So Sarah and Mark off on their 14 day Mt Everest trek so I decided to try some more volunteering through 'Experience Nepal' out in Old Thimi, Chapacho. I survived only 4 days there but it was an experience none the less! Didn't realise there would be so much teaching involved, on my first day they gave me 3 classes of kids to meet/teach. Those who know me can imagine my fright and disgust at this! I stayed in the school hostel - very basic, with toilet falling a part but they did provide 10 rolls of toilet paper! I felt like i was intruding as I was the only volunteer there. Had lots of lovely Daal bhaat tarkaan dinners at Surendra's (principal) house, they eat this meal twice a day evryday! I got to meet his wonderful family, about 15 of them living in the same house. Everyone i have met here in Thimi can't believe us Scots speak english! They find it difficult to understand me at the best of times but hey so does the rest of the world. I am honoured to have been the first Scot to be introduced to everyone at the school here (will find name of school later) so hopefully i've given a good impression although i didn't know the population of Scotland when everyone asked! The locals all get up and working at 6am so i tired to get into the swing of this. First morning gatecrashed a drving lesson with Pushkar (Principal's brother) to go and see Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in Nepal. Very battered and bruised after all these years but a nice wee drive there. Got a cup of chiya with the locals and this stuff could put hairs on your chest and bring tears to your eyes! Off to teach after this, the kids were so excited and curious, asking about tattoo and Scotland mainly. Far too noisy and excited to be taught and i'd feel like a traitor if i did, because i hated school. I sat in the staff room in between classes and listened to a boy getting lectured about his poor grades and lack of interest. The teachers spoke half english, half nepalese - i think for my benefit? Anyway felt like crying for the kid but he took it all in his stride, he can't help it if karate practice is a better way to spend his time. One strange thing about these kids is that the girls all watch and follow WWF, i impressed them with knowing who Hulk Hogan is/was. The classes i did mange to teach now now the skeletal system... Steph do you remember those days? Also tried out work at health clinic but all i would be doing is manual BP, which wouldn't really benefit them or me. Came back to Kathmandu on Tuesday via motorbike with my huge, heavy backpack on me, i'm surprised i survived so i can safely say i am still wary of being on a motorbike! Especially as a 2nd or 3rd passenger! Off river rafting and bungy jumping next weekend, 3rd highest in world (166m). Love you all x