We have had a couple of Nepali language lessons which have been quite difficult but useful. The language is unlike any of the Latin-based languages and has a large number of "k" sounds in the words. Besides Nepali, we have also been learning how to care for the solar and wind power generators which power the clinic. We have had lectures on local antibiotic resistances and the local flora likely to cause diarrhea and fevers. There was also a demo on tooth extractions which I have never done before.
In the evenings, we are getting to know the other volunteers and their partners. Bex works in a ED in Christchurch, New Zealand while her partner Luke is a roofer. The HRA has already come up with a few construction projects for him in Manang. Luke towers above us all at 6'6" and with his red hair really stands out on the streets if Kathmandu. Jas and his girlfriend Heather are from Canada but both have been traveling for several months before coming here. Jas works as an emergency physician at an ED near Jasper, Canada. Heather is a nurse in the same department. The other two who will be in Pheriche with us are Chris and Penny. Chris is an emergency physician and Penny is a nephrologist. They are originally from the UK but have been working in New Zealand for several years.
Our poor Nepali language skills have lead to a few hilarious results. Momos are a Nepali fast food of sort. They are a dumpling-like dough filled with vegetables, yak, cheese, potatoes, or whatever they want and either steamed or fried. They are served with a spicy sauce which is usually tomato-based. Luke attempted to order a few momos for the group to go with our beers, but a miscommunication lead to getting 60 momos! Oops!
Today there is a Nepalese labor strike so all the businesses are closed. While it is nice to not be haggled by rickshaw drivers and tiger balm sellers, we still need to do a few errands before flying out on Friday morning including mailing postcards and making some copies for the research study. Hopefully they will be open tomorrow.
In the evenings, we are getting to know the other volunteers and their partners. Bex works in a ED in Christchurch, New Zealand while her partner Luke is a roofer. The HRA has already come up with a few construction projects for him in Manang. Luke towers above us all at 6'6" and with his red hair really stands out on the streets if Kathmandu. Jas and his girlfriend Heather are from Canada but both have been traveling for several months before coming here. Jas works as an emergency physician at an ED near Jasper, Canada. Heather is a nurse in the same department. The other two who will be in Pheriche with us are Chris and Penny. Chris is an emergency physician and Penny is a nephrologist. They are originally from the UK but have been working in New Zealand for several years.
Our poor Nepali language skills have lead to a few hilarious results. Momos are a Nepali fast food of sort. They are a dumpling-like dough filled with vegetables, yak, cheese, potatoes, or whatever they want and either steamed or fried. They are served with a spicy sauce which is usually tomato-based. Luke attempted to order a few momos for the group to go with our beers, but a miscommunication lead to getting 60 momos! Oops!
Today there is a Nepalese labor strike so all the businesses are closed. While it is nice to not be haggled by rickshaw drivers and tiger balm sellers, we still need to do a few errands before flying out on Friday morning including mailing postcards and making some copies for the research study. Hopefully they will be open tomorrow.
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