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"Here (in Kathmandu) I felt safer, as the city is also smaller and more
manageable. "
"Students adore her!"
"Those
Himalayas of the mind are not so easily possessed. There's
more than storm and precipice between you and your Everest."
"I’ve learned
that although we speak many different languages, a smile is
universal, kindness is worth more than any words, and family
does not have to be based on DNA or heritage.”
"It was truly a feast
for the senses"
"We attended the
Dalai Lamas birthday celebration."
"Being
able to see the culture from the inside looking out," "It
has also given me much
hope for the future and humanity."
"Passage is a wonderful organization because of the
people who
run it."
“To know there would be a group of
people who would give them the most authentic, safe experience
possible gave me incredible relief.”
"Here (in Kathmandu) I felt safer, as the city is also smaller and more
manageable. "
Dear Friends and Students,
Kristen, one of our recent 12-week Nepal Personal Passage
alumni, voices the sentiments of many a Passage student.
"Here (in Kathmandu) I felt safer, as the city is also smaller
and more manageable."
In this newsletter I am going to address the issue of safety
and Passage "Safety Policies."
Passage has a track record
of success – our programs are well-established with years of
experience and a solid
reputation.
Passage has thorough on-site
student orientation programs, especially with respect to
student health, safety,
security, crime and other risk issues
in the country of travel.
We provide quality home stay
located in safe neighborhoods and this component of our
programs provides
significant additional community
perspectives on local issues. Home stay family members can
provide precautionary
advice to our students about local
conditions.
Passage has crisis
management and emergency evacuation plans in place, as well as
a regularly drilled and tested
system for promptly reaching
students and their emergency contacts in a crisis. Every
Passage student is required to
register in the Embassy in
Nepal. Our utmost priority is the safety and security of
our students. Besides the
US
Embassy announcements, we follow the local news closely
and, since we live and work in-country, have several
reliable
sources of unpublished news. The coordinators and at least one
of the directors will be available 24 hours
a day in the event
of a medical or other emergency. In the extremely unlikely
event that an evacuation is necessary,
we can help make
arrangements to ensure it happens as fast as possible.
Passage staff is well trained and
knowledgeable in emergency
procedures.
There is good news too for
the tourism sector.
The major tourist generating
markets from both Europe and Americas registered a healthy
growth this month and
the overall Asian market registered a
commendable upsurge as well.
Total safety cannot, of
course, be guaranteed abroad, just as it cannot be guaranteed
in the United States.
Passage is committed to taking the
necessary steps to maximize student safety at each and every
program site.
We want to thank you for
your continued support of Passage.
With warm wishes,
Vidhea
Founder and Director of Programs
"Students adore her!"
Mrinalini (Tina) Rai, Outreach Director, joined Passage in
2005. She is an experienced administrator and has been a
consultant for several international non-governmental
organizations in Katmandu. Tina has also worked with Star TV
Channel in Mumbai, India and with the Chaudhury Group, one of
the biggest corporate companies in Nepal.
Gregarious, outgoing, and generous, her forte is
coordination. Students adore her!
Jessica, Megan, Tina and Mike
Those Himalayas of the mind
are not so easily possessed.
There's more than storm and precipice
Between you and your Everest.
 As
metaphoric geography, sandwiched between India and Tibet,
Nepal is a suitable location for such outer and inner
exploration, particularly in a cultural environment that has
fostered this quest for thousands of years. What are the
mountains that you are seeking to climb?
There are
many opportunities to learn and to give through your
experiences. As an intern you can gain new skills
in medicine, meditation, arts, crafts, music, dance, and more.
By volunteering with a social service organization you may
express your support for someone in a difficult circumstance
here. We link you up with opportunities. Checking
them out is an empowering experience itself. In a short
time you will learn more about yourself, the city, and what
offers suit you best.
Patients at the Sewa Kendra clinic
Besides the skills of their profession, these mentors have
taught us that the best way to get the most out of your time
with them is to be mentally prepared to focus during your
short time together. We try to find people to
participate in our program who enjoy the cultural exchange and
mutual pleasure of interaction with western students.
They commit to spending time with you and to fitting you into
their working lives when the Passage schedule allows. Show up
when you say you will and insure that future Passage students
will have the same opportunity.
