Take a Moment

"Stars for a Cause" on Channel U showcased Taiwanese Linda doing volunteer teaching in Nepal. Deepak and I caught this episode together at home. Linda's experience tugged my heartstrings towards the end of the show, simply because I was watching this with a living example of village kid beside me.

Watching this episode reminds me yet again that no matter how many years we have brought individuals and schools to help the village schools and communities, there is so little we can do to help them each time. Over the years, although we have seen some results, it is still so minute when I step back to look at the whole picture.

And then I looked at Deepak.

At a tender age, he understood that his family could not afford for him to further his education even though he was able to enter Secondary stage. He heard his first English word from an English trekker in the village. He decided to move to Kathmandu city to seek a future and not burden his family financially. He seeked various jobs and finally landed as an office boy in a travel agent and worked his way up - no one can imagine the extreme hard work he put in, including sleepness nights around the clock. And then he went on to learn English, Mandarin, computer, business etc. Today, he is Managing Director of Divine International.

I am so proud of him.

I thought : What if he had never left the village and continued to herd cattles and work in the plantation?

I cried.

Tibet Adventure

Horsemen around Lake Namtso

Chih Lin, Siang Yu, Ethan and Leonard embarked on their graduation trip to Nepal and Tibet in May this year. They had intended to do a long trip to Tibet until they saw what we have on trekking in Nepal.

Deepak put together a 19-day Ghorepani Trek and Central Tibet Tour for the bubbly group. For their Central Tibet Tour, the excitement includes crossing Nyalamu pass (3800m) and Lalung La pass (5082m), Tashilunpo Monastery, Lake Namtso Drepung, Sera Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, crossing the Karo La (5010m) and Kamba La (4794m) Pass, Lake Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), Khumbum Stupa and Phalkot Monastery.

Over a KFC dinner last week, we were happy to learn that they are out in the working world now and reminiscing the trip has brought back wonderful memories and lots of laughter!

Looking through their trip photos, we could literally felt their excitement along the trip. I was most impressed by the shots taken at Lake Namtso and the sun tanning yaks along the beautiful shores against the backdrop of snow peaks.

Their customized itinerary is as follow while all photos featured are copyrighted with compliments from the group.


Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Birethanti
Day 3: Birethanti- Ulleri
Day 4: Ulleri - Ghorepani
Day 5: Ghorepani – Poonhill - Tikhedhungga
Day 6: Tikhedhungga – Birethanti - Pokhara
Day 7: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 8: Kathmandu - Zhangmu
Day 9: Zhangmu - Nayalam
Day 10: Nayalam - Tingri - Latze
Day 11: Latze - Shigatse
Day 12: Shigaste - Gyantse (3950m)
Day 13: Gyantse - Lhasa (3650m)
Day 14: Lhasa - sightseeing
Day 15: Lhasa - sightseeing
Day 16: Lhasa-Lake Nam Tso-Lhasa
Day 17: Lhasa – full day free and easy
Day 18: Lhasa – Kathmandu - Nagarkot
Day 19: Nagarkot- Kathmandu- Singapore

Click here to view photos their Tibet journey.

Click here to view other info on Tibet

Trekking Jomsom (Noreen & Aden)

Trekking the classic Jomsom route

Noreen and Aden approached us earlier this year for their trek to Jomsom, Nepal. At their request, Deepak put together a 19-day program covering the classic Jomsom route, whitewater rafting in the famous Kali Gandaki River and Chitwan National Park for a safari experience.

The Kali Gandaki River is one of the major rivers of Nepal and a left bank tributary of the Ganges in India. The headwaters of the river are formed at an altitude of 3,900 m in the Mustang region of Nepal, which borders Tibet. The river is notable for the deep gorge through which it flows and for a large hydroelectric facility in Nepal.

Deepak happened to be in Nepal while they were there so they met up for meals. It was unfortunate that the rafting at Kali Gandaki (Grade 4-5) did not happen due to transport strike. However, we managed to turn the situation around and arranged for rafting at Trishuli River (Grade 2) – well, not a total loss after all.

