Protests Continue

I was told today that far from abating, anger in Kathmandu is growing stronger.  Huge numbers of riot police have been brought in to keep protesters at bay.  The National Assembly hasn't met the deadline to pass legislation and now apparently has been dissolved with new elections only to be held later this year.  Tenzin doesn't feel that it'll be possible to get any transport at all for me and, of course, is concerned for my wellbeing. I completely understand his predicament as obviously he feels responsible for me but I don't feel that I would be in any danger at all.  I'd suffer from inconveniences but surely no more than anyone else there.  We have decided that if violence is to escalate further and transport cant be arranged then I'll fly to Delhi and from there get the bus to Dharamsala in the Himal Pradesh region of India and teach there until things settle down, at which time I would return to Kathmandu.  Dharamsala is predominantly Tibetan and the seat of the Dalai Lama and being Tibetan himself Tenzin has contacts there who could help me. 

So - back to the Lonely Planet website to google information on accommodation in Delhi that's relatively near the bus centre.  Whatever happens I'm going into a new and exciting way of life.

Strikes and Protests

Unrest hits Nepal

Spoke to Tenzin, the headmaster of the school where I hope to teach, earlier today.  He said that the strikes in Kathmandu are intensifying and will peak around the time that I arrive.  He advised that maybe my flight should be postponed as no traffic at all is allowed on the roads and transport will be difficult.  I can't consider that! While I appreciate that he's concerned for my wellbeing I'd rather take my chances and go on schedule. 

I need to learn more about Nepali politics but my understanding of it all is this:  The 3 major parties, of which the UCPN (Maoist) faction has a huge say, are trying to federate the country into 11 provinces, naming them only after completion.  The strike has been called by the NEFIN (Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities) as a protest against this.  The city has ground to a halt with even motorbikes and bicycles being banned from the road.  The obvious problem for the people caught in the middle of this is that food and medicines can't be transported.  Outsiders like myself always have the option to leave and go back to their comfort zones but the local people simply don't have that choice.  Life is already hard enough for them.

Making the Leap

Contents of suitcase so far:

For Me - 3 skirts (long!), 3 blouses, assorted head scarves (just in case), Lonely Planet guide to Nepal, waterproofs, 2 wind up torches (have been warned of loadshedding) and  memory bag to be filled with photos and objects associated with my wonderful daughters and all the dear friends I'm leaving behind

For the School - story books, posters and maps, pamphlets and leaflets collected from every possible source (to be used in lesson activities), packets of seeds (not sure how customs will feel about this), the entire contents of Poundland's stationary department, rather too many pencils and disposable tape measures (thanks Ikea), a growing mountain of toothbrushes, my book on grammar and lessons plans and the beginnings of what I hope will be an impressive amount of football paraphernalia.

What more can I possibly need?