Finishing my third week in Nepal soon. Have been following ward rounds with the medical department this week. Nothing spectacular. Just that there're lots of infective diseases, such as meningitis, TB, airway diseases, ... 

Trekked up a mountain yesterday. The peak is called Pulchowki. At 2760 meters, it's the tallest peak in Kathmandu Valley. Was a tough hike, with steep ascend all the way up. Took us 3 hours of hard walk. At the top it was very windy. Lots of Tibetan prayerflags flapping in the wind. Supposed to be able to see good mountain views, but again it was too hazy. 

Lost our way on the trek down. Came down by another mountain trail, which offered splendid views of the mountain valleys, all the way down. Was really great, though Edwin was a bit worried that we couldn't get down in time for the last bus. We smuggled ourselves into a Botanical Garden this time. 

The hospital opened it's new Children's Ward today. Was a beautiful single-storey building, better than many wards in Malaysia. Even have a playroom. The project received heavy funding from Presbytarian Church in Colorado. The church even donated many beautiful hand-made quilts for the decorations on the wall. Guess who opened the ward ? Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb up Everest ! He's an old man now (81 years old). Stayed in our wards for 5 days due to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. Got free lunch today. 

(Note: Sir Hillary passed away about one month after we came back to Malaysia.)

We'll be going off to Royal Chitwan National Park tomorrow to do some jungle trekking, canoeing and elephant rides. Will be off to trek in Annapurna Range next weekend. 

Power cuts are a common event here. You are bound to get it every alternate day or so. 

It's Nepali New Year this Saturday. But doesn't seem to have much decorations in the streets. Anyway, we'll be far away in the forest with rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys and tigers. 

Improving well on my Nepali language day by day. It's nice to be able to communicate with ppl in their mother-tongue. Also, it's important for getting around and asking for directions in the outskirts. 

Happy Easter to you all. 

Guess that's all for now. Will keep in touch again. 

Jun : Think I'll transit in Bangkok for 3 to 4 days. Not decided yet. Take good care of my books. Namaste means "I bless the God in you", a greeting word in Nepal. Bandh means "close", where all shops close. 

Pengetua PJJ : perlu sedikit masa untuk menyediakan assignment. 

Fok: Hope you'll adjust well staying out. Can help to pray that we'll be able to relate well to the local ppl as well as the expatriate missionaries. 

Bye ! 

Cheers, 

Michael 
Count your blessings !