Year 10 – Nepal
Filled with excitement for the journey ahead, the hour-long bus ride to Sydney Airport, though full of 50 teenagers who had woken up at 4:30 am, was very amusing. Arriving at the airport made the trip finally start to feel real. After walking around the airport, we boarded the plane to set off our journey to Singapore. Eight hours later, we found ourselves in Singapore with little time to waste until our next flight. During this five and a half hour flight, most of us quickly fell asleep. Finally, we arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal!
Though getting through customs was an ordeal, it was all worth it once we made it outside and were greeted by the lovely World Horizons team. After a short bus ride to our hotel, we were greeted with khatas and fresh juice. The next day we were eager to explore, so we walked to a local shopping area which stood nearby the second largest stupa in the world. Here we learnt more about Nepali culture and had the chance to do some shopping. For the rest of the day, we relaxed at the hotel until our Welcome Dinner at the hotel, where we also celebrated Eve’s birthday.
The next day we were ready to head to our second destination. After seven hours of a long and bumpy bus ride, we finally made it to our camp at the lovely village of Jhibe Jhibe; this is where the real journey began. That night we were all overjoyed with excitement, eager to go to the schools in the morning. Going into the schools was a unique experience. The children were all so happy and kind and we got to see their culture and how they learnt. Whilst the kids weren’t fluent in English, we still made connections through games, dance, and song; it will forever be something none of us will ever forget.
After teaching at different schools for four days, each group set off on an amazing but challenging trek. We didn’t know what we were in for, but the hiking trails led by the legendary Llama were where we saw the true beauty of Nepal. We got the amazing opportunity to catch a glimpse of Shisapangma, which is a remarkable 8000-metre peak that is situated entirely within the borders of Tibet. Whilst the trek was very demanding, the views and experience was so worth it. The simplicity of life in remote villages, the genuine hospitality of the locals, and the breathtaking views of the mountains during our trek were life-altering experiences and are what made our trip so amazing.
We were left with so many amazing memories and connections. This trip really made us see our lives through an entirely different perspective and we are all so grateful for the opportunity and experience that were given. Heading back to Kathmandu, we were so sad to be leaving the community at Jhibe Jhibe but we were lucky enough to be given a beautiful Goodbye ceremony where many locals showed more of their culture and wished us well for the travels home. Back in Kathmandu we took our last chance to see the sights, learning how to shop like a local thanks to our Nepali friends Divya and Sangay. Once we reached the hotel, we were all so grateful to finally have a bed, hot shower, and a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, that also meant it was time to go home. After a good 15 hours of travel, we arrived in Sydney to be greeted by friends and family.
Nepal was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. We have all made connections with people from the other side of the globe, we have gained perspective from people who are not as fortunate as us and this is something we will never forget. We are all so incredibly grateful to the amazing World Horizons group who took such great care of all of us and to the Oxley teachers who experienced this amazing adventure with us – Mrs Ritchie, Ms Whiteley, Mr Marnoch, Mr Dibdin, and Mr Ayling. If you are given the opportunity to go to Nepal, do not hesitate to take it.
Ava R & Juliette J, Year 10
