On the occasion of the Norway-Nepal Association’s 40th anniversary, we will publish interviews with people who have a relationship with the association. Follow along and get to know the association better!
What is your favorite memory from Nepal?
I have been to Nepal twice on holiday. The first trip was special, then we traveled to Mustang. On the next holiday, I took part in a cycling trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where we cycled through the fields and the green mountains. I have experienced many different things on these trips! It was particularly exciting and different to be in the Mustang. We flew in with a twin otter plane and were supposed to be on tour for 14 days. Together with the Norwegian guide Nora Weier Larsen, we went for a walk in the capital Lo Mantang. There we met an old man whom she knew from before, who was a merchant. It was great to see each other again, they spoke in a little Nepali, and we were invited to his home and the shop he ran. We did some shopping with him and they updated each other on each other’s families. It was so great to come and see how people lived on a daily basis. The houses were built of stones, and bricked on the outside. The stones on the paths had been made smooth by people over many, many years. Especially on this day because it was a Buddhist holiday that was celebrated in a monastery in the village. The monks danced and played through the town wearing masks and traditional costumes. The people would be blessed by them. We saw that this was a tradition that meant something to people, and we were in the middle of it! It was great to experience!
How did you first join the Norway-Nepal Association?
I have traveled with Hvitserk many times, and had Nora as a guide. Before I had been to Nepal, I took part in a trek through the Himalayas in India from Leh to Manali. By chance I met Nora there! She talked about NNF. I joined as a guest at a meeting before we left for Nepal. And after I had been in Mustang there was supposed to be an annual meeting of the association. A topic was set up that I thought was interesting, and I showed up for it. At the annual meeting, it turned out that a board member was missing! I took on that position. So I was selected without having much of a clue. I learned a lot from the others! It was also exciting to get to know Nepalese people living in Norway. I think it’s so nice to go to the meetings and meet people again!
What are your wishes and dreams for the association in the next 40 years?
I want the association to last and still exist in 40 years! The association is a nice meeting place for those who have been to Nepal, and are involved in Nepal. Both the events and not least Hamro Patrika broaden the perspectives for me who have been in the country as a tourist, and not worked there. I think it is important that NNF is also for those who have been on holiday in Nepal!
Norge-Nepalforeningen 