Yesterday Chuda and I were all over Kathmandu getting alternative quotes for the equipment the school wants - and I now have a better understanding of the way the computer market here works, as well as some slightly better offers. It is frustrating that hardware seems to be a bit more expensive than at home - but I'm convinced that any argument for doing our own importation is outweighed by the benefits of local support and software pricing. I won't say any more about this for now, except that I'm reconciled to the position that we might have to drop the projector for the time being. These are a bit more expensive than I had imagined!
I've decided to head for Pokhara for a few days and will travel there by bus tomorrow - largely for a break from the pretty unhealthy Kathmandu atmosphere. As it happens I'll be there for the Nepali New Year celebrations on the 13th/14th for the second year in a row.
Earlier today I was at the British Council for a while - still trying to come up with some material which will be useful in my teaching efforts. I can tell you that it is helping me understand even better just how much of a constraint it is to be faced with a school and classrooms with zero facilities other than a small whiteboard!
Today's picture is of Bimita and Bipika - two very charming young ladies who live near my hotel and who invited me to meet their mother and father - and several other relatives. Their mother Tara and her sister were both very interested to hear about the work of the NMV and will enquire about enrolling. Tonight I'm invited for dahl bhat with the family.
No comments:
Post a Comment