Jayendra picked us up at 8:45am and drove us to Binod's house for tea. We met Goan, Past President of club and Binod's family.
As we drove to the Lo Kumphen school we drove through Pokhara and every few yards there was some construction project. We pass tyre repairers and I can't imagine people in the UK changing and repairing truck tyres by hand without any mechanical aid.
We drive out of Pokhara with the Annapurnas ahead of us then turn into the yard of the Lo Kumphen school. We were warmly greeted by the Amchi and ushered into his office for a welcome tea. We were treated to Tibetan tea which was an unusual concoction with salt and butter. Strangely it appears to help my sore throat. We exchanged gifts and the Amchi offered us some pills to help our cough.
We were taken on a tour of the boys, girls and staff sleeping quarters which as by now we expected were very basic. There were 5 classrooms for years 2 to 6 and we visited each of these. The children were neatly dressed in school uniform and they were very polite when we entered. mike spoke to each and wished them well when they returned to their parents and homes in Mustang in 16 days time.
Jayendra and Binod then took us to visit 2 micro loan recipients. First was a metalworker who set up his business with the help of a micro loan 4 months ago and now employs 2 additional staff. The second was a peanut seller who was injured following an explosion and has been selling her wares from her bicycle counter for 4 months.
We returned to the hotel for lunch then had a gentle stroll along the shop fronts.
At 5:30pm we attended the club meeting of RC of Pokhara Fishtail. RC of Dronfield were also in attendance. During the business meeting we were each presented with Rotary scarves and a Token of Love by President Raju. President John addressed the meeting and presented Binod with a PHF+Sapphire. Mike Bamford then addressed the club and presented the RC of Pokhara Fishtail with a Certificate of Appreciation which is the club equivalent of a PHF. Following the meeting we had a meal and an evening of fellowship. All too soon we had to take our leave amid questions of when we would return. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
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