NEPAL TOURA group of Newington students got afirsthand look at Nepalese culture,community and landscapes when theyembarked on the biennial Nepal tour inDecember. The boys from Years 10 and 11were accompanied by Mr Garner, Mr Ha,Mr Parnham and Mr Wilkins.

The tour group flew into Kathmanduand found themselves in Bhaktapur, atown known for its eclectic artisan fleamarket culture and ancient architecture.

Soon after, the boys flew to themountain town of Phaplu, where theybegan the first of many treks throughoutthe country. The group arrived inTragsindho late that night and when theyawoke, many of the boys were in awe ofthe scenery. Jack De Lacy said, “In everydirection, as far as the eye could seethere were peaks that stretched 6000metres up. The highlight was lookingdown and seeing the cloud line below,an experience I’ll never forget.”

From there the group trekked toJubing, where they spent several days

excavating earth and repainting amedical centre. As a sign of appreciation,a farewell ceremony with traditionalNepalese dancing and songs wasperformed. The tour group felt trulyhumbled to be so wholeheartedlythanked by their new Nepalese friends.

The group trekked through a numberof regions before flying back toKathmandu to visit the SOS HermannGmeiner School. Students from bothschools exchanged culturalartefacts, gavepresentations and played aone-sided soccer game. Itwas a rewarding andunifying experience for thewhole group.

For many of the boys,the trip was a once in alifetime experience.Jason Ren said, “Thetrip was above andbeyond myexpectations.

Although I had seen pictures of theviews taken on previous trips, actuallyexperiencing it firsthand wasunbelievable.”

Similarly, Year 12 George Burley said,“It was one thing to think about thelandscape and culture, and another toexperience it. Hiking along 3000 m highmountains, whilst surrounded by 6000 mpeaks, and a view of Everest in thedistance; playing with local kids inBhaktapur; eating local buffalo momoswith a view of the Boudhanath Stupa (atemple) – these were just a few of themind-blowing things that made the tripso special.”

For younger boys considering theNepal trip in the future George added, “Itwas a great experience to see a new partof the world, bond with your peers,interact with the beautiful Nepalesepeople and landscape, and expand as aperson.”

Thanks to Mr Dominic Garner fororganising the trip and to the otherteachers for their care throughout the tour.

Stanmore 7–12

News | Autumn 2017 28

Service Learning

Boudhanath, theworld’s largestBuddhist Stupa

(temple),Kathmandu

The tour group being presented with gifts at the InternationalSOS Herman Gmeiner School, Kathmandu

29News | Autumn 2017

Crossing a suspensionbridge on trek in the

Everest region

Buddhistprayerflags

Group shot on day hike toThame from Namche Bazaar

Breakfast with aview at Taksindu

Monastery Lachlan Fisherpainting at Jubing

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