I know that this blog entry is rather late, and the title rather uncreative, but nonetheless I hope you enjoy my brief story on my crazy journey to volunteer abroad in Nepal.
I left on August 3, and after spending over 30 hours either in stuffy planes or crowded airports, I arrived in the warm and humid city of Kathmandu. On Day 1, we took a short tour of the area around our accommodation and were introduced to our fellow volunteers and coordinators. We were also given a warm welcome to Kathmandu via the crazy weather (it is monsoon season after all!).
- The streets are so busy and alive – it’s invigorating.
After a day in Kathmandu, the Medical Volunteering group took an 8 hour bus ride to Chitwan, where the majority of our placements were to take place. Because of the politics in Nepal, there are generally strikes every few days. The normally 6 hour bus ride took 8 hours due to student strikes.
After arriving in Chitwan, we were greeted with a delicious meal of curried potato and rice. Though the food became tiresome after two weeks, it much exceeded my expectations. Almost every meal was composed of cauliflower or potato, and dessert was always yogurt. Aside from these Nepali staples, the variety was quite amazing. It was interesting to get a taste of Nepali food – the different curry dishes, the fried vegetables, and even goat! It was also interesting to see Nepali-Western food: home made french fries, pancakes, and delicious pastas smothered in “cheese” that just never smelled quite right.
I volunteered with the “Medical Group” in Nepal, so I visited several hospitals, clinics, orphanages and schools in the Chitwan area. In these placements we were able to observe several surgeries and procedures that one might never get the chance to observe in Canada (abortions, amputations, various eye surgeries, and much, much more.) We also had the chance to help teach children English, as well as teaching children how to brush their teeth.
Apart from the medical lectures, teaching, playing, and observing, on the weekends and in our spare time, we had the opportunity to take part in many Nepalese festivals and outings.
Upon our arrival to the Chitwan National Park on our weekend trip, our supervisor urged us to go on a jungle trek past the elephant breeding centre. This is where things get a little messy. You see, I decided that I could save on luggage space by bringing only one pair of sneakers, two pairs of flip flops and no boots on my journey to Nepal. If only I had known that I was destined to sink almost knee deep into elephant feces, mud and urine, I would have listened to my parents and brought extra boots!
Though there were some drawbacks, the excitement of the weekend and the amazing experiences that were offered to us far exceeded them. Where else can one ride an elephant through the jungle scouting for hippos? Bathe an elephant? Watch monkeys scavenge for food in a temple over 365 stairs into the sky?
So in conclusion, my two weeks in Nepal were wonderful. Seeing as I’ve never gone any farther than Vancouver or Montana, I feel that travelling over 60 combined hours on my own all the way to the small country of Nepal has opened a lot of doors for me. Not only have I learned many new things – whether it comes to travel, eye surgery, toe amputations, or even packing something as simple as boots on a two week trip. I think it’s important to get out there, and volunteer where you can. This has been a great experience, and I hope to volunteer abroad again soon!
If you’re interested in such an opportunity, be sure to check into “volunteer abroad” websites such as Youth Challenge International, Projects Abroad or Volunteer Abroad. If you’re worried about travelling to a foreign country without people you know, you could always check with your local church groups for opportunities to volunteer abroad, or see if your friends will volunteer with you! Don’t forget there are just as many unique and inspiring opportunities here in Calgary as well!