Mero time Nepalma bhayo!

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