Beijing 2008 Olympian, Courtney Atkinson won the Open Men Olympic division in a time of 1:44:34, ahead of Jack Hickey, Joseph Lampe and John Polson. Jodie Stimpson (GBR) was impressive in the Women’s Open category crossing the line in under 2 hours with a time of 1:57:38. Click any one of the thumbnails (below) to enlarge, then scroll. More photos under ‘Continue Reading’
Return to Racing? So, why would I start with a Long Distance event? 2km swim, 80km bike, 20km run. All that on top of a 450km drive, due west (to the rising floods), two nights in a very ordinary motel – and then another 450km back! The race itself was bittersweet. I came out of the water in the front three, into transition first, and then SNAP! Helmet broke. I subsequently spent 15 minutes in transition sourcing a replacement helmet. With nothing to loose, the bike and run legs were up there with the best I have put together. So I drove away from ‘Gundy’ with nothing to show but with a lot of confidence for what is ahead. Click any one of the thumbnails (below) to enlarge and Continue Reading for results.
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’
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…
