Tomorrow I am leaving Nepal - my oh my how time flies!! Here's a quick snapshot of what's going through my mind!
What I will Miss: My friends at VSO and YOAC, sunshine, bright coloured clothes, cows walking in the middle of the road, a varied job, having an apartment to myself, being able to walk or catch just 1 bus for everywhere I need to go, cheap and very yummy food!, flexibility of time (something which used to irritate me and now I really enjoy) hospitality and generosity of Nepali people. Jazz Upstairs! Banagrams, my friend Tlell's supertasty cooking, Walking home with a mountain view, samosas! My local shop owners and their friendly smiles.
What I won't miss: People hocking and spitting, never having peace and quiet, erratic bus drivers, slow internet connection, power cuts in winter, lack of water in winter, ants and cockroaches, being woken up by the landlord and landlady either doing their housework - very loudly, or singing - badly!, the water pump being right behind my head and switched on just as I am about to go to bed! Taxi drivers assuming that because I am foreign I have lots of money and have lost the ability to walk! goats heads, piles of stinking rubbish, having about 10 colds a year.
Most memorable moments: My first day at Youth Action, giving a speech in my first week, friends of YOAC in my house with 8 people using the floor as a chopping board. My birthday bash at the office, with my whole forehead being covered in tikas. Helping organise the conference and performing at the 'talent' show. Flying with Sabina on research in a very small and bumpy plane, Spending Christmas and NY on the rooftop with other volunteers on my intake, Journeys with YOAC/FOYA - nonstop singing for 3 hours. Being made to dance on my own in circle of 50 people at the leadership camp, my village stay with the cheeky children and a mum who wouldn't stop feeding my (def not complaining!), riding around KTM on friend's motorbikes, rickshaw rides/riding a rickshaw, going to the Chair Person of my organisation's wedding, spending an hour trying to get into the sari! Being invited into Nepali friend's homes - sharing dhaalbhaat and stilted Nepali, whilst eating with hands.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing family and friends, spending time with people who know me and my 'sense of humour'!, having a decent kitchen to cook in, milk, going to gigs, going to pubs! Playing the piano.
What I think I will find difficult back home: Finding a job which allows me the same kind of freedom/challenges as here, people getting impatient when their tube is just a few minutes late/crowded (no doubt this will annoy me too in no time)
Would I do it again? YES, though think need to get foot in job market first and have a break from the volunteer world!
Do I have any regrets? NO, it has been the most incredible year of my life!
Thank you all for following my blog and supporting me in this whirlwind adventure!! Look forward to seeing you all when I am back, take care and lots of love, H xxx
Thursday 1 October 2009
Wednesday 26 August 2009
my my my.....
What a long time its been since I was last in touch, sorry for that! I have to confess that I have been loving the past few months and they have been cram packed with both work and social activities, meaning blogging duties were put away for a while!!
July - Now = full of fun times, what with my father's visit in July, and my friends visit in August. Was great to have visitors and to be able to show people the 'bonkers but beautiful' country I have been living in for the past 10 months. Can see pics of my dad's visit if go to - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/arrathbone8/ASVisitToNepalJuly09?authkey=Gv1sRgCKis4cH3s9aXkwE&feat=email#
Good selection from both inside and outside KTM Valley.
On Saturday my brother (Tom) and his girlfriend (Catrin) arrive. Been plotting this for a while now, can't believe the time has come! Have planned a trek for 2 weeks around the Annapurna Circuit. Can't wait!! Though do feel guilty for being out of the office so much recently. Following Tom's visit, there is a national holiday called Desai, which means that all staff in YOAC will be away for 10 days. Think that after my time off, I owe it to them to stay in KTM and finish up my work - especially as I will be leaving in early October. So much to do before then, no idea how will do it, but having a deadline means I am motivated again!
The thought of leaving makes me sad - I have made such good friends here and have had the most incredible opportunities and experiences. It will be very hard to say goodbye, yet since my work ethic has decreased in past few months it is prob the right time for me to go. A new VSO volunteer will be arriving in Nov to take my place, she is also called Helen and is from London (!!) I have seen her CV and she sounds perfect for the role - just hope she doesn't show me up too much!!
Can't wait to catch up with everyone, time is really flying by now!! Thank you as always for keeping in touch, your emails, letters and parcels have made my time here so much easier - I owe you all a drink or two - just gotta find a well paying job in london first, hmmmmm... you may be waiting a while!!!
Lots of love to all you superstars!!
H x
p.s....I am currently devising a sneaky plan to see some more of the world before coming home, I will keep you posted on this!!!
July - Now = full of fun times, what with my father's visit in July, and my friends visit in August. Was great to have visitors and to be able to show people the 'bonkers but beautiful' country I have been living in for the past 10 months. Can see pics of my dad's visit if go to - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/arrathbone8/ASVisitToNepalJuly09?authkey=Gv1sRgCKis4cH3s9aXkwE&feat=email#
Good selection from both inside and outside KTM Valley.
On Saturday my brother (Tom) and his girlfriend (Catrin) arrive. Been plotting this for a while now, can't believe the time has come! Have planned a trek for 2 weeks around the Annapurna Circuit. Can't wait!! Though do feel guilty for being out of the office so much recently. Following Tom's visit, there is a national holiday called Desai, which means that all staff in YOAC will be away for 10 days. Think that after my time off, I owe it to them to stay in KTM and finish up my work - especially as I will be leaving in early October. So much to do before then, no idea how will do it, but having a deadline means I am motivated again!
The thought of leaving makes me sad - I have made such good friends here and have had the most incredible opportunities and experiences. It will be very hard to say goodbye, yet since my work ethic has decreased in past few months it is prob the right time for me to go. A new VSO volunteer will be arriving in Nov to take my place, she is also called Helen and is from London (!!) I have seen her CV and she sounds perfect for the role - just hope she doesn't show me up too much!!
Can't wait to catch up with everyone, time is really flying by now!! Thank you as always for keeping in touch, your emails, letters and parcels have made my time here so much easier - I owe you all a drink or two - just gotta find a well paying job in london first, hmmmmm... you may be waiting a while!!!
Lots of love to all you superstars!!
H x
p.s....I am currently devising a sneaky plan to see some more of the world before coming home, I will keep you posted on this!!!
Sunday 14 June 2009
Back to Blog!!
Hi Everyone,
Sorry it has been a while since I last posted an update on here. April/May were very busy months for me. Straight after the leadership camp was over, I was involved in organising the VSON Annual Conference which took place 18th-20th May. The day after this I was coordinating a research workshop. It was the hardest I have ever worked - everyday non stop, late nights and early morns – but I loved it and feel it has been one of my most challenging and rewarding times since coming here, I’m lucky to be given such opportunities to push myself.
