Voluntourism Nepal 尼泊尔 12/15 - OPRJ volunteers
On 25 Dec 2015, volunteers arrived Kathmandu.
We checked our volunteer friends into their hotel at Thamel and brought them around the vicinity. We shopped for a “little”…
26 Dec 2015
Melamchi, Here we come!
Visiting our 2nd school at Melamchi. The road was good for 3 hours… Stopping at Melamchi Bazzar for lunch.
We were unable to advance further due to landslides. We hiked for slightly more than an hour to the village. Millets found at the beginning of the track.. reminded Zwen of Tongpa (fermented millets alcoholic drink).
Intimidating start of trek...
Beautiful scenery along the trek...
The villagers gave us a very warm welcome. They thanked us for our contribution to the village.
Tea break ...
Setting up tents before it turned dark... and cold
Melamchi walkabout
First thing we noticed were the ruins from the earthquake... devastating sight.
My super favourite - white raddish!
Once again, thank you Ram and Tin for the wonder meals!
After dinner we drank Rossi (traditional home made wine) under the starry starry night...
It's bedtime ... Good night
Good Morning Melamchi!
Collection of milk + testing of the fats level in the milk ... the primitive way :)
Breakfast is READY! - our 2 chefs!
School starts at 10am but the kids came much earlier, excited. The school assembly started and headmaster gave speech to thank Operation Rejoice for rebuilding the school. Students presented flowers to us. Zwen and Janice took turns to give short speeches to encourage both teachers and students to give their best!
Giving some small gifts to the teachers
Lunch break ...
Zwen led the activity of making Santa Claus cards (to thank donors). The older students were selected to make the cards and write messages to donors.
Students left and we had a great laugh during dinner… Our entertainer: Mr Jak (my new best friend!!!)
Then some villagers came…. To chat with us… about building a Hindu temple for them… well, first… not without some music and dance. Operation Rejoice has rejected as we do not build religious premises... however, we might help based on personal efforts.
Our laughing Buddha...
27 Dec 2015
Waking up to beautiful sun rise and golden snow mountains, we started our day early with yummy breakfast.
We started packing tents and bags ready to leave... As we hiked down to the main road, we met some students, getting ready for school…
Back to Kathmandu, Aashraya’s family hosted dinner for us.