My time in Nepal

I arrived in Nepal after a year’s travelling and I can safely say that in my short 6 weeks there I have formed a bond that will drag me back again and again. This is down to two key factors; firstly the amazing experiences I had and secondly but more importantly, the people with whom I shared these experiences, locals and fellow travelers alike.
There is an incredibly strong feeling of acceptance in Nepal, everyone treats you as a family member even if it is your first encounter, it’s this family feel which helps to make you feel at home right from the start. No matter where you go, from the DNC building in Kathmandu to a lonely bhatti (tea house) in the upper reaches of the Himalayas you are accepted as a brother (or sister) and treated accordingly, despite the cultural and more often than not massive language barriers.
That said picking up Ali (a little) Nepali is well worth the effort and even a simple phrase never fails to raise a beaming smile or lower an outrageous price, either way a massive benefit!
However it is not just fantastic people that Nepal is blessed with, the natural beauty of the Himalaya is not to be missed; whether you only have a few days for a trip to Poon hill or you have sufficient time to complete a longer trek, the views that you experience will stay with you for life. I can still remember Manaslu stopping me dead in my tracks the first time I saw it, my pictures and descriptions cannot do the majestic beauty of the Himalayas justice, so I recommend you just get out here and see it!
While the draw of the mountains was one of the reasons I ended my year in Nepal, it was the fantastic opportunity gifted to me by the DNC which really interested me. From the time first time I stepped across the threshold of the DNC building I realized what a truly amazing set up they have. The family feel of the house is by far the strongest I had experience in Nepal (which is no mean feat) and as always you are instantly accepted.  The children range in age from ten to late teens all of whom are in treatment for a disability, whether pre/post Op. or in extended rehabilitation. Having this large range is brilliant for you as a volunteer, but more importantly for the children, as it allows you to clearly see the stages of progression and the massive success stories of the older children.
Spending time with the children is an humbling experience, they have an incredible outlook on life, no matter the trials or hardship they have endured they manage to remain positive, a fantastic quality which unfortunately seem to be on the decline elsewhere in the world.
I hope to return to the DNC as soon as possible and would recommend to anyone making time to experience Nepal and its people.

Sam Moore