Two days in the jungle...

Good Evening and Nameste to all. Team Nepal has had a very adventurous (to say the least) few days. First of all we should apologize for our absence-- we spent the last two days in the jungle of Chitwan, 5 hours outside of Kathmandu where the internet connection is shakier than a bus ride in Nepalese road construction. After braving the 5 hour ride on a road with 133 of the worlds closest turns, we arrived to a village much quieter than the inner city Kathmandu. The citizens of the local villages put on a cultural show where we were able to see many traditional Nepalese dances and one of our own, Molly, even had the chance to partake! In the morning we had the opportunity of a life time -- a safari though the jungle on the back of an elephant!!!! AMAZING, and quite possibly the coolest thing I have ever done in my life. We also were able to go on a jungle safari via canoes and see much of Nepal's wildlife, including crocodiles, yes real live crocodiles. After a "leisurely" jungle trek, we made it to our final destination, the elephant breeding center. Not only we were able to see the elephants up close, some of our group fed the elephants and taught them how to drink water out of a water bottle (much harder than you might think ... ) In the middle of our 5 hour drive back, we stopped at the Manakamana temple where we took a cable car up 1302 (yes the 2 is important) meters. I know I keep using the word amazing but this really, really was. We were able to see the Himalayan mountains and some of our group had the opportunity to be blessed at the temple. Again, amazing. The rest of our bus ride was relatively uneventful (mainly because we have gotten used to the thrashing that is involved in Nepalese driving) and have now arrived at our home base back in Kathmandu for our last dinner together. It is hard to believe many things tonight. For those of you who are not aware, this is Hope Without Borders first trip to Nepal, and has been in a dream for Jenny and I, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this trip possible for the past two years. We could not be more ecstatic with the results. We have seen, felt, smelled (sometimes unfortunately) and experienced every aspect Nepal has to offer. We have made a difference, we have helped people but most of all, we have spread hope. As we pack our bags tonight, we leave knowing that this is not the end for us in Nepal -- Oh no, definitely not. We have reached out, made contacts and shown people the power of hope, and what Hope Without Borders can do, and what we are all about. Nameste Nepal, until we meet again.