The conference was themed on Young People in Nepal and how VSON can support them more in their work. We invited young politicians, entrepreneurs, activists, representatives from marginalized, gender minority and disabled groups. As my placement is with young people, I was fascinated by what I was hearing. Learning about the struggles that different groups are facing and hearing some honest views on how Nepali people feel about INGOs (including VSO) working in their country. The topic of INGO’s and their effectiveness was echoed in a volunteer debate. ‘Are International Volunteers’ contributions worth the money and time invested in them?’. This is something I often wonder, many people cite the relationships that they’ve made overseas as their greatest success, yet is this enough? Is it worth the 15,000+ GBP invested in them per year? Maybe the changes and contributions we make will never really be seen; maybe they are just small dents which hopefully will build up to have a larger effect over time. I will say this though, having seen the money that is spent by INGO’s and what exactly they are spending money on, I query whether we are the best people to advise on development and whether this money should be invested directly into local NGOs who have local experience and greater commitment to the cause. After all, they will be living here for life whereas most volunteers spend a relatively short stint abroad before returning back to their cushy life – me included. As you can tell, I wrestle with these thoughts and still have no conclusion as to what I feel about my time here. I’ve definitely learnt a lot but how much have I given back to the people I have met and worked with?
As part of the conference I presented my research findings on ‘National Youth Volunteers – A Tool for National Development?’ I’d not done any public speaking for a long while so was very nervous, yet managed to pull it off. The confidence boost I got from that prompted me to put my name down for the ‘VSO’s Got Talent’ show on the last night of the conference. I was tempted to pull out last min but knew I would regret it. Played 3 songs I’ve written on my guitar since coming here, 3 unfinished songs I should add. People were pretty shocked I could sing/play, which they would be as I’ve never played to anyone but my closest friends before. I have to say, as soon as I started to play the butterflies subsided and I really enjoyed myself. Despite getting really good comments from everyone (including someone hailing me as the new Tracy Chapman- bit too much praise I think, perhaps a few to many fruit punches had been had by this person) I was pipped to first place by a Canadian comedy act!! I have been writing a fair few songs since coming out here and hope that I will continue to play when home.
Something about being out here makes me confident to play to people, yet at home I always felt inadequate amongst peers, knowing that there were so many others more talented on guitar and better singers than me. Perhaps it is destined always just to be a hobby of mine, though it doesn’t stop me dreaming.
My dream - To live in a house with a gorgeous grand piano, my flute, guitar and perhaps another instrument I hope to have taught myself by this point. I’ll practice away whilst dinner is cooking, and after eating my yummy grub along with a glass of crisp cool white wine, I will spend the evening tucked away either recording music in my small studio or developing photos in my dark room! One day!
I had a holiday lined up for when the hard work was over but sadly my friend couldn’t make it in the end due to visa dilemmas – rubbish!! Was a pretty hard few weeks after that, not only was my holiday cancelled but I managed to get fever instead. This place is def a breeding place for sickness and the polluted air means that when you get something then it is hard to shake it off. Look forward to greener lands and cleaner air when back home. My mind often finds itself wandering to last summer when I was working in Hyde Park, possibly the best place to work in summertime.
It’s not that Nepal has no greenery/scenery, it’s just that you need to take a trip out of KTM to find it, which a group of us did a few weeks back when we went on another rafting trip in the countryside. The surroundings were incredible and on the quiet parts of the river we were able to jump right in and let the gentle current carry us leisurely along. With huge green mountains on both sides and the bright blue sky above I thought life couldn’t get much better, yet I was mistaken! In the evening we arrived at our camping spot to find the tents already pitched for us on a gorgeous beach with food being cooked for us. The day ended with games and beers around a campfire under the warm glow of the setting sun. – fantastic!
In moments like that I remind myself how lucky I am to be in such a beautiful country. When my thoughts drift to home I reel them back in and try to live in the present. Especially now I only have a few more months left, I’m trying to make sure I don’t have any regrets with my time here and put my last few months to good effect, keeping momentum up in work and seeing more of Nepal when friends and family come to visit.
My Dad is coming out to visit in just 5 weeks time, and…I can’t wait!! So great to share Kathmandu with him and for him to see where I have been for the past 8 months. Need to keep up with work before then, still so much I want to do before I leave. Best crack on!!!
Hope the summer sun is showing her shy self to you and that life is bringing you all lots of happiness back home,
Lots of love, H x
P.s…….my landlord and landlady continue to be overly security conscious, in addition to the 4 locks they have now added a fake bird to their gate, which goes off every time someone opens it. Annoying????? Yes, yes it is!! Since I am on the ground floor and my room is right by the gate, it is me who bears the brunt of it. I think the bird may live a short life and die a curious death in the middle of the night!!!!
P.p.s….why must they play very bad rap music at the highest volume they can when I am trying to work from home…….they are driving me rapidly doolally!! Peace and quiet is definitely not something I get a lot of whilst living here.
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Sorry it has been a while since I last posted an update on here. April/May were very busy months for me. Straight after the leadership camp was over, I was involved in organising the VSON Annual Conference which took place 18th-20th May. The day after this I was coordinating a research workshop. It was the hardest I have ever worked - everyday non stop, late nights and early morns – but I loved it and feel it has been one of my most challenging and rewarding times since coming here, I’m lucky to be given such opportunities to push myself.
The conference was themed on Young People in Nepal and how VSON can support them more in their work. We invited young politicians, entrepreneurs, activists, representatives from marginalized, gender minority and disabled groups. As my placement is with young people, I was fascinated by what I was hearing. Learning about the struggles that different groups are facing and hearing some honest views on how Nepali people feel about INGOs (including VSO) working in their country. The topic of INGO’s and their effectiveness was echoed in a volunteer debate. ‘Are International Volunteers’ contributions worth the money and time invested in them?’. This is something I often wonder, many people cite the relationships that they’ve made overseas as their greatest success, yet is this enough? Is it worth the 15,000+ GBP invested in them per year? Maybe the changes and contributions we make will never really be seen; maybe they are just small dents which hopefully will build up to have a larger effect over time. I will say this though, having seen the money that is spent by INGO’s and what exactly they are spending money on, I query whether we are the best people to advise on development and whether this money should be invested directly into local NGOs who have local experience and greater commitment to the cause. After all, they will be living here for life whereas most volunteers spend a relatively short stint abroad before returning back to their cushy life – me included. As you can tell, I wrestle with these thoughts and still have no conclusion as to what I feel about my time here. I’ve definitely learnt a lot but how much have I given back to the people I have met and worked with?
As part of the conference I presented my research findings on ‘National Youth Volunteers – A Tool for National Development?’ I’d not done any public speaking for a long while so was very nervous, yet managed to pull it off. The confidence boost I got from that prompted me to put my name down for the ‘VSO’s Got Talent’ show on the last night of the conference. I was tempted to pull out last min but knew I would regret it. Played 3 songs I’ve written on my guitar since coming here, 3 unfinished songs I should add. People were pretty shocked I could sing/play, which they would be as I’ve never played to anyone but my closest friends before. I have to say, as soon as I started to play the butterflies subsided and I really enjoyed myself. Despite getting really good comments from everyone (including someone hailing me as the new Tracy Chapman- bit too much praise I think, perhaps a few to many fruit punches had been had by this person) I was pipped to first place by a Canadian comedy act!! I have been writing a fair few songs since coming out here and hope that I will continue to play when home.
