The Reason Why We're Here!

(This was supposed to be posted August 1st, but we lost internet)

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!

Oh, I also forgot to mention that this area is totally gorgeous—I cannot get enough of the scenery around here!