NEPAL – SINGAPORE – CAMBODIA

20th August 2024
Last night I got picked up at Kathmandu Airport by my nepalese friends Shova and Guneschwar. I was given a Khada scarf. Traditionally Nepali scarf called Khada is way of Nepali people to show love and warm welcome. Extended blessings and good fortune are given when Khada is wrapped around recipient’s neck.
Today the three of us wanted to drive by car to Bharatpur (their home town) and Pokhara. This should have been  a trip of about 3 to 4 hours. Unfortunately through heavy rainfall over night there where several landslides along the way. The road is already pretty bad and the landslides made it even worst. For the about 150 km to Bharatpur it took us just under 6 hours and we stayed at Guneschwar’s and Shova’s house over night.

21st August 2024
Today second try to get to Pokhara, but another heavy rainfall over night. Instead we sorted the three large boxes with clothing donations I brought with me from New Zealand. A big thank you to all the donors. Change of plan again, Guneschwar contacted a school and we went with the first lot of clothing to a school. They also received fabric for school uniforms, note books and pencils donated by Rotary in Bharatpur.  They were extremely happy with the donations.
Nepalese pupils are wearing school uniform, they were very polite. 700 students in this seconday school with 30 pupils per class room. The school takes children from a distance as far as 20km. Some have to walk several km’s from their house to the school bus pick up point. It was interesting to watch there reaction when we came into the class room. They were very shy and quiet for start, but the ice broke very fast as one can see on some photos. 
22nd & 23rd August 2024
Finally on our way to Pokhara. A 127 km/4 hour journey turn into a long 9 hour in the car day, with a massive  landslide two hour wait, than detour through beautiful country side / small villages and a basic, sometimes dirt road covered with mega deep potholes. Bonus of the day, we stopped at a Lake Begnas for dinner with the most tasty grilled fish.  Lake Star Hotel in Pokhara will be our base for the next few days. 
Visit Sadharma Sabha Hindu Tempel in Pokhara. Little inside when visiting a tempel. Shova ate only fruit for breakfast. After arrival buying of offerings, which was a basket with some flower buds, candles, incense sticks, a coconut and in a cage two pigeons and pigeon food. 
Before entering the temple grounds we washed our hands, took shoes and socks off. We cued to have a look at a small temple and got our blessing with a Tika. A common custom in Nepal, a small mark made on the forehead using a mixture of uncooked rice, yoghurt, and vermilion powder. The Tika is a symbol of good fortune, and a happy and healthy long live. all temples have to be rounded clockwise. 
We also visited the Shiva Statue. This place has a viewpoint at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level and offers also great panoramic views over Pokhara, so does the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist monument.
24th August 2024
Early start towards Chandi Kali Temple in Gandaki Region. Driving through picturesque  mountain landscapes, part a bit like Switzerland and New Zealand. unfortunately the Annapurna mountain range was covered in clouds and a walk towards Base Camp was taken off our todays plan. At the Chandi Hindu Temple it was much bigger than the one we visited in Pokhara and many more pilgrims. Three of even had a goat with them as an offering, which will be killed and the head stays on the temple grounds, but the body is taken back home. and cook for a meal.  
Gandaki Golden Bridge is a suspended footbridge with a span of 567m. The bridge is over the Kali Gandaki river. The height of bridge is 122 m from the river level. We crossed it, which was not easyfor me, as I am afraid of heights. 
We finished the day with a relaxing paddle “cruise” on Lake Fewa. 
25th August 2024
Back to Bharatpur today. Delicious chicken dinner at the home of Guneschwar and Shova, cooked by their son Antkit. 
26th August 2024
A relaxing morning at home. The plan for the afternoon was to visit the local market and a stroll along the Kali river in Bharatpur. But a change of plan came after a friend of Guneschwar. Instead of the local market, we became part of a Celebration of Life. It was a party scene. Children were dressed up, they even held a best dressed competition. Loud live music and lots of dancing. There was ample of food available and water, no alcohol. I was introduced to some Rotary members, which took me to  an Old Age Home and free food center, sponsored by their Rotary Group. 36 permanent residents, the oldest woman was 102 years old.  They live in female and male dormitories, which sleep 12 people.  This center also supplies daily lunches and dinners to about 200 poor and homeless people. 
It is very interesting and a completely different experience staying and meeting with locals. 