Something about being out here makes me confident to play to people, yet at home I always felt inadequate amongst peers, knowing that there were so many others more talented on guitar and better singers than me. Perhaps it is destined always just to be a hobby of mine, though it doesn’t stop me dreaming.
My dream - To live in a house with a gorgeous grand piano, my flute, guitar and perhaps another instrument I hope to have taught myself by this point. I’ll practice away whilst dinner is cooking, and after eating my yummy grub along with a glass of crisp cool white wine, I will spend the evening tucked away either recording music in my small studio or developing photos in my dark room! One day!
I had a holiday lined up for when the hard work was over but sadly my friend couldn’t make it in the end due to visa dilemmas – rubbish!! Was a pretty hard few weeks after that, not only was my holiday cancelled but I managed to get fever instead. This place is def a breeding place for sickness and the polluted air means that when you get something then it is hard to shake it off. Look forward to greener lands and cleaner air when back home. My mind often finds itself wandering to last summer when I was working in Hyde Park, possibly the best place to work in summertime.
It’s not that Nepal has no greenery/scenery, it’s just that you need to take a trip out of KTM to find it, which a group of us did a few weeks back when we went on another rafting trip in the countryside. The surroundings were incredible and on the quiet parts of the river we were able to jump right in and let the gentle current carry us leisurely along. With huge green mountains on both sides and the bright blue sky above I thought life couldn’t get much better, yet I was mistaken! In the evening we arrived at our camping spot to find the tents already pitched for us on a gorgeous beach with food being cooked for us. The day ended with games and beers around a campfire under the warm glow of the setting sun. – fantastic!
In moments like that I remind myself how lucky I am to be in such a beautiful country. When my thoughts drift to home I reel them back in and try to live in the present. Especially now I only have a few more months left, I’m trying to make sure I don’t have any regrets with my time here and put my last few months to good effect, keeping momentum up in work and seeing more of Nepal when friends and family come to visit.
My Dad is coming out to visit in just 5 weeks time, and…I can’t wait!! So great to share Kathmandu with him and for him to see where I have been for the past 8 months. Need to keep up with work before then, still so much I want to do before I leave. Best crack on!!!
Hope the summer sun is showing her shy self to you and that life is bringing you all lots of happiness back home,
Lots of love, H x
P.s…….my landlord and landlady continue to be overly security conscious, in addition to the 4 locks they have now added a fake bird to their gate, which goes off every time someone opens it. Annoying????? Yes, yes it is!! Since I am on the ground floor and my room is right by the gate, it is me who bears the brunt of it. I think the bird may live a short life and die a curious death in the middle of the night!!!!
P.p.s….why must they play very bad rap music at the highest volume they can when I am trying to work from home…….they are driving me rapidly doolally!! Peace and quiet is definitely not something I get a lot of whilst living here.
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Friday 8 May 2009
A summary (long summary!) of my past month in Nepal
'New Year, New Leader'
For the Nepali New Year on April 14th, myself and a group of volunteers went to a Children's Home in central Kathmandu and spent the day there playing games and doing fun activities with the kids along the theme of 'New Year, New Leader'. 'Leadership' training is a trend at the moment amongst development organisations in Nepal, Youth Action included. The children enjoyed showing us their dancing, singing, artwork and sweet sweet smiles - was great to share their special day with them!
My birthday
This year was one of the most memorable birthdays I've had. It was so different to previous ones. My work had organized a surprise party involving Tikas, gifts a-plenty, and a yummy cake… with my name on, mmm mmmm! Was gobsmacked at the effort they had gone to and felt a much-valued part of the team. Halfway through the celebration a man arrived on a motorbike carrying 2 tins of cookies from one Mrs Angela Rathbone - thank you Grannie - you are amazing! Have to say they didn't last long in an office full of 20 people, though we enjoyed them while they did! The rest of the afternoon was spent going from meeting to meeting but I will wipe that from my memory and skip to the next part, which involved cocktails in a jazz bar down the road from me. The managers there know me well and were keen to see that I enjoyed my birthday evening, they didn't fail in their task, it was great fun!!
Leadership Camp April 30th - 3rd May 2009
As some of you may know, last week I was away coordinating a Youth Leadership Camp in a village outside of Kathmandu. It took 10 days solid planning and was a lot of hard work, so…I am pleased I succeeded in carrying it out despite a few small hitches along the way!
We set off on Thursday morning with 20 participants from Kathmandu on a jam packed bus with half of the participants having to sit on the roof, myself excluded as I knew the windy roads that were awaiting us! On the way there 2 of the tyres punctured so we had to walk to find the nearest bus park. 2 more hours drive and a one hour walk later…we finally arrived in the village and were welcomed with purple garlands from the School Principal. Participants were divided amongst community members’ houses, all of which were in different directions on the hill. Although we’d been told 2 or 3 people would be sharing a house, 10 of the guys were told they would be sharing a room together. Something which did not go down well and was criticized at the end of the camp. ‘Ke Garne?’ (‘what to do?’) as they say over here. Couldn’t exactly send them back home and couldn’t complain either as lucky to be given a place to stay. Other such things unfolded throughout the 3 days, including the number of participants going from a planned 30 to an unplanned 55 as more local community wanted to be involved than we had expected and I felt unable to turn them away.
Lucky for us, the facilitators were able to stay in a fantastic house owned by a German woman who is pretty much famous in the village as she has provided buildings, roads and a health centre. Her house is incredible. Although a fair way from the venue where we'd be doing the activities, it was well worth the walk. The house looks out over the hills yonder and the Himalayas in the distance. It has a traditional ground floor for when Nepali people are staying there and the top floor is westernized for when she lives there. I ended up sharing a room with 4 noisy girls who were up most of night opening closing door/switching light on and off, not good when had to be up at 5.30am 4 mornings in a row. It was a brief insight into how teachers must feel when they are running school trips, so tiring!
Sessions ran from 7am - 7pm each day with a mix of fun activities and theory on topics such as leadership, communication, project planning etc. The evenings were spent prepping for the next day, constantly having to readjust plans/schedule according to the situation. A good lesson for someone like me who usually feels most comfortable when in control of situations/ organized. Nepal has really helped me just to let go and let things run their own course – probably one of my biggest changes since coming here.
