-Samiksha Gurung,
The fine winter of 1993 is still fresh in my memory. I was 9 years old and my brother 6. We were both very happy and excited about our dad’s new employment at a British government funded project named Lumle Agricultural Research Center. Following dad’s employment, our family moved in the family quarter provided by his new company.

On our first trip to the project, my brother and I were left mesmerized by the amazing design and construction of the entire place. The project was situated in the hills of Lumle overlooking a dense green forest. I can still feel the tranquility as I close my eyes and revisit those memories when we used to live in midst of the green Mother Nature. Our new home was a very cozy one with green lawn in front. We had lovely neighborhood, surrounded by similar buildings. We simply loved the entire place.

Both my brother and I attended the Primary School constructed inside the project for its employees. The school was comprised of tiny buildings with slopped roofs made of fine slates. The school was small but our classrooms looked really cute with the white board in front, colorful paintings, poetry and articles written by students on the walls. The school had a small playground and a small library. For each and every one of us, the school day was really fun. During the recess time we would play and run around our school.

Beside our school the project had many exciting places that we loved as kids. The helipad was a cool place for us. We loved pretending to be a helicopter and run around the helipad cemented and painted in white. Right in front of the helipad was a small tea garden. It was really lovely to have a panoramic view of small bazaar “Kande” from the helipad.

The project also had a farm full of white and gray rabbits. Whenever we passed through the farm, we always insisted for our dad to take us in to look at the cute little rabbits. Another famous spot among kids at the project was the apricot garden. We used to be mischievous and often, sneakily, go to pluck the fresh apricots from the garden. Often we were chased away by the care taker of the garden. I really have fond memories of the childish mischief we did in that garden.

I remember my very first school tour quite vividly. My brother was not allowed to join the trip as he was only in the second grade and the trip was for the students from fourth and fifth grade. I was happy and excited about the trip whereas my brother understandably seemed rather sad. All the excited kids wearing their best clothes boarded the school bus accompanied by teachers for the 5 day fun-filled trip.

During the trip we were taken to various places such as Chitwan, Narayanghat, Lumbini, Sunauli, Gorkha, Manakamana and Pokhara. We visited various historical places, monuments, factories, religious temples, museums, and zoos. We all were so amazed when we visited paper manufacturing factory and sugar manufacturing factory. The trekking to Manakamana temple and swimming in the fewa lake of Pokhara was the most wonderful experience for us. The field trip as a whole was very enjoyable. And, at the end of the educational field trip, we felt a new experience of different things beyond our expectation and imagination.

Later, as my father ventured to a different pasture of life, he left the project. However, the memory of that place still lingers with me.

As an adult now, I totally agree to a quote from late American actress Helen Heyes, which goes “Childhood is a short season”, I wish I were a child once again, who used to find happiness on every little thing. I just wish I could be the same small child who held her father’s hand and slept in her mother’s warmth with no fear or concern. As I walk down my memory lane, I can’t help but cherish those precious moments. In fact those were the best days of my life. I am very thankful to both my parents for giving such a sweet and memorable childhood.