Nameste!
Today the overall theme was developing countries and social changes. We heard about different development theories and did a lot of group work, where we for example had to mark out Action Aid Denmark's values from their own written vision.
We were given a short assignment, where we had to pretend we were in the future and then make a news paper headline as we wish the world to look like in the future. Mine was for example: For the first time in 50 years pollution is at it lowest.
Afterwards we had our first Nepali class with Khati. It was pretty exciting to learn some Nepali. We learned a lot of useful sentences like: Tapai ko Naam ke ho? (what is your name) - Mero Naam Anna Ho. (My name is Anna)
It was challenging to pronouns the words and also difficult to understand when you use the different words, because some of them have different meanings. You use different words for yes and no, depending on if it has something to do with a possession or if something is right or wrong. You can hear it is even difficult to describe.
In Denmark you often start out a conversation with a stranger by talking about the weather, but in Nepal it is common to ask: Tapai Le khana khanu Bhayo? (Have you had food?) - It is not rude in anyway to ask people this even though they have not eaten anything. The class was helpful and I learned some simple Nepali sentences.
Later in the day we had to make a problemtree, where we had to put up a problem from a text about a slumarea in India and try to find some solutions to the problem.
Overall it was a instructive day!
Pheri Bhetaula! (see you again)
Anna
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Namaste!
First morning in Kathmandu after arriving yesterday at the platform! We started our day in the warm morning sun of Nepal on the roof of the platform, getting introduced to our next month in Kathmandu. Even though the sun is shining and it’s very hot the weather is quite misty so we are only able to see the Himalayan Mountains as silhouettes against the sky – I think we are all looking forward to the weather getting clearer as it seems like the view of the mountains from the platform will be both spectacular and amazing! Through the next hours we were discussing our fears and hopes, our way to the platform, challenging each other in a quiz and al lot more with our kind facilitator Vibe. This was only interrupted by refreshing energizers, ping-pong breaks and a delicious lunch. I really enjoy the Nepalese kitchen. Even though there is not much meat, the rice, beans and lentil soup spiced with chili makes a solid meal and you have nice feeling in the stomach many hours afterwards.
In the afternoon we all went to Thamel for booking a trip to The Last Resort where we will go this weekend. Here the bravest of us will bungee jump and those less brave (including me) will experience river rafting, canyoning, mountain biking and other sports making your adrenalin circulate through your veins.
Thamel is the tourist-part of Kathmandu, filled with souvenir shops and salesmen eager to sell you something. Unfortunately there are also a lot of beggars and I get such an awkward and guilty feeling when I say no to a child asking for money.
Now we are all back to the platform, relaxing and playing games, all tired after a day in chaotic but charming Kathmandu, but also very excited about our next four weeks on the platform.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday 17/2 2012
I believe we all heartily welcomed the late start of today's program. However, no matter if the time was spent relaxing or by playing table tennis, it still couldn't calm our excitement for what was going to happen today.
Today was the day where we were all going to the Peace Home orphanage, but first we had to endure the one and a half hour long drive from the platform to where it is located.
Upon arrival at the orphanage - or rather a few minutes prior, as we picked her up on the way - we met the warden of the orphanage who greeted us with a nice chat about it - of course accompanied by a sweet cup of Nepalese tea.
The children of the orphanage were still at school at that time so we were able to begin satisfying our hungry bellies with a nice, large portion of Daalbhat. We didn't finish eating up before the children slowly began to come home from school. The schools in Nepal end their classes early on fridays, we had been told by the warden as a slight uncertainty about when the children would be home had arisen among us.
As we finished our meal, it was time for a Tour de Peace Home. And very much like the Tour de France, this was done at quite a tempo. On top of this heavy pace, entering a room required taking off your shoes whilst an eager child was dragging you by the arm trying to show you every single little nook and cranny of the place. And meanwhile you were also trying to have a conversation with another child who was just as eager to follow you but simply hadn't gotten hold of your arm yet.
All in all, it wasn't really a bad thing but much rather added to the exciting experience it was to visit the orphanage.
The whole thing was rounded up with a game of "round bat" which the children really seemed to enjoy, and even though it came off as a bit confusing to us, we quickly grasped the essence of their ruleset.