I was on a high (if not a very tired high) when the last day was over, I had managed to achieve something I was very proud of. Yet that quickly changed when during our last dinner the coordinator from the charity who had linked us to the village said he was hurt that we did not include his charity enough in the event. I was so frustrated as he had plenty of opportunities to say something - we sent the schedule to him before hand and he could also have said something at the time. I asked him why he didn't speak up in the day and he said it's just not his style. Worst thing was...he chose to tell me in front of 6 other people once my counterpart/joint organiser had gone to bed. Felt so got at. After 10 days continuous planning/hard work this was how it ended. Left the house and sat on top of the hill and cried, typical me I know, but I just couldn't help it! I was emotionally drained and this was last thing I had expected. Half of my upset though was that he was right....we had swooped in to a village that their organization has been working so hard in for the last 3 years and then not involved them in the book giving presentation on the final evening – despite them also providing the books for the newly planned resource centre. It may seem something trivial when reading about it, yet he was really hurt by our actions and it is a mistake I will be sure not to make again. Lesson learnt!
After a heavy storm on Sunday morning, we missed our bus and had to walk for 4 hours with all our equipment in the hot sun. Despite feeling shattered, I have to say walking in the sunshine through open fields, past waterfalls and brightly coloured flowers whilst listening to nothing but our footsteps and the birds singing was so relaxing after what had been a hectic 3 days. During the walk someone received news that a curfew was being called that evening in Kathmandu, so we walked as fast as we could so as not to miss the last bus home. Turns out that the curfew was sparked by fears of protests and riots. Protests which materialised and resulted in the Prime Minister resigning the following day. Who knows what will happen over the next few weeks. See the news for more details!
Despite rallies, protests and strikes nearly every day - work continues as usual and things are a lot more peaceful than had been anticipated. The only change to my routine is that i've given up getting the bus to work, a bad habit I had fallen in to over the past few months. Back to walking it is!
Wishing you lots of love, hope all is well!
Helen x
For the Nepali New Year on April 14th, myself and a group of volunteers went to a Children's Home in central Kathmandu and spent the day there playing games and doing fun activities with the kids along the theme of 'New Year, New Leader'. 'Leadership' training is a trend at the moment amongst development organisations in Nepal, Youth Action included. The children enjoyed showing us their dancing, singing, artwork and sweet sweet smiles - was great to share their special day with them!
My birthday
This year was one of the most memorable birthdays I've had. It was so different to previous ones. My work had organized a surprise party involving Tikas, gifts a-plenty, and a yummy cake… with my name on, mmm mmmm! Was gobsmacked at the effort they had gone to and felt a much-valued part of the team. Halfway through the celebration a man arrived on a motorbike carrying 2 tins of cookies from one Mrs Angela Rathbone - thank you Grannie - you are amazing! Have to say they didn't last long in an office full of 20 people, though we enjoyed them while they did! The rest of the afternoon was spent going from meeting to meeting but I will wipe that from my memory and skip to the next part, which involved cocktails in a jazz bar down the road from me. The managers there know me well and were keen to see that I enjoyed my birthday evening, they didn't fail in their task, it was great fun!!
Leadership Camp April 30th - 3rd May 2009
As some of you may know, last week I was away coordinating a Youth Leadership Camp in a village outside of Kathmandu. It took 10 days solid planning and was a lot of hard work, so…I am pleased I succeeded in carrying it out despite a few small hitches along the way!
We set off on Thursday morning with 20 participants from Kathmandu on a jam packed bus with half of the participants having to sit on the roof, myself excluded as I knew the windy roads that were awaiting us! On the way there 2 of the tyres punctured so we had to walk to find the nearest bus park. 2 more hours drive and a one hour walk later…we finally arrived in the village and were welcomed with purple garlands from the School Principal. Participants were divided amongst community members’ houses, all of which were in different directions on the hill. Although we’d been told 2 or 3 people would be sharing a house, 10 of the guys were told they would be sharing a room together. Something which did not go down well and was criticized at the end of the camp. ‘Ke Garne?’ (‘what to do?’) as they say over here. Couldn’t exactly send them back home and couldn’t complain either as lucky to be given a place to stay. Other such things unfolded throughout the 3 days, including the number of participants going from a planned 30 to an unplanned 55 as more local community wanted to be involved than we had expected and I felt unable to turn them away.
Lucky for us, the facilitators were able to stay in a fantastic house owned by a German woman who is pretty much famous in the village as she has provided buildings, roads and a health centre. Her house is incredible. Although a fair way from the venue where we'd be doing the activities, it was well worth the walk. The house looks out over the hills yonder and the Himalayas in the distance. It has a traditional ground floor for when Nepali people are staying there and the top floor is westernized for when she lives there. I ended up sharing a room with 4 noisy girls who were up most of night opening closing door/switching light on and off, not good when had to be up at 5.30am 4 mornings in a row. It was a brief insight into how teachers must feel when they are running school trips, so tiring!
Sessions ran from 7am - 7pm each day with a mix of fun activities and theory on topics such as leadership, communication, project planning etc. The evenings were spent prepping for the next day, constantly having to readjust plans/schedule according to the situation. A good lesson for someone like me who usually feels most comfortable when in control of situations/ organized. Nepal has really helped me just to let go and let things run their own course – probably one of my biggest changes since coming here.
I was on a high (if not a very tired high) when the last day was over, I had managed to achieve something I was very proud of. Yet that quickly changed when during our last dinner the coordinator from the charity who had linked us to the village said he was hurt that we did not include his charity enough in the event. I was so frustrated as he had plenty of opportunities to say something - we sent the schedule to him before hand and he could also have said something at the time. I asked him why he didn't speak up in the day and he said it's just not his style. Worst thing was...he chose to tell me in front of 6 other people once my counterpart/joint organiser had gone to bed. Felt so got at. After 10 days continuous planning/hard work this was how it ended. Left the house and sat on top of the hill and cried, typical me I know, but I just couldn't help it! I was emotionally drained and this was last thing I had expected. Half of my upset though was that he was right....we had swooped in to a village that their organization has been working so hard in for the last 3 years and then not involved them in the book giving presentation on the final evening – despite them also providing the books for the newly planned resource centre. It may seem something trivial when reading about it, yet he was really hurt by our actions and it is a mistake I will be sure not to make again. Lesson learnt!
After a heavy storm on Sunday morning, we missed our bus and had to walk for 4 hours with all our equipment in the hot sun. Despite feeling shattered, I have to say walking in the sunshine through open fields, past waterfalls and brightly coloured flowers whilst listening to nothing but our footsteps and the birds singing was so relaxing after what had been a hectic 3 days. During the walk someone received news that a curfew was being called that evening in Kathmandu, so we walked as fast as we could so as not to miss the last bus home. Turns out that the curfew was sparked by fears of protests and riots. Protests which materialised and resulted in the Prime Minister resigning the following day. Who knows what will happen over the next few weeks. See the news for more details!
Despite rallies, protests and strikes nearly every day - work continues as usual and things are a lot more peaceful than had been anticipated. The only change to my routine is that i've given up getting the bus to work, a bad habit I had fallen in to over the past few months. Back to walking it is!
Wishing you lots of love, hope all is well!