Rinji was their chief guide for this trek and apparently a joy to have around. Though a senior guide, Rinji still comes across as rather shy and can be quite stiff around strangers. That said, he is one real popular guy among our trekking groups!

Their customized itinerary is as follow while all photos featured are with compliments from Noreen and Aiden.

Day 1: Arrive - Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Birethanti
Day 3: Birethanti - Ulleri
Day 4: Ulleri - Ghorepani
Day 5: Ghorepani – Poonhill - Tatopani
Day 6: Tadapani - Ghasa
Day 7: Ghasa - Tukche
Day 8: Tukche - Marpha-Jomsom-Kagbeni
Day 9: Kagbeni - Muktinath
Day 10: Muktinath - Jomsom
Day 11: Jomsom - Pokhara
Day 12: Pokhara - Kali Gandaki Rafting
Day 13: Kali Gandaki Rafting
Day 14: Kali Gandaki Rafting - Pokhara
Day 15: Pokhara - Chitwan National Park
Day 16: Chitwan National Park
Day 17: Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
Day 18: Kathmandu
Day 19: Kathmandu - Departure

Click here to view their trek photos.
Click here to view other Jomsom or lower Mustang itineraries.

Post Everest Catch Up

Front Row (L-R)
Priscilla, Yuki, Cherry, Kim Boon, Wenting, Xin Fang,

Back Row (L-R)
Mui King, Yvonne, Mrs Ang, Yihui, Peh Gee, Jane, Esther, Lihui, Alice, Joanne

Last Saturday (4 Jul), I had the pleasure to be invited to the "Post Everest Gathering" with the SWET and the Christ Church Sec Team at Mui Kiang's house. It was informal yet nice as we are able to catch up with one another more intimately on one of their most adventurous gig in Nepal.

The ladies of SWET looked good after weeks since their return and the Christ Church girls seemed to have recovered from their withdrawal syndrome (Well, I suffered that for a month when I returned from my first Nepal trip).

As much as I have read about climbing Everest, I could not resist chatting with Jane and Lihui about the reality of overcoming the Hillary Step. What was it really like trying to cross the final hurdle to reach the Summit? Were their oxygen tanks at the Balcony when they descend?

Hearing from the horse's mouth, it was indeed a challenge at the Hillary Step, mainly you need to use all your might to pull yourself up the rocks and the slipperyness did not help. By the time you were done, you would have been extremely exhausted. And thank God, the replacement oxygen tanks WERE at the Balcony waiting for them. We had all read horror stories about the tanks being stolen upon descend. If so, one can hardly last till Camp 4 from Summit.

*Shudder*

I finally got to chat with the CCSS girls on their sentiments of the journey to EBC. Though 2 of them did not make it there, I sensed they understood a lot more about their own fitness, teamwork, overcoming difficult times and what really matter in their own journey.

And of course, everyone was asking for their handsome Uncle Deepak who was still in Nepal. Well, it will not be the last time we are all going to see one another - for our friendship will still go a long way.

A phone call from Kathmandu

Last night while I was having my dinner, I received a phone call from Kathmandu. It was a man's voice on the other end and he kept saying Hello to me and repeating his name. I literally took 10 seconds before I started to exclaim: "Omg, you're JB!".

It was really warm to hear from JB who was my ex-colleague from my exhibition days almost 8 years ago. I made some good buddies during my tradeshow stint in Korea and JB was one of them. We had some good fun, talked about life and future and they bring me for Korean food.

JB got my contact through another Korean buddy Dean who has since settled in the States with his family. He casually mentioned about his trip to Nepal just the day before departure to Dean and was shocked to learn that I had married a handsome Nepalese guy and living in Kathmandu.

Interestingly, JB called up Deepak in Kathmandu and introduced himself to get my contact. And more interestingly he requested for Deepak's help to arrange for a helicopter tour to Everest.

