Day 16: Farewell Nepal

Last night we ended the trip with a wonderful traditional meal in a renowned restaurant. We made our farewell speeches and danced as Nepali folk musicians and dancers performed for us. The atmosphere was electric and emotions were honest and embracing.
Today it comes to a close as we approach the airport and leave the Nepali people and their welcoming culture behind us.
We'll be travelling from here on in and look forward to seeing colleagues, friends and family soon.
Namaste,
The SEA Nepal 2012 crew xxx

Day 15: Edge of the world

Today we returned to Kathmandu from Pokhora where we've trekked through the mountains for the past five days. The trek took in some absolutely amazing sights and experiences that left the staff and students stunned.

We arrived on the first evening after a full day on the road and were met by heavy monsoon rains. The next day was clear and saw us squeeze two days into one as we climbed the range at a cracking pace.

The next morning we woke wrapped in a blanket of thick cloud and filled the day again with walking to our accommodation, followed by some overdue rest and relaxation.

By far the highlight was getting up very early on the third morning and watching the sun rise over the Annapurna Range with crystal clear skies.
It was a very moving experience that brought some of us to tears as it provided an opportunity for hours of quiet reflection in the face of such magnificent natural beauty.

The walk itself was very challenging and all managed to stay in high spirits and look after each other in a way that typifies the Augustinian spirit.

No doubt each of us will return home with our own special stories from the hike but all would agree it was an unforgettable experience.

Day 14: Down from the mountain

Just a very brief message to let all know that we have safely returned from our hike through the mountains.

We'll post more later today when we've recovered a little from what can only be described as a truly breathtaking lifetime experience.

Day 8, 9 & 10 Bhairabi:

The days seem to pass quicker every day and so we come to the last day of our work. With minimal skills, We feel we have accomplished a great deal, with foreman Shiam giving the universal "thumbs up" approval.

In a glimpse of what life is like living in the Biretsati region, we decided to hike down the mountain to the local town to re-charge our batteries with a swim in the river and a cold drink.

After a nice 2 hour hike back up the mountain we were met with the local school children for the closing ceremony. They met us with a traditional song and dance performance in which the girls performing picking each one of us from the group to perform with them.

To complete the closing ceremony the President of the Gorkha region honored us by acknowledging the work and more importantly the authentic and positive connections we have made in our short time in Nepal.

As in the dualities of life, what comes up must come down and with our time completed came great happiness and great sadness. The entire Bhairabi village had come to celebrate and wish us farewell. The women and children of the village completed the farewell with a special performance in which we all happily participated in.

With a heavy heart we woke up on the last day with a blessing from the women and children of the village. Many of them with big smiles and open arms. With a tear in our eye we wished our host farewell and looked forward to reuniting with our comrades on our final leg of our journey at Pokhare.

We are all excited and anticipating another great experience from the hike in this beautiful country. The final leg will be in the Annapuarna region and until then we will be uncontactable. So long for now and we cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the days ahead.

Day 10: The Trek Begins!

Just quickly, we are on the bus leaving Kathmandu and already Internet reception is starting to drop. From here on in we aren't sure whether we will be able to keep updating the blog. As soon as we can, we will share our latest adventures because from what we've heard, it will be amazing!

Day 10: DSA thank you

A special thank you must also be passed on to Dia Ram for all the amazing work he does. As principal o the hostel and school, he is the most compassionate and respectful man who has worked wonders with the kids. He has given numerous children a chance in life and has opened up their opportunities. Also, Maggie piper helped establish our connection with the school and was always so positive. She keeps the world in touch through her Facebook page and is helping to draw attention to needy causes such as DSA but also other community projects. Apin and Ajit are Dia Rams sons. Throughout the whole project they were working meticulously and were always so generous with their time. Without their negotiations, direction and friendliness, the project would have ground to a halt.

Day 9: DSA Farewells

This morning, everyone woke up with enthusiasm and determination to get the hostel finished. More importantly, we had a deadline of 4:30 so there was plenty of time to hang out with the kids.

As we all set into the work it became apparent that it was going to be frustrating; the renderers had set in and were completing the hallways which limited the work that could be done. To get around this, all the furniture was taken outside, cleaned, sorted and moved back in as soon as they finished.

At a frantic pace, the Tetris puzzle slowly came together. Jo Gray was finishing the sink and the kitchen, Matt Anglicas was installing shelves and plumbing and all 6 boys had formed a chain link to get everything into place.

As the sun was setting, a complete picture was starting to be seen. The ladies of the hostel kept enthusiasm high with warm sugary teas and all the deaf students were helping too.

At about 7 o'clock, we reached a point where work was complete. Looking at before and after photographs reveals a huge job that was completed successfully and with pride. The hostel is now clean, painted, rendered and has fresh carpet throughout. Electricity will be installed over the next week and there is a new sink out the back. A truly amazing undertaking which makes St Augustine's, the parents and the community proud.

