Manakamana Jan14/11

An early start, 6AM at Maiti Nepal office (I manage to catch a bus). I walk on the quiet streets past small groups of people huddled by fires. Although the complex is dark a guard eventually comes to the gate and lets me in after confirming that I am going to Manakamana.

Suprisingly all the girls are ready before the boys. We board a big bus. It takes about 3 hours to get there with a couple bathroom stops. The building is exceptionally clean with a modern appearance unlike much else in Nepal (except for the City Centre shopping mall).

Maiti Nepal includes me as staff, (fortunately as the price for a foreigner is $15US dollars), my volunteer card is accepted as ID.



I read that the cable car system was built by the Swiss, so I have no concerns about my safety although I still grip the back of the seat when the car goes up over the support. It is a long way up, I can't imagine how long it takes to walk up.





Initially, I plan to go into the temple with the group but after walking in my bare feet across the courtyard up several flights of steps and waiting (and realizing that it will be a long wait) I decide that I would rather take photos and have my feet in my nice warm shoes.

It is a good decision as it is a long wait and I can take photos at my leisure. Also photos are not allowed inside the temple. While waiting I see a very reluctant goat being taken to the temple. Later I see the man but not the goat.

After the temple we have a group lunch of dhal bhat. It is a full day as it is dark when we finally get back to Kathmandu.



Fresh oranges and orange trees












kiosks lining the route to the temple (with items to buy as well as offerings including goats, chickens and birds)



Mystic images


Boy and bells



Picking up offerings as fast as his little paws can go...






Maiti Nepal Staff








Group Photo

School Holiday Jan2-14/11

I opt for two weeks duty at the school during holidays doing crafts with the children. It is a bit of a challenge to come up with different crafts for two weeks, especially with limited supplies but the children are keen to do whatever I have planned.

A couple game boards and playing pieces I make out of cardboard work well for Othello and Connect 4.

A couple times I do face painting and bubble blowing (straws make good cheap bubble blowers). It is still a challenge to get the children to line up and wait their turn even though I assure them that there is enough for everyone.


One girl does an excellent vampire face painting.

New Years' Day Performances Jan1/11

I am fortunate to see a flyer advertising cultural masked dance performances at noon at Boudha to celebrate 2011 Tourism Year.








I invite a few friends however it starts late so we are on the rooftop with hot chocolate and snacks when it finally starts. There are such large crowds that it is difficult to get close enough with a good view to take photos.




I take a couple short video clips however it seems to take forever to download to my blog so I may have to add at another time.

It is really fun to watch and extends into the evening with a concert. A friend and I eat at Garden Kitchen before we both head home.

School Talent Show Dec31/10

After exams and before January break, the children prepare for a talent show. Each house in the hostel, Green, Red, Blue and White practise with the guidance of teachers to put on a dance, song and drama.

I help Blue House a bit in the initial stages with their rendition of Romeo and Juliet and also a dance number from Titantic. Afterwards I am assigned the children that are not participating with their house to learn to sing Jingle Bells. The final songs, dances and skits performed are quite good.

Little children





cultural dance




drama (including Romeo and Juliet)

Blue House expanded upon Romeo and Juliet and shaped it including the Titantic song as a dance number in their skit.












White House does an original skit and the girl that plays a king plays the part regally.






Green House wins the competition! All round their performances are smooth and well rehearsed. They do a cultural dance with the clothing/dress from all of the various castes.