The October 2017 REACH for Nepal trip was another very successful trip where a group of 12 Canberrans trekked the Annapurna Range leading to a school in a remote part of the country. All participants on the trip had a wonderful experience enjoying the spectacular views of the Himalayas, trekking at a relaxed pace and culminating in a focused effort in assisting the construction of additional rooms at the Hari Prasad school.
‘The local community made us feel very welcome and expressed much gratitude for the work undertaken by the group’, said Lou Nulley a Director and co-founder of the REACH for Nepal foundation. ‘We also had great weather with clear skies and whilst each of us on the group had our own highlights. Perhaps the best synopsis of the trip was that provided by one of the participants.’
A.W. wrote a short note after the trip and said: We began with a little nervous anticipation – were we fit enough? Did we pack the right socks? Will we cope? Will the group “click”?
All our worries quickly dissolved as we became absorbed in the sounds and sights and smells of Nepal. Lou and his wonderful team cared for us so well – such patience and planning. All we needed to do was to turn up and “go with the flow.”
We were well rewarded with amazing mountain views, delicious freshly prepared food and good simple accommodation (I have never slept so well). Our little group quickly became friends and provided unswerving encouragement and support for one another.
Our time at the Shaheed Shree Hari Prasad school allowed us to connect with the amazing local children and community; to work alongside these people was a warm and humbling experience.
In all, I have returned home feeling nourished on every level – physically, emotionally, and yes, spiritually. It was a great privilege to be a part of such a project, and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity. Thank you Lou, Raju, Gabi and team – you are an inspiration!.
No 1 travel hack for this trip: Don’t worry! Go with the flow and let the days unfold as they will. You will be guided with great skill and care, and you will return home a little wiser, deeper and stronger. – AW