"Clashes erupt on Nepal's streets" - BBC News 21-1-06

You may have seen from news reports (see BBC News or, more interesting for us, a VSO volunteer's blog) in the last couple of days that Kathmandu has been a bit lively with demonstrations, curfews and a close down of the phone system. The situation is unlikely to quieten down until at least after municipal elections which are due to be held on 8 February. Despite the increased disruption the VSO local office does not consider volunteers are at risk and more generally advises that foreigners are safe. They closely monitor security and, at this stage, do not see any need to postpone our departure date of 18 February so no let up for us in our packing. We will continue to read the Himalayan Times online every day and I will post again if anything changes.

Unconnected with the political situation, my job with Recovering Nepal has fallen through. Apparently the VSO team in Nepal have got another one lined up and will send me details when their e-mail system is working again.

On a lighter note, I sold my boat yesterday - might be a while before I get to sail again which is my excuse for posting a 2004 picture of my last (and probably last ever) sail in an 18ft skiff.

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