This post features student writing.

Day 2

Today, the group started off the day bright and early by observing a Buddhist Pujja. After breakfast we continued exploring Kathmandu starting with a tour of Durbar square. We were able to see the Kumari, a living goddess, who takes the form of a young girl. We were all surprised to learn that she was only 2. 5 years old. During some free time, some of us practiced our bartering skills around the square. We then walked to lunch and ate so much middle eastern food.

After lunch, we went to the monkey temple where we were surrounded by monkeys. We then visited CAP, a place where girls at risk to become part of the Adult Entertainment Industry are given the resources to stay out. The girls performed beautiful dances and songs for us. In return we performed a medley of classically american dances. We did not want to leave for dinner after spending time with the girls.

-Savannah B.

Day 3

We spent today traveling via Jeep from Kathmandu to Salleri. Boy was that a journey. Incredible views and hilarious convos.

-Nate and Jada

Day 4

Today was our first full day in the village. After waking up and eating breakfast we made our way down to the school that we will be working on. There must have been 100 kids screaming and waving as we were walking in. Amazing. We then walked back to the Hostel and were taught how to do our laundry. Lots of squatting and arm strength needed. As people were washing their clothes there was also a volleyball game happening, at which we learned that volleyball is not our strongest skill as a group.

After lunch, we had a welcoming ceremony that was organized by the staff and girls at the hostel. They gave an incredibly warm welcome, which included dances and a gift of Kathas to us as a sign of celebration. We then got a chance to talk to the girls in their dorm rooms which was really cool. I was told that some of the girls requested that some Putney students sing the National Anthem.

After meeting with the girls we had some free time followed by a dance lesson. This was the first of many dance lessons because we will be performing our dance at the end of trip. After our first dance lesson, four of us went to go cook dinner and the other eight of us were taught some Nepali by Mr. Nate and Mr. Chhyamba.

Dinner was so good and at the end we got to celebrate Tim’s birthday. We even had a cake with blue Pillsbury frosting brought all the way from the U.S.

-Sophia B.