Introduction

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Welcome, family and friends, and thanks for the company!

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The aim of this trip was to combine a bit of travel – something I’ve never really done – with a spot of charity work, in a place that could use it. The result is this journey to Nepal, ostensibly to volunteer for several months at the Nandumaya Self-sustaining Orphanage. Why Nepal? Well, I’d looked at going to India in the past, but I’d never looked as far north as Nepal. After I came across the orphanage on the internet, however, I began to read more about the wee Hindu kingdom (as it then was. As I write this the King has been given a 15 day eviction notice by the new Maoist-led Constituent Assembly. Nepal is now a republic). I say wee, but Nepal has a population of between 24-35 million (nobody is really too sure), 90% of whom live a rural, subsistance-farming lifestyle. The GDP per capita is about $300 US and it is one of the poorest countries on earth. It also has some of the best scenery. But if you wanted to know all that you’d be looking at Wikipedia, wouldn’t you? Suffice to say I thought Nepal would be an interesting place to spend some time and I though a change of paradigm and huge dose of culture shock would do me some good.

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By the way, the intention of this ‘blog’ is to provide a way to let friends and family know what I am up to, and to provide me with a way to feel connected to everyone. If I get a bit introspective and parenthetical or start wandering, narrative-wise, and lose your attention, I apologise. But I’m on my own in Nepal. Give me a break.