Why did you join VoluntEars?
I made many memories with VoluntEars in the past three trips and I knew I would make many more! It’s also a great way to practice and develop my sign language skills whilst travelling with other BSL users!
Why did you choose the Everest Base Camp trip?
It was on my bucket list! I wanted to challenge myself physically and see how far I can go.
What were you looking forward to?
I was looking forward to making many memories, reunite with the local guides Pemba & Dan from last Nepal trek after keeping in touch on Facebook and take many photos including Himalayan mountains and stars!
Were you worried about anything before the trip?
I was always the last in the mountaineering group whenever walking uphill in UK mountains, so I was worried if I was going to slow down the group and not reach the EBC in time.
What words would you use to describe your experience in Nepal?
Once in a lifetime adventure, greatest achievement, inspired.
What was your funniest or most memorable experience?
When I got off the plane at the airport in Nepal, a staff member saw me holding my red & white cane and offered me to sit in a wheelchair. I responded saying that I am fine and can follow, as I still have very good useful sight. She insisted that I sit in a wheelchair no matter how many times I refused. Eventually, I gave in as I thought that I might as well just take a bit of rest before a 12-day trek. She took me to visa counter and helped me get some money exchanged. Then when I got all the paperwork ready, she took me to the passport person. The person opened my passport and asked “so what will I be up to in Nepal?” and I responded saying “I’m going to Everest Base Camp” whilst still being sat in a wheelchair. Their confused face was priceless!
What did you enjoy the most on the trip?
I loved the acclimatisation day as me, Pemba and Kaju (the local trekking Guides) were having lots of fun making pictures to the point where our joy radiated to passers-by as they were laughing with us too. The first view of Everest with lots of laughter and joy made the day so memorable! I also loved the day where me, Richard and Kaju had to make a long way down. Everyone else took a helicopter due to tiredness / high altitude sickness, but I insisted to take on the challenge and make the rest of the way on feet. I thought I was going to need to speed walk to catch up with the rest of the group, but it ended up being the most peaceful walk of the trek! There were very few people, a different view of Himalayan mountains that looked so majestic with clouds, snow and avalanche [in the distance], and a steady stroll with yaks. It was the longest day of walk but I honestly felt recharged on that day! I also loved connecting with the locals. I have some British friends in UK who used to live in Nepal for many years and they taught me some Nepalese phrases. When I reunited with Dan, the guide and spoke to him in Nepali, his face lit up in a new way. We ended up bonding over Nepali language. I ended up feeling connected to him as if as I was his niece. This has taught me that learning a local language opens up a new, deeper connection that otherwise wouldn’t be there. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but knowing everyday phrases really makes a long way. I want to stick to the languages that I have been learning, but from now on, I intend to learn common phrases in main language before visiting a new country 🙂
Was it different to what you expected in any way?
After trekking to Poon Hill on last VoluntEars trip in Nepal, I had some idea what it would be like, which wasn’t very different to what I expected. I thought it would be a lot harder to reach EBC, but was grateful that my body adjusted well to the high altitude.
How do you think you benefitted from the experience?
I feel a lot fitter and feel inspired to do more physically challenging adventures! I also maintained my BSL skills and made new friends.
What did you like about the VoluntEars trip?
I like that VoluntEars is very adaptable to everyone’s needs.
What countries would you like to visit in the future?
In this trip, I learned that I now want to go on holidays that are physically challenging whilst I am still young to keep myself active, strong and fit. I loved training for it and the satisfaction of completing EBC. I can see VoluntEars doing Machu Picchu trip one day, which I would definitely join. I would also love to practice my Spanish skills in Peru. I plan to join Ghana in 2023, but will sign up last minute only as I need to see my workload as I am in my final year of PhD!
