Shankar's mother places a red tikka on my forehead and flower petals behind my ears as a traditional Hindu farewell to a guest. Durga and 'the accountant' also have come along to say goodbye. On arrival at my hotel in Chitwan National Park, I immediately see a rhino on the opposite side of the river, which is a very exciting welcome! After a restful few hours, I go for a walk along the riverbank with my guide Santa. Yes, I know, but it's pronounced differently! ...

I start the day with a real treat - a wash in lukewarm water drawn from the lowest point of the well. I then head to school for my final day and am greeted as always by the happy, smiling faces of the pupils. I will really miss this. It's exams tomorrow and the school closes at lunchtime today to prepare. I am presented with a scarf and plaque by the Principal and I make a speech to all the teachers. I have enjoyed my time here and grown to really like this team ...

I was greeted with warm handshakes at school this morning by the teachers who had heard about my climb to the top of Devchuli yesterday. I watched a sign language exam in the Deaf Unit and then Ramesh took me on a tour of four primary schools. Nepal Schools Trust, on whose behalf I am in the village, have done great work here including putting in water filtration systems, building new classrooms and providing whiteboards for every classroom. During the afternoon,...

I have just returned from climbing Devchuli mountain - at 1,932 metres, a tiddler by Nepali standards but half as much again as Ben Nevis. Looking up at the peak which dominates the skyline, I cannot believe that I have stood at the top today and I am proud of that but also really tired as a result.. Nepali people are not great at estimating time - after all why should they be? The mountains have been here for millions of years and people have lived in these hill...

A local man just up the road has died overnight and friends and family are gathering outside his house to pay their respects this morning. There is a strong community spirit in all the towns and villages across Nepal and this is yet another example. He will be cremated along the river bank this afternoon and then his widow and sons will not touch anyone for thirteen days, after which the period of mourning will be over. I did some more teaching with classes 7 and...