Helen x
Tuesday 7 April 2009
“Things just work out, they always do” Rathbone, April 2009
A mix of what I've been up to since I last wrote.... enjoy!
Film / Party: On Friday, we all left the office early and went to see a film together. I had no idea that the cinema, the best in KTM apparently, is only 15 minutes walk from my house. I was warned in advance that it would be expensive, yet when there I found out the tickets were the equivalent of 1.50, and the popcorn 35p –so in comparison to the UK – blooming cheap! The film we watched was Hindi with only a little English here and there, funny to watch a film with everyone suddenly bursting into giggles and myself having no clue why! Lets just hope that some English speaking films will be coming soon. After the cinema, the whole youth action team came back to my house, was good to have them over and for them to see where I’m living and what I’m like when out of the office. My tiny kitchen was crammed with people all helping to cook, some even using the floor as another work surface – why not! They really are a great group of people, all of them living by the belief that everyone should feel comfortable to have a go at things as no one will judge them. They even managed to persuade me to play a song or two, not without me going the colour of a beetroot mind you. Strange how some days I can let myself go and don’t mind making a fool of myself, other days I take myself too seriously – am hoping this will change with time!
Lovely weekend: On Saturday I spent the morning sitting on the rooftop of a restaurant in the sunshine writing letters to home and in the evening I went along to my favourite bar for some live jazz, yummy food and great company. The next day I proposed a last min day trip with a friend, he suggested hopping in a taxi and just keeping going until found somewhere that would feel like a complete escape from KTM. So off we went, traveling until we found a small village overlooking the luscious green mountains, perfect. Really doesn’t take long to get out into the country, I should always keep that in mind especially when fancy breathing some fresh air! Have yet another cold, just seems like can’t get rid of the darn things here. In fact…. off to the doctors tomorrow to check it out as was up all night with hot and cold sweats and slightly delirious thoughts, brain has now managed to convince itself I have Malaria so thought best just to get it checked out. Would be the wrong time of year for it I know, but hey once my brain has something in mind it’s hard to think it could be anything otherwise - Will keep you posted on that one!
Weather: Monsoon weather is on the horizon and from the tasters we’ve had these past couple of weeks with thunder, lightening and rain pelting down from all angles … I bloomin’ well love it! Yet have to say, not sure how long the novelty value will last for. For now though, I am thankful that more water = hot showers again + more power, now back to 8 hours a day!! Note to self: Buy some plastic shoes.
Visitors: As volunteers in neighboring countries such as India are unable to get year-long visas, they have to hop over to another country and reapply again a few days later, This means – visitors for me! One friend is coming over at the end of April and another is coming for 2 weeks in May when we will do some traveling together. Can’t wait! Have also just found my friend Rhian will be coming over to visit in August, followed by my brother in Sept. Will break the news to my work tomorrow! Time was going quickly already (only 22 weeks left) and now it will really fly by!
JuJu: JuJu is the social activist/artist I was telling you about in my last blog all those weeks ago. Turns out my friends wanted to spend a week volunteering in Nepal and I thought he’d be the ideal person as he is always looking for extra brain power. He loved having them, and now they are back home he is in touch everyday seeking my help once again. Thing is, I currently have no time and I confess little inclination. I have definitely realized my charitable side has it’s limits, which is terrible when I think about all the things that people manage to do over here and what a generous person he is (he is even painting something just for me as a Nepali New Year gift) so I really shouldn’t complain!
Work - YOAC: Work is consistently up and down, though I am sure that is affected by the mood I wake up in the morning. For example, the other day after a fairly crappy weekend and then a terrible start to the week in work, I questioned what on earth I was doing out here. Some days I feel more self conscious that others, suddenly become aware of the language barriers, whether really helping at all and whether people want me here! I had spent the afternoon in a meeting with Friends of Youth Action, trying to finalize an event we’d been planning for a while, only for them to decide to cancel it…. without even telling me! I know the language is hard, but you’d think someone could have let me know rather than wasting my time. Is typical though, always think I am getting somewhere then find myself back at square one! Didn’t react very well as my patience was already low, in fact…felt so frustrated by it all that left office in tears. At which point I got texts saying the event is back on. Not the result I was hoping for. Tried to explain that they should only go ahead with it if they want to, rather than trying to please the ‘bideshi’ (foreigner). Called in sick the next day and found out later that in my absence they had a team meeting to discuss what had gone wrong and why I had got so upset. In some ways I was touched they did so, in another way I just felt embarrassed by how unprofessional I had been. Over here it is looked down upon to show any kind of emotion in public. Well, think I completely crushed that cultural taboo didn’t I!
Work - Research: A few weeks ago I went on a field trip to the Far-West of Nepal. It was amazing! In just one day I got to see a completely different side of Nepal, from the rickety little plane flying high above the undulating hills, to a rickshaw ride down a ridiculously hot dusty road in the middle of a beautiful old fashioned farming village. The only downside to it all was getting bitten by mosquitoes as the night drew in. Ended up meeting two girls from Bath University doing a 3-month volunteering placement with a rural organization. Will be meeting up with them for dinner once they are back in KTM tomorrow. They were the only western people in that area so think they enjoyed chatting to me and are eagerly awaiting all that the capital city has to offer.
Work - Training: Will be running some training sessions this week as have decided I’ve put them off long enough and the only thing which has been stopping me is that I don’t feel experienced enough. Yet as they always say how they don’t need something perfect, they just want whatever I can offer them, then anything is better than nothing. Have to stop judging myself against UK standards. They are just all so eager to learn, devouring any opportunity like we’d devour a bar of chocolate. I feel very lazy in comparison! Not sure when I’m going to have time to do everything this month, so many different commitments, already feeling anxious about it yet know that from my experience so far that things just work out, they always do. A good thing to try and remember!
And on that positive note, I will wish you lots of love and goodbye for now, H-Bone x
P.s (because I love P.S’s). Thank you for all my mail this month – long letters full of juicy gossip, new music, new clothes, new contact lenses – feel refreshed! Thank you in advance also ma/pa for the package that is to be opened in a few weeks, you’ve made such an effort to make sure it arrives in time. Means a lot!
Film / Party: On Friday, we all left the office early and went to see a film together. I had no idea that the cinema, the best in KTM apparently, is only 15 minutes walk from my house. I was warned in advance that it would be expensive, yet when there I found out the tickets were the equivalent of 1.50, and the popcorn 35p –so in comparison to the UK – blooming cheap! The film we watched was Hindi with only a little English here and there, funny to watch a film with everyone suddenly bursting into giggles and myself having no clue why! Lets just hope that some English speaking films will be coming soon. After the cinema, the whole youth action team came back to my house, was good to have them over and for them to see where I’m living and what I’m like when out of the office. My tiny kitchen was crammed with people all helping to cook, some even using the floor as another work surface – why not! They really are a great group of people, all of them living by the belief that everyone should feel comfortable to have a go at things as no one will judge them. They even managed to persuade me to play a song or two, not without me going the colour of a beetroot mind you. Strange how some days I can let myself go and don’t mind making a fool of myself, other days I take myself too seriously – am hoping this will change with time!