The last part of the day was also the one which people weren't looking forward to. We were treated to a delicacy of yaumari and in true Nepali style, the electricity cut out and we were eating in the dark. This did not stop the vibe and atmosphere. As a thank you, we were all given a painting by the kids, a beautiful wooden carving with a photo in it and a stunning photograph of the Himalayas each. With hugs (and a few tears) we all said our farewell to the kids.

Day 8 DSA: Sunday Best

Today we attended mass at the only Catholic Church in Kathmandu with Maggie Piper. It was great to attend the service which was in english and join in singing with the congregation. This was also the first time all week that we actually stopped and drew breath so it was a welcome departure from the rendering and painting.

We were then taken on a short tour of the old city quarter Dunbar Patan, made up of a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that opened out onto massive squares that housed shrines and carvings of the many deities. Truly amazing structures indeed.

A short visit to a photo gallery that documented the atrocities of the ten-year long civil war was a very grounding experience. The war tore the country apart and only ended in 2006. The country still wears the scars of this horrible event, as do some of the DSA children who were affected both physically and emotionally.

Lastly a quick visit too a small vendor of singing bowls proved to be a mesmerising experience. We each wore a bowl on our head as it was sounded with a soft mallet by the vendor. We all found it surprisingly peaceful and calming and no one walked away empty handed.

It was back to work at midday with much more of the same. Plenty of painting, rendering, mixing concrete and lugging of furniture saw us working through to darkness again.

With only one more day to go, tomorrow will certainly present it's fair share of challenges.

Day 7 DSA: BBQ Photo Gallery

Photos from today's BBQ for the kids. Little explanation needed. The smiles say it all...

Day 7 Bhairabi: The end is in sight

A short report from Peter Nolan today as things are much the same.

The rendering is coming along well and they have achieved so much in such a short time. The difference they have made to the school houses will become even more evident with the onset of winter. The buildings should now resist the weather and keep out the monsoon rain and winds.

The skills of the party have developed and they are moving through the work at a great pace. With only two working days left, they are keen to see as much of the project finished as possible.

All the boys are in great spirits and the staff are overwhelmed at the positive attitude of all.

Day 7 DSA: Over the hump

A big day on the job again today and some major victories too:

1. The cement renderer worked on the last room and will finish the hall tomorrow.
2. Carpet was laid in two of the three rooms. To be finished tomorrow.
3. The kitchen window shutters were installed and painted.
4. And, the landlord removed the rat gnawed electrical cables and will replace them.

We spent the late afternoon with the 'DSA family' hosting a BBQ kindly organised by Maggie Piper.
Our six students served a delicious BBQ Nepali meal on banana leaf plates to each of the 34 kids and 10 or so adults. As they all busily devoured their meal, it struck us that the kids were silent for the first time since we arrived.

With only two days left at DSA the younger children have started to ask when we are leaving. We were even told by one of the older girls in sign language that they will cry when we leave. It certainly will be a difficult goodbye for us also.

Day 6 Bhairabi: Media Interest

Today saw the team getting stuck into the work again with determination. Much more of the same really; lots of physical labour was required as gravel and sand had to be carried up the hill and mixed with the cement nearer to each building.
Some excitement came to the village as a media crew came to cover the presence of the St Augustine's crew in the village and the story behind the SEA program.
Spirits are still high and all staff and students are finding the experience of village living most rewarding indeed.

Day 6 DSA: One step forward, two steps back

Today saw us running into a few obstacles (Actually, being much taller than Nepali people in general, we've been running into quite a few low door frames too).
Ready to paint the final room, we found that half of the render was falling away from the brickwork and had to be removed. This has set the project back by two days at least and we've now hit panic mode trying to choreograph the final pieces of the puzzle requiring the services of an electrician, a metal fabricator, a carpet layer, a cement rendering crew and a local carpenter. A challenge by anyone's standards but here in Bungamati it's going to require some divine intervention.
Still we're working at a break-neck pace and more details can be found at the "Friends Of DSA" Facebook page where Maggie Piper continues to document and share our progress with a large friend base that is working towards securing ongoing support for this wonderful cause.

Link here:
www.facebook.com/friendsofdsa

Day 6: All safe and sound

In light of the tragic news of a plane crash out of Kathmandu this morning we just wanted to let all know that both parties are safe and sound. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives.

Day 5 Bhairabi: Village living

The staff and students are in high spirits and adapting well to remote village living.
The huge task of rendering the school houses is well underway and progress is clearly evident to the locals who are so pleased with the efforts of the staff and students.

Work also began today on an allocation of land that the group has turned into a vegetable garden where bananas will be grown to feed the local school children.

Cultures have merged in a mutual appreciation of football with many talented sportspeople challenging the boys on the field.

The village has only one water source which is a tap fitted with a short hose. This acts as a communal point of interaction as everyone uses this source for drinking, washing and showering. Many smiling faces and conversations are had here and it is quite a special experience.

Tomorrow sees the continuation of the rendering project which is being tackled by the students with a very positive and generous approach. Hats off to all the boys and their hard work so far.