27th August 2024
Anniversary of Shova’s mum passing away. She had been fasting since yesterday. To be a good son in law Guneschwar joined the fasting this morning. We drove to a very holy place along the river to worship her mum. They brought food offerings on a plate made from San tree leaves, incense sticks, candle, flower buds and a pot for water from the river. A priest joint them and gave the blessing. 
We supplied a “Old Age Home” with some food and spend some time with the residence. This home is for 33 homeless or people who haven’t got any family. They all love it there, are well looked after, sharing a dormitory room and get fed everyday. One elderly lady asked me for some money so she could buy herself an Iphone. Haha. 
28th August 2024
Leaving Bharatpur for Madi  early in the morning, including a huge box of clothing donations. We had to drive through the jungle, on the jungle road ( my most hated road in the world). We stopped in Gadi to have a look at a womens only project, it includes, a fish, chicken, goat, duck farming, sewing sanitary pads and handcraft making baskets. They have been very successful over the past 3 years and neighbouring villages are copying their idea. A few of my New Zealand friends had donated money toward their project and baby fish and ducklings could be purchased for a start. It is great to see such a great result. 
At lunchtime arriving at the Khairahani Secondary School in Madi, the principal gave me a very warm welcome, showed me around and I learnt about different school projects. This will be my place to volunteer in the next 10 days. I checked into Madi Village Resort and surprise I have stayed here before in 2019 and it is a quiet place in rice paddocks. 
29th August 2024
My first day at school was a great experience. At first I had to learn a few Nepali words myself. I was “teaching” geography, telling young students in four different classes (6-9 year old ones) about New Zealand and Germany. They all watched me with big eyes and listened carefully. They are so disciplined and respectful, it is really standing out. I am not sure how much they understood. My highlight today was going on the school bus with the little-lies and driving around the neighbourhood to drop them home. In the afternoon I was helping teachers with their laptops.  
30th August 2024
First thing when I came into the teachers room, I was handed a laptop and asked if I please could build a website for the school. They thought it could be done in one day, but sorry no. I will convince them to update und maintain their already existing Facebook page. In regards of maintenance,  unfortunately I have experienced that Nepali and other Asian countries are not that good keeping up with maintenance. It can be the house, water systems, roads, bikes and much more. I believe they are lacking the know how and a social worker would maybe solve the problem in regularly  guiding and checking on them that proper  maintenance will be done.  Ops, here comes the German….
In the afternoon was teachers only tour. Visiting an organic farm, temple and a walk up to a viewing tower that gave us an amazing view of Chitwan National Park. A bonus visiting during rainy season everything is green and hardly any visitors. I am most of the time the only guest in the Madi Village Resort. 
31st August 2024
Saturdays is the nationwide day off work. But everything is very well organised for me. Kim a teacher, on his free day  picked me up and brought me to the Womens Only Project in Gadi. They have three different projects Farming (fish, chicken, duck, goat), Handicraft and Sewing. Each project group has 20 members. 
Today was inauguration of the sewing room. The main focus is to manufacture reusable sanitary pads. These will be helping women achieve better menstrual health while dealing with existing taboos. in some places they may face restrictions on their day-today-duties, including prohibitions handling food or sleeping in the home, attending religious ceremonies, visiting religious places. Click here for more info
Next stop was the handicraft group and that blow me away. In only four days these women have developed to experts in basket, mats, coasters and hat making. All materials (fine and coarse grasses) are supplied by nature and found near the village. The results are absolutely amazing and very neat work. 
1st September 2024
Massive rainfall and thunder storm in the early hours. The car park is still flooded and the resort pond had risen by at least 5 cm. As I taxi by motorbike to school and the gravel roads are very slippery, I decided to take a day off. By the way Nepali eat  breakfast about 10am, lunch at 4pm and dinner 8pm or later. The portions especially rice I could not eat in a week. In 2018 Shova and Guneschwar visited my place and cooked dinner, when I saw the amount of rice they had cooked, I thought the whole neighbourhood was invited. When I get my dinner in the Resort I am down to a quarter of the Nepali serving size. 
2nd September 2024
Today is 2 September 2081. Nepal uses the Bikram Sambat, a Hindu calendar that is about 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Common Era. Back at school visiting the preschool class of the little-lies. As soon as the principal entered the class, they all jump ton to their feet and greeting with a very loud Namaste. It was so sweet to watch. When it was my turn, I draw animals, small and talln houses and other things on the white board with the english name and they little ones had to repeat. At lunch break we all young and older students played on the grass some team games. The afternoon was spend on computer work with some teachers. 
