Someone pointed out to me the other day that I hadn't posted anything since March 11th! It has been a long time and a lot has happened since then.... I have passed the halfway point of my mandate here in Nepal and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly the weeks fly by. I am going to make a point of updating this blog more frequently, as with everyone else I tend to get caught up in life and forget about updating people on my activities. So, what have I been up to???
Well, it's been pretty much the same as before. I have been working and also realizing that my outputs have been a little less than what I would have liked. I am out of my market research phase and into the strategy and planning phase for Himalayan Bio Trade marketing, which is good and much more exciting! While I am in the strategy phase, I also intend to start into the production of promotional materials for HBTL (who doesn't love a brochure!!).
On the homefront, Jenn and I have had our ups and downs as far as health is concerned. I spent my first four months here without a day of sickness, but more recently I have had my bouts. On Jenn's birthday, I had planned a nice celebration that included a bunch of friends going to one of the big Nepali festivals at Pashupati. The only problem was I ended up getting really sick and Jenn had to go without me... Since then, I have had gastrointestinal problems off and on. As I write this, my gastrointestinal problems persist. Jenn has been very unlucky with her illnesses and has suffered sinus problems and headaches persistently for seven months now. I feel for her, but am also incredibly proud of her for sticking it out this long. I can only hope with the onset of the rainy season that she will start feeling better with less dust in the air.
In late April, my mom and my aunt came to visit us and with them came treats from home!!! I will write a more detailed blog entry about their visit. As we approach June, we are losing more of our social network as three more long-term volunteers are leaving. I am feeling sad about their departures. Even though we should be used to it by now, it always an adjustment. It is particularly sad to see Gary leave, as he, Jenn and I went through our initial training together in Ottawa before we left for Nepal. We even arrived in Nepal on the same day, so it seems a bit weird to be saying goodbye.
I read in the newspaper yesterday that the monsoon season has officially arrived in Nepal and what better way to celebrate it than a full day of rain yesterday! I must admit that it is nice to have the rain to cool things off. Jenn has some mixed feelings on the matter, as we have seen an increase in the number of insects in our home these days. Of course, with the increasing number of insects come an increased number of geckos as well. I personally like the little guys, but Jenn is still a bit creeped out by them. I have had to catch a couple of them and give them to Paul (our neighbour) for safekeeping.
more updates soon....
