In the first week I was in Nepal I came up with what I “perceived” to be the definition of Nepal:

Nepal; a vibrant, eclectic mix of religions and cultures, set amongst topography so diverse and so incredible.

As my time in Nepal has drawn to an end, and I find myself back in the comfort of my own house and surroundings, I want to talk about some important elements I have learnt about Nepal, some of my experiences I think are profound enough to mention, and how all of this has possibly changed my “perceived” definition of Nepal now. Continue Reading →

It’s been a while since my last update… Yes… Fairly predictable. Rather than attempt to backdate it with a reflective report of what happened a few weeks ago (that will come), here is something a little more interesting. I am sitting in a Bulbulhe tea house, having just completed what is regarded as the World’s Greatest trek, the Annapurna Circuit. It’s a 150km route that normally takes 14 – 18 days. It takes you over the world’s highest pass, Thorong Pass, 5500m high, normally requiring a couple of days acclimatization. Here is my take on the Annapurna Circuit, which took us (myself and a guide) six days to complete.

Click any one of the thumbnails (below) to enlarge, then scroll. More photos under ‘Continue Reading’

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This is the first of my posts for international student placement organization Antipodeans Abroad. Continuing with the theme of my own blog, I will attempt to give families and friends back home, as well as prospective students looking at doing a placement in Nepal, greater insight into what we do, why we do it, and some of the more peculiar things we encounter.

Nepal; a vibrant, eclectic mix of religions and cultures, set amongst topography so diverse and so incredible.

If you were looking for a definition of Nepal the one above might go someway in do doing it. Yet, after our first week together as part of the Nepal November Antipododeans group, it is obvious to all of us that no one definition describes Nepal. It’s personality and beauty are simply impossible to describe. My name is John Polson and I am a Physiotherapy Student from Bond University on the Gold Coast. Along with 18 other fine young people, I have come to Nepal to chase a different experience, a different outlook on life. An experience I will look back on in retired life and say to the grandkids, “I did that”. My intention in these coming blogs is to not just provide a journal of some of our experiences. I want to go a little deeper, I want to give you a taste of Nepal that not only highlights what makes it so special, but also the situations and circumstances that see it crying out for need of international aid and the assistance of people such as ourselves. Continue Reading →

A very brief update, which, hopefully, will be replaced by something rather more substantial as soon as possible.

I have now started the placement that is the real reason why I am in Nepal. I am currently working at Sewa Kendra Centre for Children with Disabilities. I will be here for a total of four weeks. It’s challenging, but obviously nowhere near as challenging as it is for the kids. I will attempt over the next few days to give you a insight into Sewa Kendra, put into context disabilities in Nepal, and the role of the health system (both causative and it’s responsibilities). It’s very complex but that’s Nepal. This is not a typical Physiotherapy placement. I will more than likely have very little impact on these young people’s lives other than the gifts I bring them and the smiles I can put on their face. However, the need for awareness is a big thing, not just for those of you outside Nepal but for the Nepalese people themselves.

Our tour through the snow peaked Annapurna region and a concluding safari through the dense jungle of the Chitwan National Park was something that both Crystal and I are so extremely lucky to have experienced.

Leaving the hustle, the bustle, and at times sadistic atmosphere that is Kathmandu, we headed to Pokhara. This is Nepal’s Gold Coast – tourists and hotels in overwhelming proportions but locals without the silicone content and personalities somewhat less superficial than my sun-stroked hometown. Pokhara is situated on the large Phewa Tal lake, with the back drop of the Annapurna ranges. It’s even more glorious than it sounds. Pokhara will be our home for the next 8 weeks, but more of that in the coming weeks. It’s purpose for this trip was as a starting point for our trek up into the mountains – the mythical Annapurna Conservation Area. Continue Reading →

When you’re traveling to a new country, it’s always somewhat daunting trying to plan things to do and deciding the best possible itinerary for the time you have available. When traveling to a third world country such as Nepal, with natural scenery as extravagant as it gets, this proposition is multiplied. Initially, Crystal and I were planning on “winging it”, and deciding on exciting things to do when we got to Kathmandu. However, about a month ago we combined my desire to go white water rafting and an insatiable appetite to gain some altitude, with her goal of walking through the foothills of the Annapurna ranges and meeting the people that truly make Nepal the place it is. Continue Reading →

The journey to Nepal has begun. Following months of preparation, exam cramming, assignments completed months in advance, and loved ones left at home, we are finally here.

The trip started with a somewhat spectacular entrance. Not forgetting our three hour delay in Singapore, our flight was forced to circle Kathmandu for 45 minutes due to very poor visibility. Anytime your pilot comes on the loud speaker saying “visibility is non-existent – therefore we cannot land”, followed by “visibility is not much more than minimal – so we can now land” does not leave you feeling very confident. Nevertheless, we arrived into the thriving metropolis that is Kathmandu. Continue Reading →

Just a very brief update from Kathmandu before I am booted from this Internet cafe, or asked to buy another chai which may see me make a few too many trips to the toilet tonight. Following an eventful plane trip into Kathmandu, followed by a more eventful taxi trip to our hotel, and then a very exciting first day in Kathmandu that had everything from a traditional hindu cremation ceromony to the pleasure of shopping in Kathmandu, I find myself in this little cafe.

