A special trip to Nepal recognizes OAT associates’ outstanding service and teamwork
At OAT, we’re devoted to changing lives through travel. One way we do just that is by recognizing associates in Boston and around the world with awards for outstanding service and teamwork—and the greatest reward for the winners is what we call a “Recognition Journey.” Last March, nine associates from our Boston headquarters as well as our regional offices traveled to Nepal for one of these journeys. I asked a few of them to share their impressions—and they happily obliged.
Jirawit “Witty” Dangnui, Flightwatch Coordinator, with OAT since 2006
Witty (left) enjoyed spending time with the Nepali children.
“My favorite moment of the trip was seeing Nepali children: They were so innocent, friendly, and talkative. I couldn’t stop myself from splitting from our group to take pictures with the children and have a chance to talk with them. When I finished taking pictures, I showed them the photos I had taken. They were so excited to see themselves on the camera … I don’t think they even knew what a camera was!
These Nepali children reminded me of my childhood. When I was young, I played around my village in my province freely just like they did in their own homes. Now that I’m grown, it’s hard to find free time to play around like them. But one thing that keeps me free is the feeling that I’m still young at heart.”
Maggie Nevins, Travel Counselor, with OAT since 2004
Maggie saw many new and enlightening sights in Nepal—like these beautifully dressed women carrying large baskets of wood.
“I have dreamed of seeing Everest since I first studied it in the fifth grade. I have read all of the books about the climbers—and many aloud to my son. I had tears in my eyes as we flew by that magnificent and deadly peak ... for all who have died there and all who reached its summit. It was glorious! But, as it turns out, Nepal was much more than Everest. As with all of my OAT trips, it was life-changing for me. Kathmandu was spectacular ... every time we turned around, our mouths fell open. We saw a water buffalo sacrificed in the middle of Bhaktapur Square, cremations along the river, men paving the main highway in flip-flops, and beautifully dressed women carrying hundreds of pounds of wood on their heads—such a different culture! I've learned that our way is not the only way of doing things, and I love it!”
Daniel Solovay, Lead Web Developer, with OAT since 2004
Dan especially enjoyed the colorful sights and sounds of the Festival of Bisket in Bhaktapur.
“I felt like I’d traveled back in time 500 years, where people live a life both harder and simpler than ours. Seeing Everest was a dream come true for everyone on the trip. The beauty of the Himalayas seen through our plane window—their silence, size, and crystalline beauty left a lasting impression.
The sights, sounds, and excitement of the Festival of Bisket in Bhaktapur were especially special to me. The sounds of drums and cymbals … people pulling chariots enshrined with gods and carrying torches … the sense of joy and celebration … all were amazing.”
Simon Horsburgh, Vice President of Analytics, with OAT since 2007
Simon and the porters who carried the group’s bags during a trek.
“If there is one way to characterize my journey to Nepal, it’s that around each corner was an experience like none I had ever experienced. I had long wanted to go to Nepal and experience the beauty of the mountains, but I must admit, I had not actually thought too much about what the cultural experience would be like. I could not have been more surprised.
There was one particular aspect of Hinduism in Nepal that was especially impressionable: the tradition of the Kumari Devi, 'The Living Goddess.' A young four-year-old girl is selected through a series of elaborate (and controversial to my Western beliefs) tantric rituals. One has the child spend a night alone in a darkened room with the heads of slaughtered goats and buffalo. If she shows no fear, she is thought to have the fearlessness and serenity for the goddess to inhabit her. We saw the Kumari appear at her window. We all bowed and said ‘Namaste.’ It’s hard to imagine the life of that girl, who is worshiped as a god, yet not allowed to leave her temple or set foot on the ground. Yet at the onset of menstruation, the goddess leaves her body and she is once again a normal girl. A new Kumari is chosen and the cycle repeats.
Our Trip Leader reminded us of the quote: ‘An infant is born with a clenched fist as if to say “the whole world is mine,” and dies with open hands as if to say, “I take nothing from this world.”’ We could all use a little more of this humility. It creates an inner peace … a little humility and peace I hope to preserve from my trip to Nepal.”
Nancy Fogarty, Director Project Management, with OAT since 1989
Nancy enjoyed a special moment with this little girl during a trek to Sanctuary Lodge.
“Visiting Nepal has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl putting together world map puzzles on my grandmother’s living room floor. Kathmandu was more than I expected—it was sensory overload and I loved every minute of it. My greatest hope for this trip was to have a clear view of Mount Everest … and I was not disappointed. I was overcome with emotion from the beauty of the Himalayas and realizing my dream had come true.
My most memorable experience was an unexpected encounter with a little girl. We were trekking to Sanctuary Lodge, passing small villages and farms, and as we were coming up to one house, a little girl ran up to me and latched onto my leg. She just wouldn’t let go! And she would not go to the other members of the group, either. I never learned her name, but she will always have a big place in my heart.”
Katie Palmer, Senior Production Manager, with OAT since 2005
Katie experienced a surreal moment as she witnessed a traditional cremation ceremony along the banks of the Bagmati River.
“My most memorable experience in Nepal was actually an unexpected moment. Our group was walking along the banks of the Bagmati River when we came upon a cremation ceremony in progress. Families were bringing three bodies to the riverbank, where they were prepared for the cremation. Since women are not allowed to be present along the riverbank for fear that they may throw themselves upon the dead, they looked on from above.
It was such a surreal moment to watch as these families engaged in such a personal event … and in the same body of water where another person was washing laundry directly beside them! We all stood in silence for about 30 minutes reflecting on the amazing sight we were all witnessing.”
Experience the soaring peaks of Mount Everest and touching Nepali rituals and ceremonies on our Nepal & the Mystical Himalayas adventure.