Emotional Logic into Nepal

A 21-day adventure by Marian Read more

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Trip start
November 19, 2025
Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
South Hams
November 10 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Checking my kurta sarawals still fit.
Looking great Marian. Have a great trip! Blessings to you both. Gx [Gllian Bedford]
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Off we go!
November 19 in England ⋅ 🌬 7 °C
Ruth kindly gave us a lift to the station
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Got to Heathrow departures.
November 19 in England ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Arrived in Nepal!
November 20 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
First stop Doha- amazing airport indoor forest. Then onto Kathmandu and wonderful warm welcome from both Sarju and Milan. Now installed in Gracemandu guest house and ready for a good sleep.
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Sight- seeing day.
November 21 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
After a sustaining breakfast of French toast or omlette with bacon at Beyond the Clouds cafe, attached to our guest house, we set off to Patan Durbar Square and museum. We spent several hours ( including refreshment breaks) and we now understand a little more about the complex Hindu/ Bhuddist religious mix here. The architecture is stunning and the streets are so colourful- but not easy to negotiate with miriads of motorbikes.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Sabbath
November 22 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Saturday is Christian Sabbath in Nepal so, after breakfast, ( colourful, eclectic cafe where we were initially asked to sit on the floor) we went to Church. They were celebrating 25th anniversary in this very large, well supported lively place- my guess average age 40yr with lots of youth.
We met Ian and Claire Ferrer who were the initial opening into Nepal for tea at the British Tea House ( they have been here 7 weeks). In the evening we had our first Dahl Bhat.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
First teaching day
November 23 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Our first training day was at Trinity Hotel. We had 42 very engaged pastors and other church workers from more than 20 churches. Sarju and Milan received their Foundation award certificates- earned by online study over the past 6 months and are starting to take on some teaching- our succession plan. There were some challenging questions. Now we are exhausted. Early bed needed before day 2!Read more
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Day 2 teaching in Central Kathmandu.
November 24 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Another very active, thinking on feet, engaged day workshop. We were asked to include more Biblical teaching so we used Jesus' Emotions as revision and the story of Jonah was great for multiple card patterns, loss lists and the suicidal whirlpool.
Another excellent Dahl Bhat for lunch. Large meals consumed by delegates could have led to a serious post- lunch dip but staved off by some very lively worship songs.
I finished with a summary of Trauma Informed Care.
The certificate ceremony involved the Chair of Equip Nepal Buddhiman Shakya who joined us for chats over lemon, ginger and honey tea at Grace Mandu afterwards.Read more
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Wonderful rest day
November 25 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
After a leisurely breakfast debrief with Sarju and Milan and an hour in the bank changing money, we headed into Kathmandu central to visit the Garden of Dreams. We had been told it was a glorious peaceful place but it went beyond expectations.
Sarju recommended the Himalayan coffee restaurant at the top of Durbur Mal and the view was indeed spectacular. We looked directly at the royal palace and to the right were the Himalayas.
The taxi ride back was an unexpected treat of tiny interesting streets because the driver misunderstood my instructions!Read more
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EL for trainee counsellors in Godawari
November 26 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Training today was in Godavari on the Southern edge of the Khatmandu basin. We could look over across the smoggy city to the snowcapped Himalayas beyond- very beautiful and part of a Roman Catholic church complex
A false start where we had gone to the wrong venue was soon forgotten with this vista. 32 trainee counsellors who are due to graduate tomorrow were very engaged and many laughs were had. Our excellent translator Murari Pandey often initiated these. Some delegates had travelled for up to 12hr on a bus from as far as Butwal in the West.
Director of the counselling course, Pastor Dhana, gave us a lift back as Sarju's car was in for repair and it was interesting to hear him speak about how new the idea of shared emotions is to Nepali culture.
This evening, Milan took us for momos and very spicey thukpa at a Tibetan restuarant.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Botanic Garden
November 27 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Sarju and Milan received signed copies of our book over breakfast and then we headed back to Godawari for day 2 teaching. Although we only had a short morning because the students had their graduation ceremony, it was a great time with very encouraging feedback.
We then spent some time at the National Botanic Garden just up the road. The flowers were not at their Summer best but it was still a spectacular setting. Many bridal couples were having photo shoots, families picnicing and enormous numbers of immaculately uniformed school children.