Lovely weekend: On Saturday I spent the morning sitting on the rooftop of a restaurant in the sunshine writing letters to home and in the evening I went along to my favourite bar for some live jazz, yummy food and great company. The next day I proposed a last min day trip with a friend, he suggested hopping in a taxi and just keeping going until found somewhere that would feel like a complete escape from KTM. So off we went, traveling until we found a small village overlooking the luscious green mountains, perfect. Really doesn’t take long to get out into the country, I should always keep that in mind especially when fancy breathing some fresh air! Have yet another cold, just seems like can’t get rid of the darn things here. In fact…. off to the doctors tomorrow to check it out as was up all night with hot and cold sweats and slightly delirious thoughts, brain has now managed to convince itself I have Malaria so thought best just to get it checked out. Would be the wrong time of year for it I know, but hey once my brain has something in mind it’s hard to think it could be anything otherwise - Will keep you posted on that one!
Weather: Monsoon weather is on the horizon and from the tasters we’ve had these past couple of weeks with thunder, lightening and rain pelting down from all angles … I bloomin’ well love it! Yet have to say, not sure how long the novelty value will last for. For now though, I am thankful that more water = hot showers again + more power, now back to 8 hours a day!! Note to self: Buy some plastic shoes.
Visitors: As volunteers in neighboring countries such as India are unable to get year-long visas, they have to hop over to another country and reapply again a few days later, This means – visitors for me! One friend is coming over at the end of April and another is coming for 2 weeks in May when we will do some traveling together. Can’t wait! Have also just found my friend Rhian will be coming over to visit in August, followed by my brother in Sept. Will break the news to my work tomorrow! Time was going quickly already (only 22 weeks left) and now it will really fly by!
JuJu: JuJu is the social activist/artist I was telling you about in my last blog all those weeks ago. Turns out my friends wanted to spend a week volunteering in Nepal and I thought he’d be the ideal person as he is always looking for extra brain power. He loved having them, and now they are back home he is in touch everyday seeking my help once again. Thing is, I currently have no time and I confess little inclination. I have definitely realized my charitable side has it’s limits, which is terrible when I think about all the things that people manage to do over here and what a generous person he is (he is even painting something just for me as a Nepali New Year gift) so I really shouldn’t complain!
Work - YOAC: Work is consistently up and down, though I am sure that is affected by the mood I wake up in the morning. For example, the other day after a fairly crappy weekend and then a terrible start to the week in work, I questioned what on earth I was doing out here. Some days I feel more self conscious that others, suddenly become aware of the language barriers, whether really helping at all and whether people want me here! I had spent the afternoon in a meeting with Friends of Youth Action, trying to finalize an event we’d been planning for a while, only for them to decide to cancel it…. without even telling me! I know the language is hard, but you’d think someone could have let me know rather than wasting my time. Is typical though, always think I am getting somewhere then find myself back at square one! Didn’t react very well as my patience was already low, in fact…felt so frustrated by it all that left office in tears. At which point I got texts saying the event is back on. Not the result I was hoping for. Tried to explain that they should only go ahead with it if they want to, rather than trying to please the ‘bideshi’ (foreigner). Called in sick the next day and found out later that in my absence they had a team meeting to discuss what had gone wrong and why I had got so upset. In some ways I was touched they did so, in another way I just felt embarrassed by how unprofessional I had been. Over here it is looked down upon to show any kind of emotion in public. Well, think I completely crushed that cultural taboo didn’t I!
Work - Research: A few weeks ago I went on a field trip to the Far-West of Nepal. It was amazing! In just one day I got to see a completely different side of Nepal, from the rickety little plane flying high above the undulating hills, to a rickshaw ride down a ridiculously hot dusty road in the middle of a beautiful old fashioned farming village. The only downside to it all was getting bitten by mosquitoes as the night drew in. Ended up meeting two girls from Bath University doing a 3-month volunteering placement with a rural organization. Will be meeting up with them for dinner once they are back in KTM tomorrow. They were the only western people in that area so think they enjoyed chatting to me and are eagerly awaiting all that the capital city has to offer.
Work - Training: Will be running some training sessions this week as have decided I’ve put them off long enough and the only thing which has been stopping me is that I don’t feel experienced enough. Yet as they always say how they don’t need something perfect, they just want whatever I can offer them, then anything is better than nothing. Have to stop judging myself against UK standards. They are just all so eager to learn, devouring any opportunity like we’d devour a bar of chocolate. I feel very lazy in comparison! Not sure when I’m going to have time to do everything this month, so many different commitments, already feeling anxious about it yet know that from my experience so far that things just work out, they always do. A good thing to try and remember!
And on that positive note, I will wish you lots of love and goodbye for now, H-Bone x
P.s (because I love P.S’s). Thank you for all my mail this month – long letters full of juicy gossip, new music, new clothes, new contact lenses – feel refreshed! Thank you in advance also ma/pa for the package that is to be opened in a few weeks, you’ve made such an effort to make sure it arrives in time. Means a lot!
Wednesday 4 March 2009
Long time no blog!
hellooooooooooo!
Sorry it has taken me so long to write this. Not only have I been busy in work but have been giving a lot of time to my friend out here who recently found out her mum is very sick. It has been an emotionally intense time and seeing her go through it whilst so far away from her home has made me realize more than ever just how important my family and friends are to me. I am so thankful to everyone for keeping in touch, and also for the letters/goodies people have sent in the post - Rhian your choccies were so yummy, though they didn’t last much longer than a day I have to confess!
It hasn't rained here for 6 months. The water shortage means bucket showers from time to time and an increase in power cuts. We now have only 4 hours of electricity a day. As my laptop needs to be plugged into the mains to work then blog writing is a little difficult! My patience has definitely increased, as has learning not to get annoyed with things that are out of my control. Doesn’t happen that way all the time mind you, I am human after all! Despite the days being scorching, it feels like it could rain any evening now and everyone is willing it to happen….‘come on rain’…. The occasional grey sky feels familiar and makes me feel at home.
Talking of home.... I miss it a lot! Although I am busy in work, I am also filling my spare time with other things – have joined a choir, started jogging (don’t be too impressed, only done one jog so far, got good intentions to keep it up though!), and have been strumming away on my guitar. Got a haircut the other day for just 70 rupees (70p)....bargain! May come back with a skinhead if I get too hooked on the cheap prices!
When I spoke to a friend a few weeks ago, she asked me how I was coping with the early nights. This made me realise that I hadn't updated people with how things are in that department. I feel very pleased to have met so many great people and am rarely short of someone to go for a drink with. I have caught up with friends from the UK who are traveling here, and have more people visiting in May who I will go traveling with for a few weeks. Safe to say I now crave time to myself and early nights once in a while. Can't have it both ways I guess! On top of this my spare time is taken up with dodging phone calls/texts from people at work in the wee hours of morn/at weekends, usually just contacting to say they miss me and ask me what I’m doing!