But it wasn't long before it was time to turn our heads back towards Kathmandu; however, there was still plenty of time for a photo session. Countless pictures - and that is without exaggeration - were taken in various combinations of us and the children, so when Jinita called for the final shot, it was with a tiny bit of relief but a huge amount of sadness that we had to leave and possibly never come back again.
I think it goes without saying that today we had an experience memorable for at least a few life times to come.
Today was the day where we were all going to the Peace Home orphanage, but first we had to endure the one and a half hour long drive from the platform to where it is located.
Upon arrival at the orphanage - or rather a few minutes prior, as we picked her up on the way - we met the warden of the orphanage who greeted us with a nice chat about it - of course accompanied by a sweet cup of Nepalese tea.
The children of the orphanage were still at school at that time so we were able to begin satisfying our hungry bellies with a nice, large portion of Daalbhat. We didn't finish eating up before the children slowly began to come home from school. The schools in Nepal end their classes early on fridays, we had been told by the warden as a slight uncertainty about when the children would be home had arisen among us.
As we finished our meal, it was time for a Tour de Peace Home. And very much like the Tour de France, this was done at quite a tempo. On top of this heavy pace, entering a room required taking off your shoes whilst an eager child was dragging you by the arm trying to show you every single little nook and cranny of the place. And meanwhile you were also trying to have a conversation with another child who was just as eager to follow you but simply hadn't gotten hold of your arm yet.
All in all, it wasn't really a bad thing but much rather added to the exciting experience it was to visit the orphanage.
The whole thing was rounded up with a game of "round bat" which the children really seemed to enjoy, and even though it came off as a bit confusing to us, we quickly grasped the essence of their ruleset.
But it wasn't long before it was time to turn our heads back towards Kathmandu; however, there was still plenty of time for a photo session. Countless pictures - and that is without exaggeration - were taken in various combinations of us and the children, so when Jinita called for the final shot, it was with a tiny bit of relief but a huge amount of sadness that we had to leave and possibly never come back again.
I think it goes without saying that today we had an experience memorable for at least a few life times to come.
Thursday 16/2 2012
"I have found a new song for the picture round of Hit Med Sangen, Julie told me as the first thing this morning. Of cause I were exited, and her lovely interpretation of the Danish soccer 'slagsang' from the European Championship in 1996 reminded me of the five cool heavy metal guys from the the music school, we visited yesterday. They were fond of Slayer, Slipknot and of cause Michael Learns to Rock.
As the applaused the fact that the lead singer of Michael Learns to Rock comes from the village as me, I reflected on how grotesque it is that even though we are in Nepal, we seem closer to the Danish soap pop band than ever before. But as well I reflected on how I am looking forward to create more longterm relationships with the Nepali children.
Actually this thursday was luckely ment to be a tour de future where we GCA at the MS GP thought on DOC's.
Or in other words: had a thought on our hopes and ideas for future projects at our future placements.
As delicious nice apples in the autoum, we volunteers presented and brought us into a world of Cambodian theme-days, inter-nepali soccer tournaments, by Sri-Lankanian youngsters facilitated forum theater, indoor activity of Vietnam, created and between different orphanages showed plays of Cambodia and Next Stop, iPod caught surfing exchanging of Myanmar.
With this day and yesterday's visit at the music school in mind, people seems to be more corious and nerveous in the good way about how they sre going to spend the next three months.
As day turned to night, future turned to past and we enjoyed a cosy evening with the lovely game 'Do you remember the year 2002'.
/Nikolaj
As the applaused the fact that the lead singer of Michael Learns to Rock comes from the village as me, I reflected on how grotesque it is that even though we are in Nepal, we seem closer to the Danish soap pop band than ever before. But as well I reflected on how I am looking forward to create more longterm relationships with the Nepali children.
Actually this thursday was luckely ment to be a tour de future where we GCA at the MS GP thought on DOC's.
Or in other words: had a thought on our hopes and ideas for future projects at our future placements.
As delicious nice apples in the autoum, we volunteers presented and brought us into a world of Cambodian theme-days, inter-nepali soccer tournaments, by Sri-Lankanian youngsters facilitated forum theater, indoor activity of Vietnam, created and between different orphanages showed plays of Cambodia and Next Stop, iPod caught surfing exchanging of Myanmar.