3rd September 2024
My last day at school, teaching at grade 10 on request of the headteacher I talked about the difference of Asian and Western countries. When asked who wants to go abroad, everyone raised their hand. By the way Nepal has a population of 30 million. 1 million people yearly = 1,700 daily leave Nepal. Poverty and lack of opportunities are the two main factors that make Nepalis migrate to other countries. If the young people don’t move abroad they move to big cities and the population in the countries getting older and older. Very often they just lock there house and move away. 
4th September 2024
Today I had to say good bye to the talented women of the Gadi Woman’s Only Farming, Handicraft and Sewing Projects. They are so talented. The sewing has also gone from zero to hero. They are such fast learners and the manufactured products are from high quality. The handicraft have finished a seven day workshop and they will be working  from home now. I brought a bag full of thimbles, this will help to prevent blisters on their fingers. 
5th – 7th September 2024
Flight from Bharatpur to Kathmandu. This flight is 20 minutes vs up to 4 hours in a car. I was greeted by Ram a know from my previous trips. My hotel is in Thamel the old town and closed to sightseeing spots. Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, population 860,000. On a clear day Mount Everest is visible from here. At the heart of the old city’s maze like alleys is Durbar Square. Many of the city’s historic sites were damaged or destroyed by a 2015 earthquake. I spent my days walking the streets, talking to people, enjoying the areal view from  roof top cafes, visiting world heritage site Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, Tooth temple, Head temple and many more. One often gets approached, mostly guys, they want to improve their English. They walk, talk and then disappear again. 
Kathmandu has improved since my last visit in 2019. More earthquake repairs have been finished on houses, roads and Temples . Most roads are tar-sealed again (Nepali call it Black Top) and it is less dusty and even cleaner. KTM has got a new young mayor, everyone is praising him for his good work. A few years ago he ordered a city clean up and it really shows.
8th September 2024
Visit at Kumari at Kathmandu  Durbar Square. Kumari, also known as the “Living Goddess,” is a prepubescent girl in Nepal who is revered as a manifestation of the divine feminine energy, or Devi. Selected from the Newar community, the Kumari undergoes a rigorous selection process based on specific physical and astrological criteria. Once chosen, she resides in a temple, typically the Kumari Ghar in Kathmandu, and is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. The Kumari holds significant cultural and religious importance. She will be visited by her family once a week. Showing her face once a day, no photos allowed. She is not allowed to touch the ground with her feet. Her tenure as a goddess ends when she reaches puberty.
9th September 2024
Bouddha Stupa (Buddhist Temple) in Boudhanath 5km from the center of Kathmandu. Driving in a taxi is always a great adventure. I am still amazed that there are not more accidents…
Whats so special about this Stupa? Boudha Stupa is semicircle shaped and contains the relics and remains of Buddha. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Historians date the current structure to the 14th century CE. The Boudha Stupa was listed in world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979 and it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kathmandu. It was interesting from the rooftop cafe to see people all walking clockwise around the Stupa. 
10th September 2024
Today I finally visited my friends at Wine to Water in Kathmandu. Great to catch up on so many subjects since my last visit 5 years ago. They are at new premisses. The new woman project started here in 2019, manufacturing Sanitary Pads and beautiful looking handbags. We brainstormed in the morning and a shared lunch. Relaxing for the rest of the day. 
11th September 2024
My last day in KTM and leaving at nearly midnight for Singapore. Another visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. So many more building are restored for the 2015 earthquake damage. I didn’t see the Kumari this time, but “her” chariot.It was still parked in front of her temple. A few days ago was the Indra Jatra, a colourful street festival held each year, in honour of the Hindu god Indra. The celebrations consist of two events; Indra Jatra with its masked dances of deities and demons, and Kumari Jatra which is a chariot procession for the living goddess Kumari. I final visit of a roof top cafe watching the crowds walking clockwise around temples. I got dropped off at the airport by Ram another Nepali friend. Night flight to Singapore. 
Looking back on this latest visit, I will be back. There are still some projects new and old to be completed. A little help can achieve so much. Nepali people are so appreciative for volunteer work and donations of any sort. 
