We arrived safely in Kathmandu on a day with very low cloud and no mountain views as we flew in. The city has really bad air pollution, far worse than I expected, we are going to wear masks, extreme but necessary during parts of the day. The local area in Kathmandu where we are staying is called Thamel. A real maze of building up to 6-7 stories high with shops on the first level. They sell an amazing assortment of goods from trekking gear, cashmere clothing, pashminas, felted products, a real assortment. The main supermarket is exceptionally well stocked and prices are super cheap. There is not the street food vendors here as you would see in India, and the street front retailers are not so aggressive in selling which is rather nice, quite a relaxed atmosphere with lots of tourists.
It was the Nepalese new year the day before we arrived and in the Nelalese calendar it is 2071. There are lots of banners and prayer flags decorating the streets, which again are mostly unpaved and dirty, however haven't noticed the 'street' smell here yet.
Volunteers on this placement are from Australia, China, Singapore, France, Finland, Austria , Philippines, Canada and USA. We think we are heading to an area in Pokhara which is nearer the mountains and by a lake. We have been given the choice of two areas, so you never know. The other area is flatter and hotter but closer to the Chitwan National Park, five hours away from each other.
Today we have headed by jeep to a place called Chitlin with the other volunteers for an overnight excursion to see some of the local area outside of Kathmandu. After a rough ride through a mountain pass we arrived in a beautiful valley dotted with traditional Nepalese style homes amidst plantings of pear trees. Further down the valley there are olive groves also. Looking across the valley are terraced fields where the locals grow vegetables. The weather here is very changeable aud varies from 1- 2 degrees at night to high 20,s during the day at this time of year.
We have enjoyed a delicious lunch and have a language & cultural class this afternoon, followed by a walk around the wee village where we can taste and purchase goat cheese is we are interested.
An added excitement as we arrived was a runaway tractor & trailer unit careering down the hill right in front of us as we were walking to our accommodation, someone hadn't put the breaks on. Luckily everyone run out of the way and it came to rest against a tree, if it had gone any further it would have rolled and been a huge loss for the farmer. Don't think insurance is an option here.
Our accommodation is basic but clean and what a stunning view.
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