First Day of the Build

Impressions are contrasting shades of colours, not unlike the Habitat Build volunteer t-shirts - hues of pink, orange, green and blue. We began our Everest Build day in Pokhara with the usual first day hiccups when trying to move 400+ international (8 countries represented) volunteers -- buses ran late or failed to show -- some buses could not travel down the mountain highway because bigger buses were coming up the road; our lunches mysteriously went AWOL but we did not go hungry -- the officials soon make sure we had some food.

The hike at our Begnas Lake Resort up 276+ steps to our bus began our week's physical conditioning -- if we could survive the daily climb then we could tough out the rest.

At 4:30pm after a long day of cutting and weaving bamboo walls, and being very hot and sticky (or is that stinky?), we had to wait in the heat once again for our bus. It eventually came and took us back to a well-earned swim at our resort.

After a shower (warm water from 5-7pm) and a delicious Western buffet dinner, most of us were in bed by 9pm (hard to believe). We're up at 6am and the combined heat and physical demands dictated an early bedtime, no matter your age.

Our first day rendered us tired but content with the foundations established for an amazing week ahead!

- Annie S.

House #17

House #17 is our house and it is perfect. It overlooks such a beautiful valley with rolling hills. The view is breathtaking. The homeowners are so sweet. It is incredible how hospitable and appreciative the Nepalis are. They are truly beautiful people.

-Sameena

Sarangkot

This morning was special, we woke up at 3h30am. We met at the top of the steps of the resort (the Dining hall/bar/internet/everything house thingy). To get out of the resort, we have two options for leaving the resort. We could take the boats out, but it was too dark. The other way out is 264 steps up to the top where the bus meets us. We climbed all of them, but without complaint - because today we were going to make it to the top of Sarangkot before sunrise! A huge challenge. This peak is taller than the highest mountain in Austrailia, according to Robyn. You can look up info on it I'm sure.

It was SUCH a hard climb. I guess that might not be true for some, but I've never trekked or mountain climbed before. I only do hikes in Northern Ontario, which isn't that difficult. Even with the rocks put in as steps on the way to the top of Sarangkot, it was just so vertical. But once at the top, all huffs and puffs, we made it before the sun. I was actually the second one to make it up! I was surprised because I was panting and sweating and about ready to fall down. The view was amazing, mountains in the background, the perfect red sun blazing as it draws up the hills. Even though we had a cloudy and misty day, it was still amazing. Even after all that work, I wouldn't mind going again to be honest. After hanging about and taking pictures, we go back down. I was the last to the bottom because the scenery was amazing! (And to be honest, my legs were a little weak) It is amazing what you miss in the dark, flew right by it all on the way up. But stepping down I got some gorgeous scenery shots.

An amazing morning, and later this afternoon will be our day one with Habitat - all the teams meeting! How exciting!

-Amy

Check out this Link!!

Hello to all of our family and friends back home! We have a link for you on the main Habitat for Humanity International Website. It is going to be updated daily with photos. Please feel free to watch this link as much as our blog!

http://www.habitat.org/asiapacific/what_we_do/events/everestbuild2010/default.aspx

-Amy

The Streets of Kathmandu

When you enter the streets of Kathmandu, the first thing I notice is the traffic. People are on their way by every mode of transportation imaginable. As they walk they are dodging cars, bikes, rickshaws and trucks. There are a lot of motor cycles, amazingly quiet, but to make up for it they beep and honk incessantly as do the cars and trucks. The sounds are constantly shrill interjections of horns: "Look out for me, I'm coming through!"

The piece de resistance is the roundabout. There is one just down the road from our hotel. There seems to be no order, yet the people of Kathmandu seem to know just what to do; when to go and when to stop. People and vehicles are going every direction and yet, we have not seen anyone hurt or any two vehicles crash.

They travel so close to one another that we gasp and wait for a crash or a scream, but none happen. Also, interspersed amongst he pedestrians and vehicles are street people sleeping under a tree and vendors selling food, mainly nuts and seeds.

Storefronts and vendors line the streets designed to sell only one thing. Beside one another, are food, small machine repairs, rugs, fabrics, light hardware, and trekking stores. Today I saw a man with a dead goat. He was immersing it in a tub of water before he butchered it. Stacks of meat and eggs sit open and unrefrigerated waiting to be purchased. Maple Leaf Foods would be proud.

Amongst all is a large amount of garbage. It is everywhere and people walk along seemingly oblivious to it. The amazing thing to me is that the women dress in the most beautiful array of coloured Saris and Nepali clothes. They look beautiful, stunning in contrast especially to the drab buildings, garbage and construction materials.