I went rafting at the weekend. Had no idea what I signed up to which was my fault for not reading the email properly, turned out to be a campaign drive to ‘Save the Botekoshi River’. 14 rafts full of people going down a fairly shallow river getting stuck behind one another! Even when moving it wasn’t exactly pant-wetting with excitement, but a fantastic place and good to get out of Kathmandu. The place where we went also has bungee jumping on offer so may give that a go next time! (As if Rathbone, as if!!)
Work – My research is really moving on now, have had meetings with other NGOS and organizations, including Save The Children and UN Nepal, and will be going to different parts of Nepal over the next few months to interview organizations and national volunteers. Has been a great experience so far and is really pushing my confidence. The divide in my time between VSO research and YOAC is causing a bit of friction/confusion amongst staff and myself, though the research has been good for networking and I’ve been trying to use this to YOAC’s advantage. I am linking them up with other orgs they can work with/support, which is something they are welcoming as they are in stalemate regarding their projects and organizational development at the moment. Further to this I have begun giving English classes, everyone seems to enjoy themselves, including me! I am also part of the VSON Annual Conference planning team so ……you get the hint, busy busy!
I am relishing the opportunities I’m being given and am trying to soak everything up while I have the chance. Just this evening I was introduced to an artist who has set up a charity working with street children. Every Friday he provides dinner and an art class to 40-50 kids and has said he would appreciate my help in how to expand the work he is doing. As this is a similar idea to one I toyed with whilst working with young homeless people in London, I hope I have time to help him out in any way I can.
Some days I think how quickly it is going and how I feel like 7 months more is not enough to achieve the things I want to, other times I am willing it to go quickly so I can be back home. But I know if I came back tomorrow, I would not be satisfied as still so much to be done out here. I am up and down each day. Can start one morning feeling like I’m going to burst into tears and by the end of the day I am smiling so much and feel like a big ball of buzzing energy!! Like today - for two hours I was on a high after a meeting with all YOAC staff, sounds crazy that a meeting could cause happiness I know, but people are pleased with the networks I’ve created and the possibilities for future campaigns/activities, so today it feels like I am really adding something to the organization. Lets hope it continues!!
Big love to all, H x
p.s. Congratulations to those of you who waded through the above, sorry it was so long!
p.p.s….Still welcome any calls if people are free sometime, missing you lots!
p.p.ps….On my walk in to work today I got hit on the head by a water bomb, thrown from top of building, pesky kids!! On Tuesday it is ‘Holi’, the festival of colour. On this day children and adults spend the day throwing coloured water over each other, it seems like the kids have started early! GRUMBLE!
Sorry it has taken me so long to write this. Not only have I been busy in work but have been giving a lot of time to my friend out here who recently found out her mum is very sick. It has been an emotionally intense time and seeing her go through it whilst so far away from her home has made me realize more than ever just how important my family and friends are to me. I am so thankful to everyone for keeping in touch, and also for the letters/goodies people have sent in the post - Rhian your choccies were so yummy, though they didn’t last much longer than a day I have to confess!
It hasn't rained here for 6 months. The water shortage means bucket showers from time to time and an increase in power cuts. We now have only 4 hours of electricity a day. As my laptop needs to be plugged into the mains to work then blog writing is a little difficult! My patience has definitely increased, as has learning not to get annoyed with things that are out of my control. Doesn’t happen that way all the time mind you, I am human after all! Despite the days being scorching, it feels like it could rain any evening now and everyone is willing it to happen….‘come on rain’…. The occasional grey sky feels familiar and makes me feel at home.
Talking of home.... I miss it a lot! Although I am busy in work, I am also filling my spare time with other things – have joined a choir, started jogging (don’t be too impressed, only done one jog so far, got good intentions to keep it up though!), and have been strumming away on my guitar. Got a haircut the other day for just 70 rupees (70p)....bargain! May come back with a skinhead if I get too hooked on the cheap prices!
When I spoke to a friend a few weeks ago, she asked me how I was coping with the early nights. This made me realise that I hadn't updated people with how things are in that department. I feel very pleased to have met so many great people and am rarely short of someone to go for a drink with. I have caught up with friends from the UK who are traveling here, and have more people visiting in May who I will go traveling with for a few weeks. Safe to say I now crave time to myself and early nights once in a while. Can't have it both ways I guess! On top of this my spare time is taken up with dodging phone calls/texts from people at work in the wee hours of morn/at weekends, usually just contacting to say they miss me and ask me what I’m doing!
I went rafting at the weekend. Had no idea what I signed up to which was my fault for not reading the email properly, turned out to be a campaign drive to ‘Save the Botekoshi River’. 14 rafts full of people going down a fairly shallow river getting stuck behind one another! Even when moving it wasn’t exactly pant-wetting with excitement, but a fantastic place and good to get out of Kathmandu. The place where we went also has bungee jumping on offer so may give that a go next time! (As if Rathbone, as if!!)
Work – My research is really moving on now, have had meetings with other NGOS and organizations, including Save The Children and UN Nepal, and will be going to different parts of Nepal over the next few months to interview organizations and national volunteers. Has been a great experience so far and is really pushing my confidence. The divide in my time between VSO research and YOAC is causing a bit of friction/confusion amongst staff and myself, though the research has been good for networking and I’ve been trying to use this to YOAC’s advantage. I am linking them up with other orgs they can work with/support, which is something they are welcoming as they are in stalemate regarding their projects and organizational development at the moment. Further to this I have begun giving English classes, everyone seems to enjoy themselves, including me! I am also part of the VSON Annual Conference planning team so ……you get the hint, busy busy!
I am relishing the opportunities I’m being given and am trying to soak everything up while I have the chance. Just this evening I was introduced to an artist who has set up a charity working with street children. Every Friday he provides dinner and an art class to 40-50 kids and has said he would appreciate my help in how to expand the work he is doing. As this is a similar idea to one I toyed with whilst working with young homeless people in London, I hope I have time to help him out in any way I can.
Some days I think how quickly it is going and how I feel like 7 months more is not enough to achieve the things I want to, other times I am willing it to go quickly so I can be back home. But I know if I came back tomorrow, I would not be satisfied as still so much to be done out here. I am up and down each day. Can start one morning feeling like I’m going to burst into tears and by the end of the day I am smiling so much and feel like a big ball of buzzing energy!! Like today - for two hours I was on a high after a meeting with all YOAC staff, sounds crazy that a meeting could cause happiness I know, but people are pleased with the networks I’ve created and the possibilities for future campaigns/activities, so today it feels like I am really adding something to the organization. Lets hope it continues!!
