunately tourist busses where still allowed to operate, so a trekking guide company at the airport greeted me with warm welcomes despite the uneasy situation. Driving through the city was like entering a ghost town. The otherwise heaving and busy city of Kathmandu was deserted and only glimpses could be caught of locals peering through half closed shutters to see what vehicle was defying the curfew.

I had never met the group of people I was going to spend the next month with before arriving in Nepal. Scot MacLennan, his son Max and their friend Holly were waiting for me at our hotel. Also Scots friends Gyanendra and Puskar came to meet us. And to my great relief, once we got together it became apparent we would get on just fine. Due to the strike and curfew, my group and I spent days confined within our hotels walls. We had to wait for an opportunity to get out of Kathmandu, and up in to the mountains where we would embark upon our first trek to Langtang and Kyanjin Gompa. There was not much to do cooped up in our hotel. So whilst riots where happening out side, I spent my days photographing the empty hotel.
But after weighing up the situation for some days, we packed up our gear one morning and headed up the bumpy road to Syabru Bensi before the curfew kicked in at 8 am.
The drive up was fantastic. I hadn’t imagined what life out side the city would be like, so I was overwhelmed with completely new sights and views. The many knocks and hits I received in the car from the colossal road holes were worth it. Not only do you pass some of the most spectacularly colourful towns with names like Trisuli Bazaar, but because of the height gain you also get a great geological perspective of the country. Every hour or so, the landscape and colours change dramatically. Firstly you travel through forests, then out into intense orange farm land, over rivers where bright green rise fields lie, and then at last you reach a height where only white mountain tops and bright blue sky’s are visible.
After spending the night in The Buda Hotel in Syabru Bensi, we started our trek and headed up the trail towards Lama Hotel. The path was steep, but offered excellent views of the Langtang Khola River, and thanks to our guide Surendra I was lucky enough to see Himalayan Tahr (a mountain goat) as well as Langur monkeys. One thing that affected me deeply on this trip was seeing how many porters were carrying far to heavy loads. Just before reaching Land Slide Lodge we came across a young porter sitting by the side of the path visibly exhausted by the heavy pack he was carrying, so Scot and our guide took some of his goods to ease his load. The porter wasn’t aware of the wages he was being paid, and as it turned out, when his employers/trekkers were confronted by us, we found they were under paying him. It is in no possible way fair to underpay, and then over load your porter. They are good people, trying to make a living, and I find it truly grotesque that westerners have the nerve to literally rob this people out of what is, at the end of the day, a few extra dollars or the equivalent of a cup of coffee in a café back home. Shame on them. In the nicest possible way, trekkers need to be informed about the consequences of their own actions. If they can afford the air ticket to come over and trek, they can afford to pay their employees fairly.

Our trek continued its planed route up the path, but my outlook had broadened, and I was beginning to feel disillusioned with my reasons for being in Nepal. Could my photography be of any benefit to the people of Nepal?

Much later on in my journey I did realize I could influence things in a positive way. Every westerner I met I told about porter’s fair rights. I explained to them it was their responsibility to ensure the porters well being when trekking with them. And all around me I met good response. Back home in Scotland the issue popped up again, and I was glad se the decisions some trekkers where making, such as taking an extra porter, and using a fair trekking organization such as EWN in Pokhara.

The Langtang trip was a marvellous experience, and to have seen at first hand how hard, but beautiful life is high up in the Himalayas has had a profound effect on me.

Where ever I went on in Nepal I was greeted with the utmost kindness. Even in a time like that, were the country was in turmoil, the Nepalese people were warm and smiling, and in this friendly fashion my trip continued. I spent a wonderful week in Pokhara with Empowering Women of Nepal, otherwise known as the Chetri sisters, who run a women-lead guide education centre for young Nepalese women. I was able to help out there, by teaching English, and helping in their office. I value the experience given to me by the sisters, and was happy to offer my services to their fine cause.

Once back in Kathmandu we found ourselves restricted to our hotel for a second time. And here I once more felt frustrated with the lack of effort I was able to contribute whilst caught up in my hotel. To keep myself occupied and get exercise I went up and down the 5 floors of stairs over and over. I also figured out it was possible to walk over to the neighbouring hotel with out being seen or stopped by the guards. This happened to be one of Kathmandu’s only 5 star hotels where half of the foreign journalists and TV crews were checked in. Like me they felt frustrated not being able to get out and capture a story, so they spent their time interviewing the hotel guests. I was interviewed my New Deli TV, but was disappointed when the journalist tried to steer the subject onto the theme of me having a ‘Bad Holiday’. And wasn’t it a nuisance this whole strike business?
I directed the interview back to the subject of the Nepalese people. It was their lives that were being affected more than mine. I had if I wished a plane ticket out of there, but they where there for good. And no, my holiday had not been worsened by the strike! In fact, I felt educated by experiencing the current situation Nepal was in. And despite the turmoil, I felt optimistic about the future of Nepal.
Soon after my interview King Gyanendra stepped down.

Going to Nepal and not knowing a single sole was not the hard part of my journey, it was returning home. For weeks after arriving back I felt the weight of everyday life attempting to hold me down, and make me fit back into its speedy routine. But I have resisted, and despite the danger of sounding horribly cliché, my experience in Nepal changed my outlook on life. I have become more mindful, and instead of questioning everything I do with a critical attitude, I have become more accepting of myself, and of others. Before setting of to Nepal I had a predisposed knowledge that there was something in Asia that mesmerised and enchanted people, something so strong that people almost always return back for more. What that addictive feeling is exactly I am still uncertain off, all I know is that I’ve been captivated by it to, and now I long for more.