Generally
you will learn more if you stick with your
mentor and concentrate your attention on all you can learn in
one major and, if another is desired, a minor. Beware of
spreading yourself thin and later regretting it is over so
fast. Likewise, when you volunteer, the relationships
you build and the methodologies you learn in one setting will
be more meaningful to you and to those you serve if you are
there enough to make a deeper contribution rather than a cameo
appearance.
To relish
this opportunity while you have it is a simple expression of
respect for gurus, master teachers, mentors, or employers
(even on a volunteer basis), that is traditionally part of
Nepali and most other eastern cultures.
You will
naturally have expectations. Remember that they are
expectations--not a template of reality. Some will be
met, some surpassed, some absent from the actual experience.
Practice the dance of adapting to what you encounter,
adjusting your perspective, and inventing enjoyment wherever
you are. Take your own frame of mind, your response to
the world, as your personal responsibility. Tune it
regularly. Paint your own picture.
Passage is
here to support you.
Passage is supporting and sending volunteers to
the Sewa Kendra clinic. The clinic also sponsors children from
disadvantaged families. Some rooms have been set up for
students to do their homework. Lydia is volunteering at the
clinic, Nicole teaches English to the students.
Sewa Kendra
Leprosy Relief (SKLR), run by Dr. Hira Pradhan is a
non-government organization that works for the care and
treatment of leprosy victims. It gives free medicine,
dressings, smears to detect leprosy, family planning and eye
treatment. The Kendra treats beggars and other destitutes
living in the Pashupati area. It runs a school program for
destitute children.
Most
importantly, Sewa Kendra teaches skills to disabled leprosy
patients to foster a degree of independence and dignity. It
helps leprosy sufferers find a place to live, helps get their
children in schools, and provides a social support group.
Laura and Brian with Dr. Pradhan
"I’ve learned
that although we speak many different languages, a smile is
universal, kindness is worth more than any words, and family
does not have to be based on DNA or heritage.”
“I once had a nightmare involving squat toilets. Just three
months ago, although I was excited about my journey to Nepal,
I also anticipated culture shock and language barriers.
However, my fears were proved to be delusions, and by the
second day of my stay in Nepal I knew I’d never want to leave.
My Tibetan Passage brought me to live with a family in
Boudha, Kathmandu. The head of the house hold, Popalaa
(grandfather) and his son are thankga painters. Paala and
Amalaa have two brilliant children, Diki and Ngawang.
Immediately, the family began overfeeding me and putting my
comfort before their own. It is impossible to be surrounded by
so much generosity and not feel frustrated by my inability to
ever equally repay it.
During my stay, I have been learning thangka from one of the
family workshop’s painter, Phur Bu Tsering. I have learned the
joy of patience from the diligent yet relaxed studio
environment. The selfless art of the age old practice of
thangka painting is quite a contrast from modern western art
where innovation is put above quality and tradition.
I only hope that I can bring my new perception of time and
the art of living back to America with me. I know it will be
difficult to see the beauty in a concrete jungle that is so
easily visible in the rich land and culture of Nepal. Still,
it is a lesson of the importance of human relations that I’ve
learned. Through the help of Passage’s wonderful and giving
coordinators and the people of Nepal I have found a home here.
I’ve learned that although we speak many different languages,
a smile is universal, kindness is worth more than any words,
and family does not have to be based on DNA or heritage.”
-Lydia Warner, Tibetan Summer 2007
"It was truly a
feast for the senses"
The students were invited to Vidhea's cousin's
wedding.
 Immediately
upon arrival, we were overwhelmed by the color and ritual of
the day. A Nepali classical music group performed along
the walkway to the entrance to the tent where festivities were
being held. The bride and groom were both dressed in elaborate
outfits befitting their status as the celebrated couple.
Rituals and offerings were performed by both families to bless
the marriage and enable it to remain strong and vibrant.
It was truly a feast for the senses!
.jpg)
Following the formal ceremony, all guests walked to the
reception tent for drinks and lunch. Much mingling ensued,
opening opportunities for the students to meet Kathmandu
residents. The differences between this Hindu ceremony and the
Christian weddings found in America were stunning in a
marvelous way. Comparing and contrasting the different
traditions was quite enlightening in terms of cultural
attitudes toward marriage, gender roles, and family relations.