We are safe. We are happy. And we are ready for what comes next on our journey…

Before I start I should offer an apology. Like many wannabe bloggers who have gone before, I started mine with a flurry of posts and then quickly became preoccupied with other mindless activities. No, not quite true. But the apology remains.

It is over one year since my last post. As I read through my previous entries I am overwhelmed with how my life has changed and how my mindset has altered. Priorities that were imperative twelve months ago are merely a side issue now. Ambitions and goals that were set have either been replaced or forced to take a back seat for a little while longer. And not at any stage is this a bad thing or do I have regrets. After all, this is a journey.

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Pudendal nerve entrapment in cyclists (aka. Numb Knob)

“After listening to a number of experienced health professionals talk, and following my experiences as a professional triahtlete, the issue of pudendal nerve entrapment resulting from cycling has become of great interest to me. The majority of males who ride a bike will know exactly what I am talking about. Their partners will also more than likely know what I am talking about. I encourage you to read my brief but important review of pudendal nerve entrapment and encourage you to then tell others in the cycling fraternity to read it as well. This IS a shameless endorsement of Selle SMP saddles because this is such an important issue and a problem that can be drastically reduced with appropriate equipment and intervention.”

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Well it’s been a few weeks since my last update, and my life is a little different since then, so it’s probably best to let you know what’s happening. Let’s start with Uni…

It’s now Week 5 into Semester 1 of Physiotherapy. I guess I could give you the run down on how busy it is, the lack of sleep, and the countless moment’s when you say to yourself, Continue Reading →

It’s now been a few days since I returned home from China. A lot has happened this last week; racing, a lot of travel, and starting back at Uni. I’ll first give you a quick run down on the race.

On Saturday was the ITU Fuzhou Premium Asian Cup. Fuzhou is a large city in the Fujian province, about one hour north east (by plane) from Hong Kong. This was my very first trip to China, and I had no idea what to expect. This was probably a good thing. Anyone who has had the privilege of travel to China knows that it is a little bit of a culture shock. Continue Reading →

Arriving back from Noumea on Tuesday afternoon, I had a very hectic 24 hours. Within this time I had to organise an emergency visa to China (apparently not possible), attend a compulsory “2 day” Physiotherapy orientation, and organise an ‘ITU allowed’ bike. In brief, it was all done, without hassle. Well, ok, there was drama, lots of it. But I am now on my way to China, having also satisfied the university with my attendance at orientation and with a bike I have never ridden before! Continue Reading →

After Subic Bay, I returned home for 2 days. Upon unpacking my bike, I found a massive crack in the frame caused from baggage handling. This resulted in a frantic search for a replacement bike. Bike Force Bundall came to the rescue with a time trial bike, and a borrowed wheel set from friends. Despite the brief panic, I was able to fly out late Thursday night. Continue Reading →

Subic Bay is in the Philippines, approximately one hour south of Manila. Subic Bay is better known as a former US Naval base used between the start of the 20th Century right up to the early 1990s. During the Second World War, Subic Bay was the South Pacific Naval hub for the Allies, and was crucial in the defence of Australia. The US Military subsequently invested billions of dollars into the infrastructure and development of Subic Bay. It became a thriving bay side town, where business prospered from the inhabitancy of those “wealthy” soldiers. Unfortunately, in 1991 (?) a nearby volcano erupted, devastating much of the town. Continue Reading →

Singapore was quite an experience. I suppose I learned many lessons… mainly what “not to do” before leading into a big race. To be honest, the disappointment was rather large. I was in what I thought to be the best shape of my life, intent on making up for some ordinary races, and then to stuff that up by some naïve, rookie mistakes is, well, disappointing! Anyway, it was onwards to Cape Town, and a trip that was part pleasure, part training. Continue Reading →

Well, it has been a little while since my last update. So I will give you a ‘quick’ brief on what’s been going on, and then write in a little more detail about each race if you so wish to read further. The last month or two has been hectic, exhilarating, scary, nervous, and inspiring. Continue Reading →

Hell on Earth?  Ok, so maybe not the most politically correct observation of Singapore. It’s actually a very beautiful, sophisticated, and cultural country. However, 35 degree heat with 90 percent humidity makes any form of exercise, let alone racing a Premium European Cup, very very hard. Continue Reading →

Just about to leave on my 5 week whirlwind tour. 4 continents – 5 countries. Singapore, Dubai, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines and China.

I had the Northside Hire Mooloolaba Open Elite race on Sunday and came away with a very satisfying 2nd place. Held during the Mooloolaba triathlon festival, this race is always one of my favourites on the triathlon calendar. Continue Reading →