On our way Home!

Hello friends and family,

We are now in Hong Kong after returning from our holiday in Pokhara and braving the chaos of Kathmandu. When we got back to Kathmandu we could hardly believe that we were already back in the city where all our adventures began 7 weeks ago!

Our last 2 days in Pokhara were spent trying to get a glimpse of the famous Annapurna Mountain Range. Apparently this time of year is notoriously bad for fog; clear days are few and far between. One morning we got up at 4am and went on a sunrise hike but the mountains decided to remain cloaked in clouds for the entire 6hr trek. We were pretty disappointed but enjoyed the hike. It took us along a ridge of mountains and through delightful traditional villages, rice paddies, and jungle groves. The following morning we got up again at 4am and dragged ourselves to the roof top of our hotel to watch the sunrise. We finally managed to get a small glimpse of the brilliant mountains. They were stunning! Having a few lovely relaxing days in Pokhara was exactly what the midwife ordered...Even though our bus ride back from Pokhara was a grueling (and sweaty) 9hrs.

Now we're easing back into reality, having spent our last two days in Kathmandu running around buying last-minute souvenirs and gifts, packing, repacking, and saying goodbyes. We had a farewell dinner with our fabulous Nepali supervisors and dear friends, Laxmi, Kiran, and Rashmi. These women are three trail-blazing members of the Midwifery Society of Nepal who are incredibly passionate about improving maternity care in Nepal through midwifery. We feel blessed to have had these amazing women watching out for us, organizing our clinical placements, showing us around Kathmandu, and welcoming us so warmly into their lives. They have truly inspired us.

Last night before heading to the airport we had dinner with our friend and trek guide Bishnu, who invited us to his home and showed us how to make one of our favourite Nepali dishes - momos. Now we can't wait to make it for family & friends when we get back home!

Our flight from Kathmandu to Dhaka and then to Hong Kong was smooth, and we spent the afternoon touring around a very rainy Hong Kong with Yarrow's family friend. We have just a few minutes before we board our last flight which will take us back to Vancouver. We're sad to have left Nepal but are very much looking forward to hugging our family and friends, and to thanking each of you in person for the incredible love and support you gave us while reading our stories. Your messages have meant so much to us.

We should go now (it would be pretty awful to get stuck in HK now!), but are planning on sharing a few more photos and last words on our experiences when we get home.

Love to everyone,
xo
Yarrow & Lauren