Day 5 DSA: Gentle Giants

After three days straight on the tools we are starting to make visible progress on the DSA Hostel and the locals looking on are marveling as we tower over them all.

Ceilings, walls, doors and window frames all look great in two of the four rooms. Work began on the remaining two rooms and this required our collective efforts (and Tetris skills) to pack all furniture and belongings into the two painted rooms.

The kitchen is also getting a makeover and we all had a go at scrubbing the brick wall that wore the scars of 18 years of fat fires and food stuffs.

It's great working so close to the school as we are able to talk and play with the many children that see us as a party of gentle giants.

Fresh blue paint was ordered but couldn't be delivered because an electric agitator was required to mix the paint. Hours later when mains electricity was restored our paint finally arrived. This reminded us that on top of all the other problems, flowing electricity is just one more thing we all take for granted.

This afternoon we were treated to an improvised jam with the blind students playing on their flutes and our guitars. It was a special time as we were all chatting with the DSA kids via a mix of broken english, sign language and simple smiles, high fives and hugs. It hit me that there might be a few tears when it's time to say goodbye next week.

All the boys are fantastic and just keep plugging away at every job, big or small. Although we are starting to feel weary at times, we're all running on the reward of seeing such a meaningful task reach completion.

DSA Day 4: Photo Gallery

Bhairabi Day 4: A special Bhairabi welcome...

Peter has reported that today began with a very special welcome from the local community and the school. They were presented with Khata scarves and hand made garlands of marigold flowers. A very special experience indeed as this is a ceremony reserved for only the most special visitors.

All the group were shown the detailed procedure in preparing and applying concrete render to the dry stone walls that make up the majority of the school house structures. They took to the task well and now know how to go about the week's work of completing all the remaining buildings.
All are in good spirits and enjoying the calm of such a remote location and the beauty of the surroundings and the local people.

DSA Day 4: First full days work

Yesterday morning was a somewhat early start as everyone was keen to get stuck in and make a huge dent in the work.

The previous day, the ladies of the hostel had provided eggs and a sugary tea for a mid afternoon break so two dozen eggs, a number of bottles of water, electrical parts and light globes were all sourced just outside the hotel.

Straight away, it was great to see students delegating work amongst themselves. While some were painting the beds outside, others were painting the bedrooms a sky blue and some were prepping the dining room. Lawrence and Sean ended up looking like smurfs as blue paint managed its way onto each other leaving the walls begging. A time lapse with one of their cameras should reveal who made the first strike.

Throughout the day, primary aged children were fascinated with the work being carried out in the school yard. Mitch met his match as he could only lift two students at once who were thrilled with the attention. Meanwhile Christian has a series of interesting photos after a tiny girl gained control of his camera and put his photography skills to shame.

Victor and Callum were working hard painting the beds when they were taken by a number of students into the classrooms and given the tour of the library and year 1 rooms. Mind you, these students really were ankle biters.

At 4 o'clock the school was released and all students left in single file. This was a great opportunity for all St aug boys and staff to interact with the local kids. The boys were able to regain their football which had been lost during lunch.

Even more importantly, the boys were able to interact for a good hour with the blind, deaf and physically disabled students. The 3 staff were truly blown away by how respectful and delighted the St Aug boys were. All of them now know the alphabet in sign and many know the terms for asking age, name, country etc all in sign. This has broken down the barriers and has built the relationships so well. Everyone back home should be proud.

A swim in the pool preceded dinner and by 9:30, everyone was knackered after a great, satisfying days work and some R and R.

Day 3: Bhairabi Primary School

The blog entries for Bhairabi PS will be based on daily phone calls that I will relay from Peter Nolan who is high in the hills with very patchy phone coverage.
Today's report featured a nine hour 4WD journey along some notorious highways and off-road byways that saw them reach their destination at five-thirty pm. This left them with only enough time to set up tents and camp facilities where they'll be based for the next week whilst rendering school buildings in the area.
The group very soon met with the operator of the school and all became quite excited when told to expect an official welcoming ceremony in the morning. How exciting!

Day 3: Arriving at DSA

It all became very real today as we got to meet those that will benefit from our college fund raising efforts.
The smiling faces and heartfelt traditional welcome made for a very special moment for all.
After a quick tour of the facilities we set about stripping the hostel rooms that will be re-rendered, painted, carpeted and rewired before the end of our week here at DSA.
It can't be stressed enough how amazing the St Aug's students have been. Working all day, they took to each job with determination and cheer.
Working throughout the day in the school grounds, tools were dropped when the four o'clock school bell rang and the children flocked to meet us. Before long we were playing with the kids and captivating audiences with our accents, iPhones and the mystery of orthodontic braces on two boy's sets of teeth....
Thanks goes out to Maggie Piper who is our DSA contact here in Nepal. Her efforts go a long way in helping Principal Daya Ram continue to support these beautiful children. Follow her Facebook support page here:
www.facebook.com/friendsofdsa