Imagine seeing this incredible view every day
An ‘ordinary’ day…
- Woken up at 6am by the goats and cockerels next door
- Fried egg on bagels for breakfast
- Two mile walk to school surrounded by the children from the school curious as ‘to who we were and where we came from’ and two miles of incredible mountain views that we never tired of.
- Outdoor assembly with the back drop of the Himalayas singing the Nepalese National Anthem
- Staff meeting in the staff room
- First class of the day English Lessons to 45- 9 to 16 year olds. Starting each lesson with Simon Says and singing and action songs. Given a choice they would have liked to do that all lesson!
- Mark homework in the staffroom and plan tomorrows lessons, ‘so what other games do we know?! ‘- ” head shoulders knees and toes- ah yes perfect!”
- Daily game of Ludo and cards with the teachers whilst teaching them other card games and learning Nepali at the same time
- Sport lesson with 6 to 8 year olds who spoke very little English and even getting them in a circle was almost impossible. (running races, cricket, follow the leader, the bean game – we had to be inventive due to the lack of equipment!)
- Last lesson of the day 76 students aged 11-15 teaching English and more Simon Says and number games. Rowdy but fun group.
- After school cricket practice preparing for the end of term match. They love cricket in Nepal! Even when you thought the ball would never come back a child would run after it down the hill and always return it!
- Unless we were feeling energetic we caught the bus back up the hill which was a challenge in its self. The ten seater mini bus would normally have 30+ passengers with several on the roof (oh Nepal we love you!)
- Bagel shopping at the local grocery shop. We soon became their regulars, I think we amused them!
- Boil the kettle on the 2-ring gas stove to wash ourselves and clothes in a bucket outside. Luxury! Soon learnt to love the bucket shower!
- Cook dinner by candle light as most evenings the electricity went off between 6pm and 8pm.
- On occasions we felt honoured to be invited to teachers and locals houses for dinner to enjoy Dhal Bhat with our hands ( which we managed to master the art of eventually, some better than others!)
- Retire to the Gorkha Inn for drinks, cards and a catch up with the other AV volunteers. By now the Everest beer went down well!
Martha