First off, we have been skimping on the group photos on this
blog—here are a few from the last couple of days!
We started off the day with an 8 o’clock breakfast and set
out at 9 to get a look at the two projects we will be working on during our
nine days in Thame. Our first stop (after a tough uphill stretch and a steep
downhill hike) was the Khumbu Mountain Center (KMC). The center was finished
just prior to last spring’s earthquakes, and before it could ever be used, the
three buildings in the complex were destroyed. While we are in Thame, we have
been asked to estimate the amount of salvageable materials (rock, windows,
metal roofing, etc.) left in the buildings. It is hoped that this material will
be used for other community structures. Below are a few pictures of the damages
at the KMC.
After taking a look at each of the three buildings there, we
continued our hike on to the Hilajung Bridge. Upon seeing the structure, we all
could clearly see why it needs repairs; in the earthquakes, one of the stone
piers supporting the main cables of the bridge collapsed, leaving the deck of
the bridge supported only by a few bolts on each of the bridge’s abutments. The
deck is sagging substantially, and the bolts holding it in place are beginning
to separate from the stone abutments. The thought of two or three yaks and a
couple of people crossing the bridge at the same time makes us all cringe.
We have been informed by colleagues in Kathmandu that this
bridge is on schedule to be fixed, however it will not be for another two or
three years. We spent some time taking pictures and brainstorming possible
fixes for the bridge (ideally while we are here, we would love to provide a
temporary fix for the bridge)—however, we all acknowledge the fact that this is
not our bridge; we are very
interested in helping out, but ultimately it is up to the community of Hilajung
to decide what action, if any, we should take. We have planned a meeting with
some members of the community for 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. I can’t wait to
see how it all goes!
To anyone wondering, I heard from Leyna today via an international phone. She said everyone is well! They lost Internet access in Thami and will be heading to Namche on Sunday August 7 where they should have Internet access again.
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