Last post

Well it's been quite a trip but for now I am going to sign off this little blog.  Am back to the world of fast net connection, piles of post, hot showers etc and enjoying catching up.  I expect I shall have some more time to reflect on the trip soon.  It really has been great and I felt so supported out there by all of you.  This blog doesn't cover everything but I hope it gave a slight flavour of the trip (and was a good way of sharing photos).

Many thanks indeed for being there.  I hope we have let something of value for the people of Far Western Nepal.  There are many changes that would help.  The situation there reminds me of the UK not so long ago - a high involvement of the NGO sector.  It'd be good to transfer some of that time and investment into more frontline staff in the clinics as ART becomes more available.

I digress.  Back to work on Monday so am going to enjoy the weekend.

Very best wishes and many thanks again.

If you have any further questions please do email me.

Hugs
Tristan xx

Final Day

Amazing final day and well deserved day off.
The pictures are all I can post for now.  Thanks heavens for the MacBook it has been amazing whilst here.
Got to dash - loads of email and not packed yet - hope to post a final message to this blog when home.
An amazing trip thank you all for being there Txx

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur was great although quite a lot of hassle to purchase things....  Right - am off for a massage!

Done?

Final presentations given, final reports in.  2 sleeps til hometime!

Return To KTM

Briefly - good final days - leaving lunch at Bell's, tea with Parvej and his family - a friendly guy who has always said hello to us on the street, dinner with Dr Rajya and her son, then goodbye to the Saathi Boys and a safe trip back to KTM - in full strike mode.  Police at the airport covered in Kevlar and looking like Robocop (no pics taken!).
Presentations tomorrow and a full working day then a little R&R - first days off in 5 weeks.
Hope you all have an excellent week Txx
ps - many thanks to Marie and all the Global Medic Force staff for a very kind write up in the latest "Reports from the Field" (not yet available online)
pps - recommended new album from Mr Wayne G - has lightened up some dark and dingy hotel rooms for me in Far Western Nepal!  Thanks a lot mister hope you're safe on those NZ waves xx

Nearly back to Kathmandu

Just Sunday left in Dhangadi before returning on Buddha Air to Kathmandu.  IT looks as though our presentations may have been brought forward - FHI feedback on Monday and then I am presenting at Teku Hospital on Tuesday.
This should then give us a well earned couple of days off (we haven't had any since leaving Kathmandu really as even Saturdays have been office days).
Intention is a bit of (self funded) health club use at the Radisson, possibly dinner and a cocktail at Dwarika's and a couple of trips to Bodhnath and Bhaktapur before return flights on Friday.  No doubt some shopping will feature also!
An excellent trip all round - we have nearly finished our final report and our presentations for Kathmandu, so just some goodbyes to say now.  Started last night after a lovely dinner with Jonathan, Elizabeth and Dila.
Hope to update you next week on how things go in KTM.
Tristan xx
By the way, if you're considering it or inspired by anything you've read on this blog please note doctors are not the only people who can volunteer with Global Medic Force.

Pulled this way and that.....

So our time here draws to a close.  Not too much extra to report.  We are both feeling ready to come home now, although not homesick as such I think we feel our usefulness is coming to an end and it's better for local staff (as intended) to get on with doing what they do and try to improve some things as per recommendations.  We feel a bit pulled in many directions.  Local staff are trying to squeeze in last minute things that could've been done earlier but weren't, usually with "Nepali time" as the reason....  we are being asked to write reports for GMF and also to present for FHI next week - initially twice on 2 days, now three times on days which keep changing, neglecting the fact we have asked for time off to sort a few things out in Kathmandu, and also failing to appreciate that we could return home earlier if the days do change...  we shall see.  Patience definitely required at these final hurdles.  Life is generally good though - a few dinners arranged to say goodbye to new friends in the next few days.  Will be strange to leave yet we have confidence in much of the local structure and the ability of local staff to take things forward.
One thing I am looking forward to is a good, RVT style dance!! 
Hope to post a couple more times before the return home.  I really can't thank everyone enough for the support during he fundraising and our time here.  Has been truly incredible.
Thanks indeed.
Tristan xx