Can I manage a photo?

At VSO with our Nepali language teachers after 2 weeks of great classes.

Heading to Nepalgunj soon

I hoped to sort out some photos before posting again but I’m afraid circumstances have totally wrecked that plan. My timetable has just not matched the power/internet timetable. Otherwise, things have continued well during the orientation here in Kathmandu. There’s a heap more Nepali in my exercise book than in my brain, but I’m still feeling like there’s progress on that front. We’ve had a lot of laughs every day in class too – always good. This Saturday I made it to Durbar Square early in the morning which I really enjoyed, temples and shrines both Hindu and Buddhist from 12^th to 18^th centuries. The king lived here until the early 20^th century. (I know some photos would be good, will try harder!) Glad there’s been a few more opportunities to do some tourist activities before leaving Kathmandu. The training for our group has been changed from earlier groups and this week we will split up into groups based on our placements for more relevant language training. On Wednesday I’m flying with Loula and someone from the office to Nepalgunj – also in Terai near the Indian border. The two of us will have language classes there and I’ll get to know another town before I go to Bhairawa.

So, next morning, and I've managed to edit the post with a couple of photos in Durbar Square.

after 10 days in Kathmandu

What’s been happening – heaps! We’ve had introductions to Kathmandu by current volunteers and to VSO by everybody in the office. Language classes have been great – the 12 of us have learned huge amounts. I knew Nepali would a challenge for me, and it is, but I’m happy with my progress and with a teacher student ratio of 1:3, no hiding in that class. I’ve already eaten lots of momos, dahl bhat, and given there’s a dairy on the corner of the street a fair bit of yoghurt too. There’s been lots of walking and shopping expeditions and I’m starting to feel like I understand where things are in this part of town. The load shedding timetable ie no power, is one of many things that remain to be properly understood at some unknown future date ......

A busy time, my head spins with my Nepali efforts .... photos maybe next time. It’s been a great start!

.... this time next week

 .... I expect to be in Kathmandu. What will I be doing ...? During my first 8 weeks VSO has an in country training program that includes an introduction to living in Nepal, VSO’s work, Nepali language lessons, and a village stay. It'll be in and around Kathmandu. So it won’t be for a while that I find myself in Bhairawa. It’s been a flurry of activity heading towards the flight out of Melbourne, thank you so much for all your good wishes, next post – Nepal!