Bridget hasn't made a post recently because she has not been able to get access to a computer since she has been staying with the local family. She has been phoning me regularly, tho, and says that she is enjoying the teaching work with the kids, and she is getting along well with her colleagues and with the family she is staying with. I went with her last Sunday to meet the family and found them to be very hospitable. They toured us around the neighbourhood, showed us the local service club's facilities, served us lunch, and took us over to the school where B was to work. B is hoping to make a post very soon, so she will be able to provide much more news.

Meanwhile, our Canadian contacts here have referred me to a local environmental engineer, who toured me around his local NGO's facilities. He may have a bit of work for me, suggesting some landscaping improvements to one of his micro-sewage treatment facilities. He also referred me in turn to an infrastructure engineer whose local consulting firm is doing a planning project for the Kathmandu govt of the local rivers in the valley. It's a very sophisticated review of water quality, riverbank improvements, etc. The firm is very computerized, with a classy powerpoint presentation of their findings, and a paperless CAD design process. I have spent a day so far working with one of their architects on a park proposal along the Bagmati R., where the water level has dropped permanently due to increased water consumption, and there is now land available for park development. I went on a field trip, which involved a mad rides on a motor cycle through chaotic traffic. The park would have to integrate in a Hindu cremation site and temple! This is not Canada! There is capital money available and the work could start this year, which would be very cool. I may also do some work with them on a rural riverbank park project nearby, which would also be very interesting. We shall see how it goes.
I hope everyone is well.
- Pat