I am now back in Bangkok after 9 days of field study on Post Conflict Transformation in Nepal. Nepal is recovering after 10 years of 'civil war' and is still on the edge of some political tensions, we visited a number of organizations working to facilitate Peace talks between opposing sides and trying to develop the best government for the country. Some of our visits I found quite frustrating as it was clear some had their own political agendas; but others seemed to be doing some great work on the ground especially ones working with ex-combatants, many of which were considered child soldiers and trying to provide training to them and integrate back into society. While we were there we got caught in a middle of a bandh, which is essentially a strike. The police and military presence was quite impressive. during the bandh, you are not able to travel basically crippling the city. However, because we're we're in specially marked vehicles we were cautiously able to move throughout Kathmandu, which worked out well as our speakers were unable to come to us.  We also visited a project site funded by Heifer International which was an amazing experience. The Heifer principal is providing an animal to a family to generate a livelihood or income. The principal is simple but has more benefits that one could even imagine. In this case it all started from a simple goat. In order to obtain an animal the receiver has to get training first. In the village we visited we were met by approximately 25 women who now have their own women's organization and have a voice and are able to provide for their families and not rely on a husband. These women told us their stories of receiving their training and their first goat and how it has transformed them. Also they are from the lowest of the caste system and they said they have never been able to give anyone anything and now with their training and ability to have animals they can pass on the gift of a goat to another women In their community. One women said "my parents gave me life, but Heifer gave me a living and I am so thankful.' This by far was one of my favourite site visits in Nepal. But there were so many more that were great to. The days of field study are challenging, operating on 4 or 5 hours sleep and on and off a bus after driving on crazy winding bumpy roads and the bit of free time we have in the evening is spent trying to squeeze in some of the tourist type attractions of the local area. I have taken some great photos here in Nepal, but really I don't think you could take a bad picture here. I so much enjoyed the food here and the temperature here was just perfect and a nice break from the humidity in Thailand.  As we head back to Thailand today I can't help think of all the homework due this week as we are nearing the end of our course, not looking forward to it. (the homework or the end) the majority of our written assignments will be completed this week and then we only have one week after that to prepare for our individual seminar/presentations open to the public. As well our group seminar to be delivered at the World Peace Symposium. Plus I am still trying to cram work in with the Department of Special Investigations. 

I'm off to Nepal from April 7th to 15th for field study. Not sure how the Internet access will be or the time to access it for that matter. Be in touch soon!

My host counsellor Isara and I

Sleep can be hard to come by on this course...the trick is to get it in on any break you can, wherever you are...lol