I had a short catch up over the phone with this long lost buddy and was equally excited that he had settled down and was in Kathmandu to visit his in-laws who live in Kathmandu and own a business. By the end of our conversation, I was hopeful we would meet in Kathmandu the next time, since we are likely to travel in and out of Nepal due to family ties.

Deepak managed to arrange the flight for him and his family and they had arranged to meet in town for a quick discussion on the logistics. It all felt so surreal but the episode really took place. My Nepalese husband get to meet my long-lost Korean friend in Kathmandu discussing about helicopter flight while I sat in Singapore, missed the chance of meeting and wondered how their meeting would be like.

Amazing.

Christ Church Secondary Girls Team at Everest Base Camp

Christ Church EBC Girls with SWET at Everest Base Camp

The EBC Girls were back!

Known as the Centre of Interest in Outdoor Education, Christ Church Secondary School started planning for an 18 day trek to Everest Base Camp since last year. Emulating after the Singapore Women Everest Team, this adventure team was made up of 3 female teachers (Ms Puah, Mrs Ang, Ms Tay), 6 girls (Cherry, Wenting, Yuki, Xin Fang, Priscilla & Cheryl) and a female trip leader from YMCA. They have only one goal – to trek to Everest Base Camp (5360m) and meet up with the Singapore Women Everest Team (perhaps).

It was an honor for Divine to be given the opportunity to collaborate with the school again for the third time in their outdoor adventures. We were very excited about bringing the girls to the Everest Base Camp and back safely.

During the trip briefing at the beginning of the year, many parents were listening intently what to expect for their daughters who were training rigorously then. Deepak, being the representative official from Nepal Tourism Board, gave parents more insights to Nepal and its mountains. No questions went unanswered, we were glad we gained their support and understanding by the end of the session. Thereafter, our efforts were focused on making all arrangements to ensure the girls’ successful journey to the Base Camp.

In March, Deepak and I were back in Kathmandu for work and home visit. We met the team upon their arrival. Not leaving anything to chance, we conducted yet another detailed briefing over lunch and made sure everyone absorbed the information and was well-prepared. Everyone was excited about the impending journey even though they had seen photo slides and were briefed by their teachers. I should have videoed their little ‘Diamox* Ceremony’ over dinner. I have not seen anything as hilarious as what they did – must ‘yum seng’ with the Diamox pill* before swallowing!
(*Note: Diamox is the most tried and tested drug for altitude sickness prevention.)

The EBC Trek we had planned for the group was a well-paced one including acclimatization days and buffer for possible flight delay. As the altitude got higher, the more challenging it got for them. We were back in Singapore during the course of their trek but monitored the journey everyday. Their chief guide Tin would call us from various phone points to report safety.

After almost trekking for almost 10 days, 6 of them made it to the Everest Base Camp (5360m) and met up with the Singapore Women Everest Team. The experience of having made it there and meeting up with their mentors was exhilarating! For these teenagers who grew up in the tropics, I would say it was no mean feat.

They had seen for themselves how a Base Camp dotted with expedition tents looked like, experienced the wonders of standing triumph at the foothill of Mount Everest and understood in this journey that nothing is impossible if they set their hearts to it. It was truly an experience of a lifetime for them.

It must have felt surreal upon return to the city. The team was back in Singapore on 13 April. Guess what? They are now known as the ‘EBC Girls’ in school and I believe whom many regard as role models because of what they achieved.

With the victorious return of our very own Singapore Women Everest Team and the inspiring journey made by the Christ Church team, I wondered, what would our very own Everest be?

Perhaps we can take a moment, think about a seemingly impossible task for ourselves and set our mind (or heart) to achieve it? I am sure the achievement will impact and change the way we live.

For now, these amazing EBC Girls seem to be aiming for Island or Mera Peak next.

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Click here to see the girls’ gorgeous album of their Everest journey.

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What The EBC Team Says

The overall organization is good. I enjoyed being able to meet up with Tin & Khrisna, working with them again in the trek and seeing the smiles and satisfaction in my girls. Divine provided excellent service. Both the guide, assistant guide and even support staff like Dhruba, Pasang & yourself doing the administration and hotel arrangement has been great in adding value to the whole trip!! Thks. I would like to explore Mustang, Green Lake (Sikkim) and Tibet next with Divine.