All in all, the day was a raving success. Experiencing this
unique affair was a memory none of us will soon forget.”
-Hayley Curry, Tibetan Summer 2007
"We attended the Dalai Lamas birthday
celebration."
“When the three of us first went to dance class we didn't know
what to expect. The few people who had actually seen it before
gave us vague descriptions like clogging and line dancing. But
neither of those forms of dance accurately capture the beauty
and natural grace of Tibetan dance.
The
first day our wonderfully patient dance teacher, Pasang, gave
us a small demonstration. Watching it made it look quite easy,
but when we got up to actually attempt it we ended up looking
a lot like strange dancing chickens. With a little time and a
lot of effort we eventually were able to learn two full
dances. We had the amazing opportunity to go and watch
professionals at work when we attended the Dalai Lamas
birthday celebration. What we saw
was quite awe inspiring.
The
long chubas (traditional Tibetan dress) accented the lines
that the dancers were making, giving them the appearance of
beautifu bird like creatures. With the dramyen (Tibetan
guitar) playing and the stomps of the dancers providing the
beat it was a memory that will surely never fade.”
-
Kaly Rule, Tibetan Summer 2007
"Being
able to see the culture from the inside looking out," "it
has also given me much
hope for the future and humanity."
"passage is a wonderful organization because of the
people who
run it."
Being able to
see the culture from the inside looking out, not just as an
outsider
Carah with homestay family
looking in. We were able to experiences things that would have
never been possible
if traveling to the Khumbu as an average “trekker”. The people
wove us into their web, providing an experience that was
organic and nurturing.-Carah Ronan, Custom Passage, Spring 2007
Have patience and realize
that you are a guest in another country. I was completely
engaged but also allowed to have my own time to experience
things on my own terms. I think overall, being abroad has
taught me much patience and also with the immersion into
Buddhist culture it has also given me much hope for the future
and humanity.
Jessica Gundelfinger, Custom Passage, Spring 2007
I felt very safe compared to
my other traveling. Here (in Kathmandu) I felt safer, as the
city is also smaller and more manageable. Thank you so much
for all your work, help, support during my stay here in
Nepal. My Personal Passage was a terrific experience giving
me greater experience into Ayurveda and the world of holistic
healing. This trip
has also given me the opportunity to slow
down from the fast pace of NYC and really experience and take
life
moment to beautiful moment. Thanks again – passage is a
wonderful organization because of the people who run it.
-Kristen
Cabildo, Personal Passage, Spring 2007
Kristen and Jessica with Ayurvedic teacher.
“To know there would be a group of
people who would give them the most authentic, safe experience
possible gave me incredible relief.”
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 2:09 PM
Gita,
When I read your email I was flooded with memories of
seeing Loy plan and then take off for Nepal and Tibet. I have
written some of my thoughts below
- which you may most certainly use on your Web site if it
seems appropriate.
When my daughter said she and her best friend wanted to go
to Nepal and Tibet, I was initially hoping they would change
their minds. There seemed to be too many unknowns, which
translate into fears in the heart of a parent. I was so
relieved when Loy and Leah found Passage Project.
To know there would be a group of people who would give
them the most authentic, safe experience possible gave me
incredible relief.
 The
experience that Passage Project provided changed Loy in a deep
and profound way. She has always been a compassionate person;
however she has grown up in America. The experience of seeing
people who have not had the advantages and privileges the
American lifestyle provides deepened her compassion even more.
Seeing her photos, reading her journals, and listening to her
talk about her experiences fill me with pride - to know she
had the courage to take the journey and embrace this part of
the world.
Being side by side with people from other cultures not only
changes the traveler, but it creates a ripple-effect which
inspires the world to change as well.
Loy with friend.
(Tibet
plateau 2006)
Thank You, Carole Foster
Passage programs
USA Passage
21320 E Aberdeen Pl
Centennial CO 80015
Toll Free 866-840-9197
Phone 720-870-2230
usaoffice@passageproject.org
South Asia Office
GPO Box 8974
CPC 373
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone 977-1-4434602
programs@passageproject.org
http://www.passageproject.blogspot.com/
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