Hope you're all getting on fine and well over in Malaysia. 

Have been pretty busy over the past one week. Started with my rotation with the surgical team. I joined their ward rounds, participated in the clinics ... but the real action was in the Operation Theatre. Observed a few surgeries ... also assisted in a few. The staffs here are very hospitable and friendly. Some even belanja me makan. Consultants are very nice too, taking the trouble to interpret for me and gave me some formal clinical teachings. Had a great one week with Surgery. So, what's so different with the surgical practice here. Basically, in the OT, many things are recycled, including gloves, masks, syringes etc, unlike in Malaysia where we just throw the disposable stuffs away. The OT is also very basic, still using sunlight for lighting, and ether gas for anaesthesia. Also, there're many cases of tuberculosis, gall bladder stones, and very severe burns. 

The political situation in Nepal is pretty unstable, with constant threats from the extremist communist party called the Maoist. On Friday, the Maoist called for a national "bandh" or strike. The whole country was on standstill. No cars or buses at all on the roads, only bicycles and some motorcycles. Also, all shops were closed. People dared not open shops coz were afraid of being of attacked by the Maoist. Even hospital consultants had to walk to the hospital (some walked for an hour or so, coming for work in casuals and sports shoes). Though it was a slow and uneventful day, it was a good day for the environment. For once the air was clean and fresh, a big relief from the everyday dust and smoke . Yesterday's news reported 29 policemen killed by Maoist in the outskirts. So you see, the government here is very unstable, with anybody free to call for them to step down. Don't worry, we're fine, and where we stay is pretty peaceful. Bandhs are a common affair in Nepal. You'll get at least one a month. Seems like anybody can call for a bandh, if you advertise it well enough. Some are called by student  movements, some by opposition parties, but the most influential of all is that called by the extremist Maoist. For the average Nepali, bandh is a good holiday for lepakking at home. Walking in the Nepali streets, you can see men and ladies chatting away, merayau-rayau, children playing ... it's like an extra public holiday. 

Went for a weekend break to get away from the busyness of town. We went to a place called Nagarkot, a hill resort where you can see the whole stretch of Himalaya, Annapurna, and Langtang ranges. Bus trip there was dirt cheap. Imagine the journey going up Genting Highlands costing 50 cents. Weather was very cold up there; but the mountain view wasn't good, coz it was very hazy due to pollution in the Kathmandu Valley. May go up there again on a fine-weather day. 

Visited some historical sites outside Kathmandu too. There's this place called Bhaktapur, with very famous temples. They charged 10 US dollar to go into the town itself !! But being stingy Malaysian travellers, we managed to slip in thru some backlanes, without having to pay. 

Met a group of 5 Malaysian girl travellers in Nagarkot this morning. You can always recognise Malaysians from their accent, with words like "sien ah" and "lah". Also, met a group of 8 Thai travellers, among whom they have a General Practitioner, a Surgeon trainee, and a Psychiatrist. 

Did a bit of mountain trekking today too. Great view. 

Today is supposedly Nepal's democracy celebration day. There was a large reformasi-like ceramah in town, organised by the oppositions. Wow, the turnout was huge! 

Many areas in Nepal have no pipe water supply. It's expensive to own a private tap. 5 minutes away from where we stay, ladies (and some men) had to go to public taps to collect water, and carry the jars back to their homes. Also, public taps are places for bathing, washing and so on. There're lots of people and life to see in the evenings. 

Doreen: glad to know that you had nice trip to China. Guess we too have to sit down to write a report when we get back. Anyway, do please continue to pray for us, to learn and listen to God, for health and safety, and in small ways be a blessing to the people that cross our paths. 

Fay: don't wear yourself out. Remember to rest well. Otherwise you'll fall sick. 

Jun: so, we're housemates eh. Wow, you rich fella, bought a new car !!! Good, I can drive it when I get back. Long mails because I only mail once a week. Don't need to read everything lah. Many "leng lui" here, but didn't manage to get any of them on photo. Enjoy yourselves in Tg. Bidara. Need your help (if you're free). Will be transitting for a few days in Bangkok. Can you tell me some nice places to visit, plus some useful words of Thai (to get around, do simple shopping, greet people). Would really appreciate if you can attach it as a Word document, so that I can print it out. 

Lina: don't give me such big titles lah. Very "pai say" one. I am only in Nepal as an observer cum tourist, not into heavy-duty missionary stuffs. It's good enough that we do not be a burden to the real missionaries here. Congratulations for the big decision in your life. Will pray for you. Thanks so much for your prayers and support. 

That's all for now. The next long mail will come... maybe next week, if there's something interesting. 

God bless ! 

Cheers, 

Michael 
Count your blessings !