Participant's closing remark
The closing remark by Melissa Nadeau, Ottawa University, Ottawa:
I
prepared this speech several days ago, even before Sharad to returned Canada.
Unfortunately, he is not here to celebrate this last evening with us, but
I strongly believe he is all in our thoughts.
Now
here it goes: “HYAKOON”!!
Nepal…..what
does it stand for? Never
Ending
Peace
And
Love.
Since
my arrival to Nepal, this is truly what I have experienced. I find it amazing to see what a smile can do for the local
people.
This
is a beautiful country, geographically and culturally. Beyond the polluted environment, the loud noise and heavy
traffic… I see beauty. A beauty
that needs to be revealed.
Like
probably everybody here, I had an objective before arriving to Nepal.
I had a desire to try to live, or at least have a better understanding of
the Nepali culture. Nepal holds such a richness.
I am happy to say, and I am sure that Kanak and Raby can agree, that I
have achieved this goal. In order
to surpass this personal goal, I have extended my stay in this beautiful country
to live more experiences and enrich my knowledge.
What
have we shared as a group in Nepal? Let me take this opportunity to identify
some key aspects. The most diverse
landscapes in the world were explored. While
some festivals were celebrated, prayers and spirits were offered to Gods and
temples. Some waves were fought
while rafting, and some peaks of mountains were gladly reached.
Songs filled the air and the language was practiced.
Most of all, friendships have been made and the memories will live
on…..
There
is no doubt that Nepal will always have a spiritual place in our hearts.
At
last, I would like to leave you all with a final thought, especially for those
that have made this trip a true success. On
behalf of everybody here, I would like to take this opportunity to remarkably
thank each and everyone of you who participated in the organization of this
adventure of a lifetime. Your time
and efforts have proven to be a real success.
How
else can I finish this speech but with a simple NAMASTE!!