Today in Kathmandu

Wednesday pm

Hiya,

Strange day today, after first night here in the flat, woke in a comfortable bed, (first time since we left home) warm although yesterday evening was cold. After breakie, sitting at table in hall with blue hand made plates and bowls, having naff but very cheap cornflakes, banana, sultanas fairly cheap prob from India, toast (we have our priorities new toaster ) and honey (nepali and yum), we went back to the Shanker Hotel for KTM security briefing and someone from programme office had brought the post. Excitement 'cos we had 3, thank you Mary, Josie and Pauline. Even the Easter chocs got here!.

Back to security meeting, not a lot new but we have several choices:

1 To give up and go home. VSO would support and help those who wanted to find placements elsewhere.

2 To hole up through next few days with probable curfews followed by ? More strikes likely shortages of petrol, gas and thus some foods, Would mean keeping away from demonstrations so only going out in very near locality, possible communication, media disruption etc and not able to go to work placements.

3 Spend a couple of weeks out of Nepal eg go to India, Thailand or ?
This is not as easy as it sounds 'cos have to organise, get to airport (tourist vehicles are OK) but what to take, when to return etc....and costs (although we would still keep our daily allowance)

Further decisions on future of VSO Nepal will then be considered 22nd May.

British Embassy ( very near to here) following FCO advise still says that bideshi (foreigners) are not targets and INGO's including VSO are ok here and VSO N follows their guidance (and that of other consulates) closely.

We like most of the others have gone for plan 2

At this stage phones, our house phone and mobiles are on and contigency plans are very well organised. We have other volunteers within short walking distance, are away from all problem areas and very close to 3 big hotels. We live in a very quiet, safe area with no access to cars. We have huge containers of drinking water, gas, lots of dry food, rice, pasta, bread etc some fruit and veg, milk, some goodies including beers and Aussie wine, so we have enough for many days......... We have books, nepali language to practise, laptops and DVDs and yes I did go and buy fabric (several pieces) so I can play and stitch (slowly as no machine!). We have radio with BBC World, and Charles Haviland updates . CNN send their live broadcasts from just up the street so sometimes if I can get out I just stand close and hear their view .

We have just heard curfew is on for tomorrow from 2.am until 8 pm (18 hrs!) to try to stop the huge demonstration planned. Internet and phones may go off for a few days but this has not been said yet. If they do we have ways of checking on one another.

It is good to be part of what is likely to be history in the making for these special, friendly Nepali people.

We will take care and keep safe and the same to all of you

love Sheila