Sincere apologies to those who have been awaiting a blog from the Sirutar, Kathmandu, Nepal (to be precise) project. I was shocked and appalled to learn that nobody from our humble band of labourers, teachers and all round good guys hadn't obliged with some warm messages of encouragement for the next groups to throw caution to wild abandon and part-take in some do-gooding. Joking aside, it is quite late, with just over two weeks left here, and we're all guilty, but there is a reason for this: it's absolutely brilliant.

There have, of course, been downs as well as ups, as I'm sure some of the other blogs (which people assure me will be written) will display, but for me, the experience has been wholly fulfilling.

We are, as I'm sure all the other groups are, and will be, a diverse group of people, who possibly would never have spoken to each other had we been sitting opposite one another on a train, but everyone here has got along really well and formed strong friendships. I remember reading something similar to this on a blog before I came out here and nearly hurling, but it's true - it's impossible to live in each other's pockets and not form a close relationship.

So! Nepal!

It is absolutely mad. Kathmandu is a bit like going back in time 100 years or so, but with electricity, slightly better sanitation and loads more stray dogs. At first a lot of the people were really shocked to see the conditions of the streets and the people in them, but eventually you are slightly desensitized to it. Well, not desensitized as such, because you are still affected by it, but you learn to deal with it better.

The actual village of Sirutar is really nice, and the standard of living (though extremely different from the UK and difficult to adjust to) is not as bad as most people were expecting.. The host families are all very friendly and loving, as are most of the Nepalese people (unless you are in a tourist district and someone is trying to sell you something!).

We have though, visited slum areas, and this can be very shocking. There are men who work 12-14 hours a day, possibly in several restaurants, possibly as a courier for messages between big companies who support perhaps a wife and three plus children. Their home is made from bits and bobs from everyday life; bits of wood; potato sacks; sheet metal. Most people steal electricity from power lines by climbing up and connecting their own (dangerous, but quite clever I thought - after all, who's never met anyone who's been fiddling the lecky meter?) There is no way I can put a country like this (or any country for that matter) into words, but I hope I have grabbed your interest and made you even more eager to come here.

The work... I can't lie, the work for us has been very hard, and this is what some people had a problem with. There are loads of us who really enjoyed it, but some of the guys just didn't feel construction work was their forte. There is great satisfaction in seeing your hard work come into fruition (in my opinion) and especially in a community who welcomes you so readily. The children who the school is for are amazing, and just want to be your friend, and how could you slack on a job that will make their futures?

So, my internet time is up and the lodeshedding may kick in soon any way so I will send this. Hope to meet some of you maybe in future, Adam