Big love to all, H x
p.s. Congratulations to those of you who waded through the above, sorry it was so long!
p.p.s….Still welcome any calls if people are free sometime, missing you lots!
p.p.ps….On my walk in to work today I got hit on the head by a water bomb, thrown from top of building, pesky kids!! On Tuesday it is ‘Holi’, the festival of colour. On this day children and adults spend the day throwing coloured water over each other, it seems like the kids have started early! GRUMBLE!
Saturday 7 February 2009
update!
Hi everyone,
So as some of you may know…I have now moved into my new flat. (Pictures to follow) It already feels like home, and am now used to the 4 locks I have to get through before I’m through the front door (!). It’s not that this area is any less secure than other places, just that I happen to live with a very lovely, yet slightly nosey and security conscious landlady. Though perhaps she should be more worried about people inside the vicinity not out, as her husband rather fancies himself as a hit with the ladies! I am on the ground floor, the landlady and her family live above me, and another British woman is on the top. I’ve been very busy recently, so still not had a chance to pop up and say hello to this mysterious ‘Lynn’ they speak of, but am sure I will bump into her sometime soon.
The area I’m living in is the best location I could wish for. Lots of shops/supermarkets/ fruit and veg stalls/bars/restaurants/cafes nearby. Really is a lovely area, and close to about 15 other volunteers too, can’t complain! Takes me 45mins to walk into work each day, prefer to walk due to the crazy bus drivers, though have to say that if I’m having a down day then the walk in does nothing to help my mood - busy streets lined with men ogling/making crude comments…you’ve heard it all before so will stop there. On a good day, I let it wash over me, and focus on the great things about the city, it’s vibrancy for example, and the fact the days are beginning to get longer and much hotter. I’m in short supply of t-shirts, so Mum if you are reading this…any chance you could pop a few of my tops I left behind into the next parcel you are sending?! Nearly combusted on my way into town today!!
My last blog talked about work and their expectations, and have to say…not a lot has changed. In fact, I have continued to be thrown in at the deep end, and have been putting 100% into it. In fact…I’ve only had one real day off this month, as weekends have involved AGM’s, strategy planning, workshops, all of which I’ve attended in hope of building better relations with my colleagues. As this is the workload they are used to, they can’t see why I might be feeling tired/bogged down, yet in truth this week has been a little too much for me, and have been told by my country director to say no to weekends and look after my health, or I won’t be able to keep it up for the year. Was hard saying no, as I really want to prove to them why it was VSO chose me for their organization, and when I say no to work I feel like I’m being lazy/not trying. This is something I will have to get better at, and learn not to feel guilty about giving myself time off. I know I am trying my hardest, and that is all that counts. Look forward to enjoying my work, and not feeling anxious about what the day will hold/what they think of me. I’m sure that will come with time. So once again, a very honest account of how I’m feeling, though see no reason in pretending otherwise. I’m a little homesick, a little out of depth at times, but know it will pass and I will look back with fondness about my time here.
Hope that the cold weather isn’t getting people down, I know If I was back I’d suffer from a few grumps and slumps due to the short/cold days, so anyone with the same problem as me….I advise numerous cups of tea, biscuits and a nice warm bath. If it snows again….be sure to build a snowwoman, who ever makes the best Helen look-a-like will win a fabulous prize (not too sure what yet, but I’ll make it a good’un!) Much love all round. H xx
p.s…..Oh dear…. my landlord is playing 50Cent, and singing along very badly, making a bad song that even bit worse. Delightful!!
p.p.s…..I don’t have easy access to skype from now on, but if any of you wish to contact me…you can add credit to your skype accounts, and call from your comp to my mobile. Works a treat! 6 hours ahead of UK, and about 12 hours ahead of U.S in case anyone fancies a good ol’ Rathbone Chinwag!!
977 980 3977307
So as some of you may know…I have now moved into my new flat. (Pictures to follow) It already feels like home, and am now used to the 4 locks I have to get through before I’m through the front door (!). It’s not that this area is any less secure than other places, just that I happen to live with a very lovely, yet slightly nosey and security conscious landlady. Though perhaps she should be more worried about people inside the vicinity not out, as her husband rather fancies himself as a hit with the ladies! I am on the ground floor, the landlady and her family live above me, and another British woman is on the top. I’ve been very busy recently, so still not had a chance to pop up and say hello to this mysterious ‘Lynn’ they speak of, but am sure I will bump into her sometime soon.
The area I’m living in is the best location I could wish for. Lots of shops/supermarkets/ fruit and veg stalls/bars/restaurants/cafes nearby. Really is a lovely area, and close to about 15 other volunteers too, can’t complain! Takes me 45mins to walk into work each day, prefer to walk due to the crazy bus drivers, though have to say that if I’m having a down day then the walk in does nothing to help my mood - busy streets lined with men ogling/making crude comments…you’ve heard it all before so will stop there. On a good day, I let it wash over me, and focus on the great things about the city, it’s vibrancy for example, and the fact the days are beginning to get longer and much hotter. I’m in short supply of t-shirts, so Mum if you are reading this…any chance you could pop a few of my tops I left behind into the next parcel you are sending?! Nearly combusted on my way into town today!!
My last blog talked about work and their expectations, and have to say…not a lot has changed. In fact, I have continued to be thrown in at the deep end, and have been putting 100% into it. In fact…I’ve only had one real day off this month, as weekends have involved AGM’s, strategy planning, workshops, all of which I’ve attended in hope of building better relations with my colleagues. As this is the workload they are used to, they can’t see why I might be feeling tired/bogged down, yet in truth this week has been a little too much for me, and have been told by my country director to say no to weekends and look after my health, or I won’t be able to keep it up for the year. Was hard saying no, as I really want to prove to them why it was VSO chose me for their organization, and when I say no to work I feel like I’m being lazy/not trying. This is something I will have to get better at, and learn not to feel guilty about giving myself time off. I know I am trying my hardest, and that is all that counts. Look forward to enjoying my work, and not feeling anxious about what the day will hold/what they think of me. I’m sure that will come with time. So once again, a very honest account of how I’m feeling, though see no reason in pretending otherwise. I’m a little homesick, a little out of depth at times, but know it will pass and I will look back with fondness about my time here.
Hope that the cold weather isn’t getting people down, I know If I was back I’d suffer from a few grumps and slumps due to the short/cold days, so anyone with the same problem as me….I advise numerous cups of tea, biscuits and a nice warm bath. If it snows again….be sure to build a snowwoman, who ever makes the best Helen look-a-like will win a fabulous prize (not too sure what yet, but I’ll make it a good’un!) Much love all round. H xx
p.s…..Oh dear…. my landlord is playing 50Cent, and singing along very badly, making a bad song that even bit worse. Delightful!!
p.p.s…..I don’t have easy access to skype from now on, but if any of you wish to contact me…you can add credit to your skype accounts, and call from your comp to my mobile. Works a treat! 6 hours ahead of UK, and about 12 hours ahead of U.S in case anyone fancies a good ol’ Rathbone Chinwag!!
977 980 3977307
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