Tomorrow we fly to Pokhara while Sarju and Milan will take the just repaired car.Read more
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Begnas Lake, Pokhara
November 28 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
A slightly strange day with changing plans but we have landed in a wonderful, restful place-Dinesh Hotel, top of the ridge above Begnas Lake near Pokhara.
We flew with Buddha air- stunning views of the Himalayas, which Trevor, as the first-timer had the window seat and camera for-90min delay was not a problem. Meanwhile, Sarju and Milan drove- well they are still driving as there are so many roadworks.
We were met at Pokhara airport by Milan's Son, Promise who draped us with the traditional scarves and got us into a taxi to our hotel. On arrival at Talchowk, just 3km from our destination, it transpired that the road was closed for resurfacing. We were offered the option of 15km extra taxi journey around the top of Rupa lake or lifts on the back of a motorbike skipping past the obstruction- 4 trips to transport us and our luggage. We were unanimous on our quick choice of the long taxi ride- we must be getting old!
The road around the lake gave wonderful views and interest so we felt that had been the right decision. We had been warned that there were many steps from the road to the hotel. Promise was amazing at helping us with our luggage on what felt like a mini trek.
We have a lovely big room with spectacular views from the balcony. Dinesh's elderly Mother made dahl bhat which was eaten outdoors around a firebox with another guest from France and Dinesh.
It is very quiet here so hoping for a good sleep.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Sabbath in Talchowk
November 29 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Great sleep in this peaceful place and woke to thick mist which gradually cleared to give tantalising glimpses of the Himalayas and then the full vista.
Local knowledge was invaluable to find a way around the road block to Talchowk church where the worship was uplifting. There were lots of young people and teens who were very involved including the worship band. Trevor preached with Milan interpreting.
We were entertained to lunch with Pastor Subash Malla who lives above the church meeting room and then sat in the sun on the roof for milk tea among the vegetables growing in recycled containers, the caged chickens and the washing lines. The views were amazing-harvested paddy fields, straw ricks being built, potatoes and beans being planted and the ever- present mountains.
We had a walk along the edge of Begnas Lake among the weekend pick- nickers. We climbed to a rooftop cafe for ginger, lemon, honey tea before more walking and a short drive back to Dinesh house.
More dahl baht this evening served by Amma- Dinesh's elderly Mother who is left holding the fort while all the younger members are at a wedding. November is wedding month, apparently. Sitting around the outdoor fire and chatting with another guest from France was a great end to the day.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Day 1 training at Talchowk.
November 30 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We enjoyed wonderful millet banana honey pancakes on the walk down to the road before training 28 pastoral workers in Talchowk church. Both Sarju and Milan did teaching using their own stories causing much laughter in the afternoon.
The morning was misty as usual but by lunchtime the mountains were giving their usual display of splendour.
We visited yet another locally grown coffee shop on the way home with views of the sunset and pink peaks.Read more
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Talchowk day2
December 1 in Nepal ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Awake at daybreak, my birdsong App recognised a Collared Scops Owl calling- not at all like the Tawny Owls at home. It was another misty morning as we walked up the path for breakfast- mountain tops showing brief glimpses.
The training today felt quite heavy work at times- but then the encouraging feedback made it all worthwhile. Sarju and Milan are increasingly joining in and their local stories always bring laughter.
The lunch was really excellent- fish from Begnas lake.
Getting back to our hotel proved a challenge as both the roads were closed for repair and we had to take the 15km diversion in the dark and on roads that Google maps didnt yet know existed.
Tomorrow we go to Nayagaun Church guest house and the most urgent task will be changing money.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Nayagaun Church Guest house.
December 2 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We were sad to pack up and leave Dinesh house. The thick mist seemed to encourage bird life this morning and many were spotted and a few identified, including lots of kingfishers on our drive around Rupa lake.
The mountains showed up as we passed Talchowk. Pokhara was dusty anf noisy after the peace but arriving at Nayagaun felt like homecoming to me- we even have the same room I had last year .
After successful money change, I did some Christmas shopping in 'Woven' fair trade shop and then we were taken to a restuarant on the lake, a little away from the hippy strip, where Trevor was almost defeated by an emormous, bony fish.
At Marian's request, we then went to the university campus to the Natural History museum. The particular pull was the national butterfly collection gathered by Colin Smith, an Englishman naturalised Nepali. It is an amazing legacy.