With this day and yesterday's visit at the music school in mind, people seems to be more corious and nerveous in the good way about how they sre going to spend the next three months.
As day turned to night, future turned to past and we enjoyed a cosy evening with the lovely game 'Do you remember the year 2002'.
/Nikolaj
Wen. the 15th of Feb.
Due to our morning of, we all decided to explore a Buddhistic temple, called "Monkey temple." When arriving a little barefooted boy cough my attention "365 stairs, you need a guide?" he kept asking. I always feel so akward in these situations, I want to help, but at the same time, we cant.
When seeing the temple rising above me a feeling of calm and a sense of divine hit me. The main temple was astonishing with its traditionally clean white lines and Buddha sitting metastatic looking down at one. Surrounding the temple was a lot of stands uniting the Buddhist and Hindu. The beautiful nature and all the different people, smells and sounds left me with a desire to explore more.
After lunch and some shopping in Thamel, we met up with Ginita, who toke us to visit a music project. Here we met Titi, a very inspiring women, who had started the project a few years ago. She already had more than 100 children, who in their past had experienced some traumatizing things. She gives them the opportunity to hell and build them selves true music. We each had time to talk individually with the children and afterwords they played for us. This was a really fantastic and overwhelming experience. especially because it is not something every tourist can experience. It reminded us whey we are volunteers and left us with a great desire to go out to our placements.
When seeing the temple rising above me a feeling of calm and a sense of divine hit me. The main temple was astonishing with its traditionally clean white lines and Buddha sitting metastatic looking down at one. Surrounding the temple was a lot of stands uniting the Buddhist and Hindu. The beautiful nature and all the different people, smells and sounds left me with a desire to explore more.
After lunch and some shopping in Thamel, we met up with Ginita, who toke us to visit a music project. Here we met Titi, a very inspiring women, who had started the project a few years ago. She already had more than 100 children, who in their past had experienced some traumatizing things. She gives them the opportunity to hell and build them selves true music. We each had time to talk individually with the children and afterwords they played for us. This was a really fantastic and overwhelming experience. especially because it is not something every tourist can experience. It reminded us whey we are volunteers and left us with a great desire to go out to our placements.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
13/2-2012
Today was the first day after a great weekend in Pokhara and we could all feel that. We were all very tired, but we still had an exiting day about movie making, where we had to tell a story about our partner. All the stories ended up being unique and entertaining.
Amazing weekend in Pokhara
We took the bus early morning and 6 hours later we arrived to the cheap, but nice hotel where we could order meat and that was something we really needed.
Saturday we took the bus at 5 am with mr. Fox who was our guide. He took us on an 11 kilometers hike ind the mountains. It was an extremely beautiful walk and the best part was to see the sun rise above the Himalaya. After the hike, some of us went mounting biking and other kanuing.
At night we went to a restaurant and we all had a few drinks.
Sunday some of us went paragliding and that was a wild experience, where one of us got a kiss in the air and another landed on her head...
All in all we had a great day today and a fantastic weekend in Pokhara!
-Maiken..
Amazing weekend in Pokhara
We took the bus early morning and 6 hours later we arrived to the cheap, but nice hotel where we could order meat and that was something we really needed.
Saturday we took the bus at 5 am with mr. Fox who was our guide. He took us on an 11 kilometers hike ind the mountains. It was an extremely beautiful walk and the best part was to see the sun rise above the Himalaya. After the hike, some of us went mounting biking and other kanuing.
At night we went to a restaurant and we all had a few drinks.
Sunday some of us went paragliding and that was a wild experience, where one of us got a kiss in the air and another landed on her head...
All in all we had a great day today and a fantastic weekend in Pokhara!
-Maiken..
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday 9. february 2012
On thursday the rain had finally stopped and full of optimism and excitement we embarked upon our first field trip to two temples in Kathmandu. One hindu and one buddhist.