Ms Phua Mui Kiang, Teacher


The guides are very friendly and helpful. I will travel with Divine again and explore Nepal again because of this experience.

Mrs Ang – Lim Li Hoon, Teacher


The trip organization is excellent! Very friendly, effective. Divine’s staff and services exceeded my expectations.

Yvonne Tay, Teacher


The trip organization is excellent. Very responsive and attentive team. Very at ease knowing that my guide is well prepared.

Melissa Mak, Trip Leader


I enjoyed the nature, the beauty of the mountains. Divine staff were efficient. Great job and keep up the best work! :) It was the best trip I ever had. Definitely I’d recommend to everyone. I would like to explore water rafting and Mera Peak next in Nepal.

Cherry Fan Li Wen, Student


The trip was well organized and I enjoyed having our guides with us. Excellent service and awesome staff. I would want the same guide on the next trip that I am going. Would like to explore Island Peak.

Noriyuki, Student


I enjoyed the snow fight and treks the most in the trip. Excellent and awesome guides. I want the same guide for every of my trip (Uncle Tin!). I would travel with Divine again and explore ABC and Island Peak.

Tan Wen Ting, Student


The trip was fun! Learning and trekking together with the teram and guides. They are very nice people and the service is good.

Ng Xin Fang, Student


The trip is very good. I enjoy dinner time most. I would like the same guides on my next trip. I would like to explore Island Peak.

Priscilla Yau, Student


The trip was very good. Enjoyed the company of the team and the guides along the trek. Very good service. I would like to explore Mera Peak.

Cheryl Koh Tian Yi, Student

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IN THE MEDIA

Singapore women reach Everest Base Camp
Posted: 09 April 2009 1036 hrs

Nepal: The team of Singapore women climbers have reached Everest Base Camp, bringing them closer in their attempt to scale Everest. In an update emailed from the camp which stands at 5300 metres above sea-level the women said they were spending time getting acclimatised.

"After close to five years of preparation, we're finally here!" said a member of the NATAS SWET team in an email sent through a communication platform set up with support from Singapore telecommunications firm SingTel. The six-member team ascended Everest Base Camp (EBC) from Lobuche high camp (5,200m) climbing over rocks and boulders in the darkness.

Although the team's EBC 'home' for the next two months is at a height of 5,300m which is higher than most mountains in the European Alps, it didn't prevent visitors from dropping by.

Giving the women a pleasant surprise were students and teachers from Singapore's Christ Church Secondary School. They had treked hills to pay the visit which saw the students leaving littles notes written on song sheets while the teens made their journey to meet the Everest team.

"This journey was meant to inspire and instill confidence in the students and as a gesture of encouragement to the team" said a member of Singapore's first women Everest team.

"We were immensely touched and inspired by their visit... We were very encouraged by this and impressed by the strength and perseverance they have displayed in making their way here. They said that this was their little way of reminding us of Singapore, but to us, their presence have already brought 'home' to us, right here in the Himalayas."

The team of led by student development officer Jane Lee, 24; training facilitator Sim Yihui, 26; copywriter Esther Tan, 26; pharmaceutical-product specialist Lee Lihui, 27; business owner Joanne Soo, 38; and army officer Lee Peh Gee,32; embarked on their historic climb on March 21.

Click here to read original post on Channel News Asia online.

Fairfield Methodist School - Service Learning in Sikkim March 2009

Audrey learning knitting from Sikkimese students

Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) embarked on a Service Learning Trip in Sikkim recently in March. As long time partner with the school for programs in Nepal, it was exciting as we ventured together into Sikkim - one of the most beautiful states in India. Some of the breathtaking highlights of Sikkim includes its mountains (Mt Kangchendzonga – the world’s third highest mountain), lakes (Tsomgo Lake), monasteries (Rumtek Monastery) and scenic villages (Lachung). Popular with travellers seeking the road less travelled, Sikkim is also a trekking paradise tucked away in North India.

