Hi there everyone! As I'm sitting here typing this blog, I am reflecting on our recent adventure to Nepal. I feel myself smiling as I recall some experiences and the wonderful friendships that were made, whilst on tour.
We were a party of 9, varying in ages & backgrounds and based in three different states of Australia, which no doubt added to the excitement of our adventure! It's a wonderful thing to see women stretch and grow (including myself) and I personally feel that Nepal is one of those magical places where we do learn so much more about ourselves. Just a few things we've learnt along the way:
You can do anything you put your mind to
We volunteered in a school with very little financial support, which certainly showed. The children were all clean and in uniform, BUT the school itself was of very low standard, unpainted buildings, disgusting ablutions - so bad that the stench seeped into some of the classrooms, leaking roofs, minimal school supplies, lack of teaching resources, just to name a few. We learnt here that we could contribute in so many ways, not only financially. Some of us had never painted, but we were quick to learn, others taught in classrooms, even though they had never taught a day in their life, others showed students how to grow things from seed and played games with the children. A couple of us were invited into the homes of some of the students and that was certainly an eye opener! Our experience at this school was very rewarding and we hope to return and offer further support in the future.
Inner Strength
Our trekking experience was tough, I admit...but when 8 of us reached the top of Poon Hill, 3200m above sea level, at sunrise and saw the might Annapurna range light up, we were elated. The impressive view and the power of these mountains was certainly worth the tough trek and again we learnt more about ourselves....we had to dig deep at times, encourge others, and find that inner strength to keep going!
Let the child out to play
Bathing the elephants in Chitwan National Park was a playful experience, which I would recommend you do if ever you have the opportunity! We had so much fun holding the elephant gently by the ears and sliding up on his trunk, rolling around and stroking him in the river, being tossed off his back into the water and showered as he cheekly flicked a trunk full of water over his shoulder!! Check out the video of us frolicking with the elephants on You Tube
Some of our other experiences included Rickshaw rides, boating on Lake Fewa, traffic jams on the mountains, walking amongst the moving mass of people in Kathmandu, massages at Seeing Hands by blind massage therapists, women's refuge, Tibeten refugee camp, singing on the bus, breaking down on the side of the road, sleeping under the stars, spotting rhino's, deer and other wildlife in Chitwan......and much more!
There are no more overseas trips scheduled for the remainder of the year, although there is still plenty of activity happening in most states of Australia, so check out our 'Adventure Club' for what's on in your state! If your into Yoga and looking for a bit of relaxation, check out Sunshine Yoga's 8 day retreat at Lord Howe Island starting on 6th December.
Next year begins with a bang — we have a Yoga Retreat in Tasmania scheduled for early January, Egypt at the end of Feb/Mar, Bali Bootcamps start up again in March, Hiking in Spain, April, Highlights of South America 8th May, Kokoda & India in the second half of the year.......and I'm sure there will be lots more!
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