The first temple was the Pashupatinath which spreads over a large area with many different buildings and a river running through. We walked around the area in small groups, answering questions with the help from local visitors. Actually we didn't need to address people in order to get help with the questions, most people adressed us long before. Some of them were just local people or other tourists being interested in us and wanting to say hello and help us. Some of them were trying to sell us something; jewellery, flowers, Tikka for the forehead, guided tours or even a photography together with a monk.
A few meters away from all the salesmen were a lot of platforms alongside the river where dead people were cremated. We walked very close to the fires, smelled the smoke and ashes and saw different bodyparts sticking out of the flames. All in all that was a very strong and also strange experience and I think we all came to a closer understanding of hinduism and its meaning in Nepal.
After a couple of hours we withdrew from all the people and went up the hill to have a delicious lunch prepared and packed by the platform kitchen. There we could eat almost alone, only disturbed by a few hungry monkeys, a deaf man and a wedding party.
Then we went to see the buddhist temple, or stupa, Boudhanat. This was quite a lot smaller than the hindu one, and the temple itself was only one building in the middle of a kind of courtyard. A large white pagoda with a small tower on top with Buddhas characteristic eyes looking out on (and for) all of us. A kind british guy our age discretely hinted us that we were about to walk counterclockwise around the pagoda instead of clockwise as one should.
There were just as many people, and many more tourists, there than at Pashupatinath, but nonetheless this seemed much less chaotic and crowded, and much more peacefull and calm. It's such a cliche - european youth comming to the east and being fascinated by buddhism, but this place really seemed special. Jinita arranged for us to visit a monastery connected to the temple, where we met an old and very kind monk, who blessed us by saying our name and binding a red and yellow silk string around our neck. This was also a very strong experience and right now I can't really decide whether to take the string off my neck or not - it'll be interesting to see if I stille have it on on monday reading this aloud to the morning meeting.
I think this day showed us a lot about buddhism and hinduism, and for various reasons I would really like to go back to both temples during our three weeks left. However this all seemed to have been enough spirituality for one day and the rest of the afternoon and evening was spent sleeping and packing for the weekend in Pokhara ...and of course on playing a bit of table tennis.
The first temple was the Pashupatinath which spreads over a large area with many different buildings and a river running through. We walked around the area in small groups, answering questions with the help from local visitors. Actually we didn't need to address people in order to get help with the questions, most people adressed us long before. Some of them were just local people or other tourists being interested in us and wanting to say hello and help us. Some of them were trying to sell us something; jewellery, flowers, Tikka for the forehead, guided tours or even a photography together with a monk.
A few meters away from all the salesmen were a lot of platforms alongside the river where dead people were cremated. We walked very close to the fires, smelled the smoke and ashes and saw different bodyparts sticking out of the flames. All in all that was a very strong and also strange experience and I think we all came to a closer understanding of hinduism and its meaning in Nepal.
After a couple of hours we withdrew from all the people and went up the hill to have a delicious lunch prepared and packed by the platform kitchen. There we could eat almost alone, only disturbed by a few hungry monkeys, a deaf man and a wedding party.
Then we went to see the buddhist temple, or stupa, Boudhanat. This was quite a lot smaller than the hindu one, and the temple itself was only one building in the middle of a kind of courtyard. A large white pagoda with a small tower on top with Buddhas characteristic eyes looking out on (and for) all of us. A kind british guy our age discretely hinted us that we were about to walk counterclockwise around the pagoda instead of clockwise as one should.
There were just as many people, and many more tourists, there than at Pashupatinath, but nonetheless this seemed much less chaotic and crowded, and much more peacefull and calm. It's such a cliche - european youth comming to the east and being fascinated by buddhism, but this place really seemed special. Jinita arranged for us to visit a monastery connected to the temple, where we met an old and very kind monk, who blessed us by saying our name and binding a red and yellow silk string around our neck. This was also a very strong experience and right now I can't really decide whether to take the string off my neck or not - it'll be interesting to see if I stille have it on on monday reading this aloud to the morning meeting.
I think this day showed us a lot about buddhism and hinduism, and for various reasons I would really like to go back to both temples during our three weeks left. However this all seemed to have been enough spirituality for one day and the rest of the afternoon and evening was spent sleeping and packing for the weekend in Pokhara ...and of course on playing a bit of table tennis.
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