Tanting School is situated in the foothills close to Pokhara. It's reached by an hour's jeep ride followed by a 5 hour trek up, up, up, up, up!!
Amazing scenery on the way up and great to see the villagers farming in the fields. The whole hillside is filled with terraces so every single bit of available land can be used for growing food. Stopped for lunch with some farmers and eventually got to the top for a hero's welcome.
Lining the approach to the village, about 50 kids and teachers were each holding flower garlands to place around our necks. It was a truly uplifting and totally unexpected experience.
The village was provided with a new school by The Pahar Trust which my ex-teacher Tom Allen is involved in. They raise money for part of the build and the villagers must agree to provide the rest of the funding and labour to ensure completion. Tanting is in a wonderful location (once you get there!) with mountain views in the background. Before the school was completed, the kids had to walk 2 hours each way to school.
We had bought a basketball and volleyball for the school and had great fun showing our non-existent skills.
We stayed at the Headteacher's family home in the village and had a few interesting experiences!!! The local Rakhi firewater will never be repeated. The local buffalo milk which tasted like weeks old ripe yoghurt with vinegar added was the worst thing we've ever tasted. The chicken soup was great but where did all the decent bits of the chicken go? Diane was terrified of taking a mouthful and finding the beak! Total respect to Bruce Parry :)
Had fun reading with the kids before heading back down the mountain.
1 comment:
Did you feel like C3PO in Return Of The Jedi !
As for the decent bits of chicken they go to make chicken nuggets I think so you will have to wait till you can find a quality restaurant with the Golden Arches outside! It wont be long before you start dreaming of hearing the words “would you like to Super Size that sir”
Have fun and don’t get lost or killed!
Post a Comment