I can't believe I'm leaving Nepal today. It is so sad leaving. Jack came up to the balcony where us girls were and showed that he had just pulled out his tooth. We asked if it hurt but he said no - what a brave little boy. For breakfast, we were served with a more westernised dish - eggs, potatoes and toast - it was nice. I'm really going to miss the Nepalese meals and spices.
It's a nice day in Nepal. The girls and I chilled out on the balcony for a little while. We spoke about my journey to Greece in July. Arabella and Alki are such lovely girls. They are returning to Athens for the summer after Nepal and have offered to show me around when I arrive. I am so glad to have met them. Ramesh picked us up at 10am and drove the girls to the office, where they will meet Yubaraj for their cultural and language class. I said goodbye to Yubaraj and headed off to the airport.
I was sitting at the airport thinking, "where did the last month go?" I am really going to miss Nepal - it is by far my favourite destination during this journey. I called Beatrice and said goodbye to her and the kids one last time. I was so happy to hear the kids voices. I couldn't have had it any better during my stay in Nepal. Staying at the orphanage made me realise that I can't change the world, I can't change those children's destiny or future. But one thing is certain, I can make them smile and give them love and support. And the most amazing thing was, that I actually felt that I made a difference for those kids and I made a difference for myself - surprisingly, it was effortless. It has been a life changing experience for me, I helped and learned and I was able to make people happy - it's truly an amazing feeling that no words can express what I am feeling at this instant. Putting a smile on the kid's faces (just by giving them jellybeans) and in return seeing how appreciative they were about it - was the best part. I have never met such affectionate kids - I was blessed to have so many around me at the one time. I'm leaving Nepal full of courage, experience, extreme happiness and most importantly, as a better and richer person with thousands of unforgettable memories (and photos too). Nepal and the kids grew on me in an obsessively attached way and they will always have a special place in heart. Namaste Nepal. Dhanyabad for an amazing time. I'm flying with Thai airways and transiting in Bangkok before reaching Chiang Mai. I have always liked Thai airways, they have exceptional customer service and serves very tasty food - on board, I had lamb cutlets with roasted potatoes - it felt like a gourmet meal, it was divine. A glass of gin and tonic to help relax and calm my mind with my book. My heart is content.
I arrived in Bangkok and waited for 2.5 hours before catching a night plane to Chiang Mai. I was so bored at the airport. When I arrived at the departing gate of Chiang Mai - there was no one around. It was a ghost town. I sat and skyped with friends who kept me company for a little while. Soon after, it was take off to Chiang Mai. I arrived at Chiang Mai airport so lost. I had no clue (once again) about who was picking me up. The usual feeling I normally get when I arrive at each volunteer destination. However, in Chiang Mai I felt more at ease, as I didn't have anyone asking me whether I needed a taxi or not. After 15mins of waiting at the arrival gate, a Thai girl approached me a Travel to Teach sign - I ran straight up to her with the biggest smile on my face. I was safe again. Nana introduced herself and briefed me a little about what I'll be doing in the next day or so. She had a driver with her who drove us in a nice comfortable air conditioned car - it was a little humid in Chiang Mai - monsoon season is slowly starting. They drove me to a 7-Eleven where I picked up a recharge card for my mobile and some breakfast for the morning. I've been advised that we are not nearby shops so I would have to prepare myself for breakfast in the morning. Driving through the streets of Chiang Mai was not like what I expected, it's such a well developed city and barely any cars on the road (it was 11:30pm when I arrived) - so I guess that explains why it was so dead. But after a 30mins drive, we pulled up to a 2 storey white home secured by iron gates. The lights were still on. I was greeted by two young french people - Sarah and Mathieu. Nana showed me around the house - I was so impressed with the volunteer house. It's a two storey modern house consisting of a living room with a TV, DVD player and a cabinet filled with DVDs, a kitchen/dining room with two fridges and washing machine, 3 massive bedrooms - one with an ensuite, a study corner with a bookshelf filled with guidebooks and novels and a computer with internet - it seems as though volunteers are well looked after in Chiang Mai. Sarah and Mathieu are staying in Chiang Mai for two months volunteering at the local schools. Seeing that I hadn't had dinner, they were so sweet and offered me one of their cup of noodles. They also invited me to sit with them in the living room while they watched the series of 'Lost'. Not long after, I made my way to my overnight room and called it a night. It's been a long time since sleeping at a descent place with descent beds and modern bathrooms. I should have a good night sleep tonight.
Good night world.
XOXO
No comments:
Post a Comment