One more night!

Well I have less than 15 minutes to type & post.

Kathmandu is a different city than we arrived. Due to the Maoists and the strike there are no vehicles on the street and no shops open. Only people and bikes. It is very quiet without all the honking and the air is definitely easier to breathe. From some sources, it does not sound like that the strike will end in the near future. It is too bad as the people need to get to work, sell things, provide services so they can make money as they have so little to begin with. Some shops risk doing business but most are closed. There is no school. We had to walk over an hour to get to the airport in Pokhara yesterday. We sent our bags by bikes and went later on foot. It has been around 30C temperature so it is quite hot. We have had thunderstorms so it is quite humid.

I leave for home tomorrow and am looking forward to it. I think we have a way to the airport as tourist buses are allowed to operate. Very interesting times. Hope it stays non-violent and that a resolution can be made.

Looking forward to home...

Linda

Rock climbing and strikes...

Pokhara is a wonderful city. Quite different than Kathmandu. Wonderful places to eat and some good hiking. Yesterday we went on a boat ride around Fewa Lake and it was quite hot out on the water. Walking back to the 3 Sisters Guest House we stopped at a great restaurant. There were demonstrations in the city yesterday with the Maoists. Today all shops etc are supposed to be closed but if you look hard enough it is possible to find the odd internet cafe that lets you through a side door!

Today we were taken to the 3 Sisters "Empowering Women of Nepal" (EWN) building where they train women to become guides, porters, office workers etc. so they have opportunities in Nepal. It is quite impressive. They also support 20 children who do not have the opportunity to go to school in their current situation. Parents are unable to work due to disabilities etc. These children are treated as family and it is wonderful. Due to the strikes, the schools are closed so I am not sure if I am able to visit any more schools while in Nepal. I will leave the last of my donations towards this children's home that is providing the chance for children who would otherwise be working in the fields or at home. And the supplies I have I will leave with Dikki of the 3 sisters to make sure it gets to the two schools that these children attend. It is very heartwarming. We were able to meet some of the children today.

We also met some of the young women who are training to be guides. After the presentation of EWN and the children's home, we went on what we thought was a short hike but my definition of short is a little different than our leaders!! We were treated to a rock climbing demonstration where these three women showed us their abilities on the flat face of rock. Then our group was asked if we wanted to try it. So....... the opportunity was there and I seized it. I could not make it to the top but I was able to climb higher than what I ever imagined. When I came back down, I was on top of the world. It was the most amazing thing to do something that I thought was way out of my league. Pam took some pictures for me so I do have proof!! It is harder than it looks. My legs were shaking and when I could not find the next two hand and leg spots I did not want to go further. Coming down was a lot of fun and doing that would spur me to go further next time!!

Well, we should be heading back to Kathmandu tomorrow if all goes well. I think things are able to be open and run between 6 and 8 both morning and evening. But maybe these are just rumours.

I am starting to think of home more and more as the time draws nearer. Trees budding, perennials popping up, tulips blooming, soccer games going on in the parks. Soon...

Linda