Also among the pedestrians are many children walking to and from school. They are the same as children everywhere; laughing, holding hands, and dressed in their uniforms ready for a day of learning. They often will say "Hello" practicing their English from class.

At first, the people seem different from us as they live their lives foreign to us. But then you make eye contact and a beautiful smile is communicated. I have felt that we are all just the same - people going about our lives, providing for our families in our own ways.

Tomorrow we leave Kathmandu and the traffic behind. I have enjoyed the experience immensely. However, I confess, I look forward to some quiet, some green spaces and some clean air. I won't miss the traffic but I will take with me the special moments when one of the people and I shared a smile.

-Laurie

All in a day

Nepal; the only place where I can chat with a Buddhist monk, see Mount Everest, tour a women's fair trade market and then be invited into the founding family's home for lunch all in one afternoon. Absolutely incredible.

Kellie

Impressions

Good flights, little sleep, much anticipation, new friends, common dreams, Kathmandu Welcome, yellow scarves, bustling streets, rickshaws, tuk tuks, horns blaring, bicycles weaving, painted Sadhus, temples, intricately carved windows, warm smiles, uniformed children off to school, monkeys , Buddha and Vishnu in harmony, breakfast in the garden, confronting funeral pyres, ever present beggars, fruit carts, tangled masses of electric wires, momos, persistent street vendors, serenity in chaos, resignation, hopeless, eternal questions, orphanage, beautiful children, tearful reunions, bubbles, happiness, selfless Nola, glimmers of hope, building anticipation, anticipated building, simple decent, houses, hope.

-Robyn

The People

I had read a lot, and watched a few videos about Nepal prior to coming. The part of me that loves to be prepared made me do it. But literature and another persons view point don't do justice to the impressions that this place leaves. Already, with only being in the tourist district, I can sense a strength in the people. There's a desire to thrive.

It's noisy and crowded in this area, but the people don't avoid your eyes as can be so common of strangers passing by back home. And why do so? Saying Namaste to both elder and child passing is refreshing. It's connected. It's downright important. Their sense of community must be so strong.

I'm happy to be here for a Habitat build, the people of this country are so welcoming and warm hearted, curious and hard working. They deserve it, and I can't wait to start.

First Impressions

We are in the Thamel District of Kathmandu. The narrow streets are congested with people of all ages, cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, bicycles, and transport vehicles. The honking of horns, and police officers direct the chaos and surprisingly everyone seems to manage without incident. The sound of monks chanting and the smell of incense burning creates an underlying atmosphere of peace and calm. Despite the chaos of street life and the extraordinary difference in economic realities, I feel safe and secure, and at peace. This country has the ability to affect your heart! Indeed, visiting this country is a moving experience.

-Elaine

Kathmandu - A Poem

incense drifitng
prayer wheels humming
monks chanting
hawkers hawking
horns honking
beggers beseeching
sadus blessing
Buddha benign
team terrific
Habitat working for change
Namaste

-Pat

Namaste

In the chaos of Kathmandu, atthe holiest of shrines, Boudnath, the soccer bag was delivered. Second Kicks bag of cleats, pylons, socks, and goalie gloves was successfully delivered to SMD school of mostly Tibetan refugee boys and girls.

I'm off to Bhaktapur (the ancient city) and Vajra Varahi (monastery/orphanage/health clinic) today.

Peace,
Cathy Clark

Marathon

Walked a lot of steps to the Monkey Temple, felt like a marathon. It was worth it. Off to Pashupatinath, then a long walk to Boudnath. The constant horns and lots of fabulous shops. Genuine Pashmina's and sacred city visiting today. The bus ride is an adventure. Lovely uniformed school children. Street festival.

-Jean

Kathmandu Mosaics

Welcoming, smiling beautiful school children, midday heat, noise (horns) and air pollution! Indiscriminate garbage sites, ghats (death pyres), street vendors, pashminas, prayer flags and incense. Chants, crossing intersections on a 'wing and a prayer', temples with so many steps, and then Everest at the end of the climbs: blonde, sparkling, white tip, quenching all 650ml ~ a dedication to Nima Gombu Sherpa ~ worth all the climbs! Namaste Friends!

-Annie

Perseverance

Despite all the adversity the locals battle on a daily basis they continue to persevere through hard work while still being warm friendly people.

-Shiraz

Faux Tiger

The endless shopping, the selling of tiger balm (or wild tiger) in the streets, the hustle and bustle of the city, the views of the mountains from the Monkey Temple... It's all an amazing experience.

-Sameena