The Thamel way.

(Journal entry, November 18'07: I watch from my seat window. The Nepal mountain range from the far West covers the horizon reaching the far East. The mountains are floating. I am at eye level with the peaks while the plane cruises at 30,000 ft. I am overwhelmed with a sense of place and to my surprse, my eyes water. I am finally here and I, more than ever, feel at peace.)
Arriving safe in Kathmandu, I was taken to my hotel then thrown into a taxi to go for dinner at Devendra's house. I had no idea where I was going, how far, or who I was meeting. I only knew names and the network in which we are connected (all through Camrose native Ruth Jensen). That was day one. I think most of my days will be like this...just go with it.

So far, the people I've met are no different here than in Bangalore, India - good english, respectful, and curious about my last name, occupation, and time of stay. The answers are all the same - Canadian, student, and 2 weeks maybe more maybe less. Unlike other places, Nepal Moaists treat Canadians and Americans very differently. So, I am super proud to be Canadian on this leg of my journey.

What am I doing?

Basically, I have four goals: 1) Establish the Outdoor Nepal School with Rabindra in three weeks; 2) Find a place to donate 5,000 pieces of clothing and supplies with ; 3) Visit habitat for humanity; 4) Volunteer with Hands for Help at the end of December.

On top of that, I'll be trekking around East Nepal, going paragliding for my birthday, and then volunteering for my Christmas gift. There is a great need in this country, like so many others, and the political situation is interesting and certainly not stable. I'm safe, but the locals are not.

You can give right to the people.

If you want to donate something (warm clothes, books, supplies), let me know and I'll make it happen. I'll even be taking photos of delivery and working with CWIN, so far, my favorite contact.

I'll write as best I can...I would love to hear any stories from back home...Mom, how's the house?