Back at Nayagaun we decided fruit would be best for an evening meal- including dragon fruit.Read more
TravelerSo glad you got to see the butterflies- Christmas shopping sounds exciting
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Asal Chhimekee- Good Neighbours
December 3 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
This Christian NGO does community work of all sorts. 46 people attending the training included addiction counsellors and youth workers- all very engaged but finding EL very different from their previous ways of working.
The food provided was excellent- hard boiled eggs and jam and bread for breakfast and a very tasty chicken dahl baht at lunch.
Debrief at twilight was in a German bakery- wonderful cheesecake and cinnamon rolls. Hmm- seems to be a lot about food!Read more
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Back to Kathmandu
December 5 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
The Annapurnas made an appearance when we opened the bedroom curtains at Nayagaun today. By the time we got to the roof, the panorama had clouded a little but we enjoyed watching the locals- when we really should have been packing!
Breakfast was in an American themed cafe and we ate eggs or french toast to the music of rock and roll. Green Pastures hospital was en route but, with time being short we left the knitted hats we had brought with Jan and Helena who will investigate setting up a psychology service there- once they have completed language study.
As it turned out we had lots of time. Sarju and Milan dropped us at Pokhara airport just in time for check in but the foggy weather meant our flight was delayed by 2hr. The flight past the Himalayas was as stupendous as ever. Meanwhile, they drove the 200km which took them more than 8hr.
Back in Gracemandu guest house now and preparing and analysing feedback.Read more
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Lalitpur
December 5 in Nepal ⋅ 🌙 11 °C
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A day of contrasts
December 6 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Sabbath in Katmandhu so our cafe was closed and we headed for the eclectic Bhuddist spot for toast and jam. Today we ate to continuous Bhuddist chants- quite relaxing.
Then we headed to 'Vision of Salvation' Church- Pentecostal and reminiscent of our previous church. Trevor preached again and the whole service was almost 3hr but did not seem long, surprisingly.
We ate lunch with the pastor and his family in a Western style restuarant- on the rooftop with amazing views over Kathmandu.
Then we headed to Swayambhu- the monkey temple- a very important Bhuddist site but also full of Hindu shrines. To our surprise we found a shop selling paintings with Bible verses on them too and we were entertained to milk tea by the proprietor/ artist.
A music group from Bhutan were performing, monks in wine- coloured robes and visiting worshipers in Tibetan costume mingled with the tourists. Some young monkeys were having fun swinging on the prayer flags and then sliding down the stupa dome. The sun had just set when we headed down so we decided to defer shopping and get our feet up.Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Last Emotional Logic training
December 7 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
I was up early to see the dawn which meant I managed a tea before the power went off (not common this year).
Todays training was half a day for the Equip Nepal team back at Trinity Cafe where we began. It took more than an hour to gather the learners but the ten people engaged well when we got to the personal stories.
Dahl baht and fruit in yoghurt followed accompanied by discussion and questions.
Sarju then took us to see his office, where his Foundation Award certificate was proudly displayed. We drove Milan to the bus stop to catch an overnight bus to the South East- an 8hr journey. He is going to do a 2 day teaching including some Emotional Logic in Ilam- a tea growing area on the Terrai, near the Indian border. Not wasting much time in passing on the word! Sad to wave goodbye.
Sarju dropped us near some craft shops and I exasperated Trevor by getting carried away shopping.
Back at Beyond the Clouds, we enjoyed a honey, lemon and ginger tea with cake.
Packing tomorrow- wonder how I will fit in all my purchases!Read more
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Emotional Logic into Nepal Traveler
Waiting to fly home
December 8 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
A gentle final day- mostly spent at GraceMandu and Beyond the clouds cafe. Over breakfast we heard that Milan had safely arrived and, later, that he already had the Stepping Stones cards out. We did some de-brief with Sarju and learned more about Equip Nepal.
To my surprised delight, Bruce and Libby Hayes appeared and we had a short opportunity to chat with them between their meetings.
Lunch was at the 'Juicery' , we did some window shopping and then sat peacefully in the Guest house garden until time for Sarju to drive us to the airport.
We are now in the departure lounge with a delayed flight- but fortunately we did not give away all our chocolate!Read more
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Home again.
December 10 in England ⋅ 🌙 8 °C
We are safely home after a 26hr journey- several delays along the way but no major problems.
After passing flooded fields and arriving home in high winds- due to Storm Bram apparently, today the sun has come out. Our garden has late roses and early daffodils.
We feel very blessed. Now to get ready for Christmas!Read more
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Trip end
December 9, 2025