Peter, who is a very experienced trip leader and a dear friend led the trip. We had to transit overnight in Kolkotta before proceeding to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

For this trip, we had chosen to partner with Bojogari Junior High School for our program. On the first day in school, the assembly made a deep impression on all of us. Everyone was punctual and gathered at the assembly ground. All the students from the junior classes to the higher levels sang the prayer and anthem with pride and emotion. Looking back, I wondered if I ever sang our national anthem with the same pride. Our group was given a warm welcome by the school and was treated to a dance performance by the students.

In the few days that we were there, our students were tasked to complete 2 sets of painting jobs. The majority gave a new coat of paint to an independent block donated by the Rotary Club. The creative ones (surprisingly most of them boys) drew wall paintings in the nursery class. Interestingly they did have ‘hidden talents’ and were able to work very well together to complete the wall murals. I must say the end result was commendable. Together, teachers and students created life-like images of Bugs Bunny, Tasmania Devil, Mickey Mouse, Tweety Bird etc for the nursery class! Even the local teachers and students were impressed.

We had specifically arranged for teacher and students to learn not only one but three languages – Hindi, Bhutia and Lepcha, in the lesson exchange segment. It was obvious the local students enjoyed learning Mandarin from our students. All of them enjoyed having time to interact with one another learning the local handicrafts and playing games in the outdoors.It was indeed both touching and encouraging to witness the bonding of the students from both schools irregardless of race, language or background.

Singapore students are fortunate to be born in a developed country with a developed educational system to pave their learning journey. However they always have much to learn about humility, contentment and priorities and needs in life when they visit the developing countries or states. For this trip to Sikkim, they have definitely brought back very unique experiences and yearning to do more in community service in their own capacity.

From the Divine team, we certainly would like to give a vote of thanks to the school organizing team who worked hard to make the trip possible, the teachers on the trip who shared our passion and complemented our efforts in leading the programs. And to all you boys and girls, for the wonderful friendship that will last for a long time to come. (Yes, we will still meet when we next come by school)

And to Peter, a great job done, yet again!

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Click here to view the trip photo album.

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Click here to view feature article of the trip by Sikkim newspaper Now!

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What Some of Our Students Says

It was an enriching experience that touches my heart not only the activites but the people, I came back a changed person. Divine staff have exceeded my expectations. They were caring about our needs, they shared experiences that enriched my life and they were friendly even though sometimes strict. I learnt that I am fortunate that I was born in Singapore, to have family that I have and all the things around me are put into my life to mould me.

Jonathan Fong

The program was good and it was orderly and well organised. Divine’s staff had met my expectations especially Mr Peter Soon who ensures our safety. The students were participating at all times and he also keep us in order at all times. I learnt to cherish what I have and also treat everyone equal and with respect. I also learnt humility. I wish we could go trekking to know more about Sikkim. I would like to explore the mountains in Sikkim.

Jason Yeo

The overall program was well planned. Mr Peter Soon was always welcoming and being the one there to guide us. I learnt about humility and the attitude for learning. I would suggest a longer duration for interaction with the kids. Many of us just started to bond with them but now we are leaving. I would definitely want to visit Sikkim again and Mt Kanchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain. More hiking!

Russell Ng

The program is very beneficial and the organisation very efficient. The trip was very well planned and execution smooth. Divine’s staff are also very friendly and sociable, making the trip very enjoyable. I learnt to be appreciative of what you have even though no matter how small. Also I’ve realised that we are very fortunate to be born in Singapore. The trip duration can be extended so we have more time to interact with the local children. This would help us learn more of their culture. I would want to visit Sikkim again and if possible I would love to trek and have school exchange program too.

Vincent Tan

I’ve learnt all the things I would never have learnt in Singapore. Material wants and superficiality are absent here in Sikkim. Instead, humility and simplicity of life is evident. It teaches me that you don’t need material wants to make you happy but just appreciate the simple things in life.

Prasanna Lynelle Chua