Travelling EXPERIENCES IN NEPAL - Ian Williamson
Ian Williamson related his adventures on his trek to Nepal in aid of St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton. Looking to keep fit and do some good after retirement from his busy job, Ian found sponsors to raise money for the trek.
The level of poverty and the devastation wreaked by the 2011 earthquake in the country came as a culture shock at first, but the happy, friendly people made them very welcome. With expert Sherpas to guide them, they travelled from Kathmandu to Pokhura, the gateway to the Annapurnas.They climbed higher and higher, staying at teahouses along the way until they got to their final destination at Poon Hill. At 10,500 ft, the views were breathtaking, but the sherpas kept an eagle eye out for signs of altitude sickness, which can be fatal. Luckily, no-one succumbed and all was well.
On returning to Kathmandu, Ian decided to stay for an extra week to help build a new home for victims of the 2011 earthquake.It was built without heavy machinery or power tools, the concrete mixed with spades.It was given to a family of 5 who had been living in a cowshed. The expression on the face of the grandmother when she saw her earthquake-proof new home with plumbing and electricity said it all.
The level of poverty and the devastation wreaked by the 2011 earthquake in the country came as a culture shock at first, but the happy, friendly people made them very welcome. With expert Sherpas to guide them, they travelled from Kathmandu to Pokhura, the gateway to the Annapurnas.They climbed higher and higher, staying at teahouses along the way until they got to their final destination at Poon Hill. At 10,500 ft, the views were breathtaking, but the sherpas kept an eagle eye out for signs of altitude sickness, which can be fatal. Luckily, no-one succumbed and all was well.
On returning to Kathmandu, Ian decided to stay for an extra week to help build a new home for victims of the 2011 earthquake.It was built without heavy machinery or power tools, the concrete mixed with spades.It was given to a family of 5 who had been living in a cowshed. The expression on the face of the grandmother when she saw her earthquake-proof new home with plumbing and electricity said it all.
COMPETITION: AN EXOTIC WILD ANIMAL ORNAMENT
First Prize:Margaret Perigo
Second Prize:Carole Marchant
Third Prize:Carole Turner
Second Prize:Carole Marchant
Third Prize:Carole Turner