12th & 13th September 2024
After 5.30 hour flight, a huge contrast arriving in Singapore, just about a culture shock. Using the MRT – public transport to the inner city was my best choice and an early check in at the hotel was appreciated. It was great meeting with my friend Susanne, who had been flown in from NZ a few days earlier. We started exploring the inner city. Huge buildings, lots had plants and trees planted on the buildings, less noise and it was clean.  Seeing the vast ship hotel and day and night time was one of the highlights. Visiting the ArtScience museum with  an exhibition “Where art meet science” and a VR Gallery wearing goggles and diving into a virtual reality world and beyond.  A fantastic experience. 
14th September 2024
Siem Reap – Cambodia Early start from Singapore landed at the new international airport. Check in at the hotel, relaxing time at and in the hotel pool. Afternoon spend exploring Siem Reap, trying different Cambodian food and getting organised for tomorrow’s small temple tour. 
15th September 2024
Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex on\ly a few kilometers from Siem Reap, built between 1110 and 1150 by the Khmer King Suryavarman II. The site measuring 162.6 hectares (1.6 x 1.3km) within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, is the largest religious structure in the world. It has gained the recognition as eighth Wonder of the World. The king had about 80,000 servants. Ta Prohm well know as the temple overgrown by huge trees. It was built about mid-12^th century to early 13^th century (1186) by the King Jayavarman VII, dedicated to the mother of the king (Buddhist). BayonTemple Complex Bayon Temple, also located very close to Siem Reap (Angkor Thom), is renowned for its distinctive architecture and intricate stone carvings. Built in the late 12th century, it features 54 towers, each adorned with large, serene faces believed to represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The temple’s unique layout, combining Buddhist and Hindu elements, along with detailed bas-reliefs depicting historical and mythological scenes, makes it a fascinating example of Khmer art and culture. Its mystical atmosphere and stunning craftsmanship draw visitors from around the world.
16th September
A day of and relaxing at the hotel pool and exploring the closer surrounds. 
17th September
Kampong Khlean is a floating village located on the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia only 55km from Siem Reap. Known for its unique lifestyle, the village features houses built on stilts or floating platforms, adapting to the seasonal changes in water levels. The about 10,000 person community primarily relies on fishing and agriculture, and its vibrant culture is characterised by traditional practices and customs. We boarded a small boat at Kampong Khlean and experience the bustling atmosphere, observe daily life on the water, and appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings. Walking through the village offered us  a glimpse into the resilience and adaptability of the people living in this dynamic environment. Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in central Cambodia. It plays a crucial role in the region’s ecology and economy. The lake is famous for its remarkable biodiversity and serves as a vital resource for fishing and agriculture. During the rainy season, it expands significantly as water from the Mekong River flows into it, creating a unique ecosystem that supports various species. More info Village and Lake
18th September
A day off, relaxing and cooling off in the hotel pool and exploring the close local markets. 
19th September
Today our last temple exploration day this time with a tuk tuk. It was good fun driving on a tuk tuk, just a different view than out of a car window. Stunning green nature surrounds, rice fields, trees, shrubs. Passing through small villages observing their day to day life, seeing piugs over fires and already grilled ducks and chicken on display. Hmmm. Our first stopp, Banteay Srei ‘Citadel of the Women’, and it is said that it must have been built by a woman, as the elaborate carvings are supposedly too fine for the hand of a man. Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei is cut from pinkish stone and includes some of the finest stone carving anywhere on earth. Begun in 967 CE, it is one of the smallest sites at Angkor, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in stature. This Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva is wonderfully well preserved, and many of its carvings are three-dimensional. Ta Som is a Buddhist captivating and charming temple. It was built in the Bayon style and has been well restored. Like Ta Prohm, there is a tree growing through part of the structure. Neak Poan Temple nested on a small island in the middle of a large lake. The lake looked ver surreal with its dead trees and water lilies. This was the last temple for this trip.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Cambodia. A country with a very interesting history, super friendly, happy and helpful people. It stands out  that is was one of the most clean Asian countries I have visited. Maybe one day I will inspect the south with Phnom Penh and the beautiful beaches. 
20th September
The day of departure. After one hour drive arrival at the new vast Siem Reap International Airport. This was build with help from China for about 1 billion Dollars. China invested in other infrastructure, too and promised to send lots of Chinese tourists to Cambodia. BUT now China/Mr Xi has directed his folks to take their holidays and spend their money at home. The Airports are empty, so are the new hotels and much more. This is a very sad story and has been done to lots of poor countries, all of those are now depended on China. Grrrr this makes me very sad. CLICK HERE  for China docu