This week there is great excitement among Hope Foundation staff and volunteers, both past and present, as The Brothers, who work as guides in the foothills of the Himalayas set foot in Ireland for the first time.

Having guided Hope Foundation Volunteers and walkers in India for over a decade now, many returning year on year, it is a surreal experience for The Brothers and of course the volunteers who are now, in a reversal of roles, welcoming  The Brothers into their homes around Ireland.

From the foothills of the snow-capped Himalayas, to the lush, green hills of Ireland, The Brothers truly have come from a world apart. In total astonishment at how clean and quiet the streets of Dublin are and how bizarrely straight all the roads appear to be, The Brothers (Rinku, Dubai, Norbu and Hiren) are delighted to have finally made it to the green isle.

They always promised they would visit, and threatened many times, and now, after 10 years of forming strong friendships with so many HOPE volunteers, sending postcards, and birthday greetings, gifts and countless emails, they are ready for their 3 week tour of Ireland.

Thanks to the huge generosity of PaddyWagon Tours and DayToursWorld, The Brothers will be doing an exciting 6 day tour of Ireland travelling from  Dublin up to Belfast and Derry then down to Galway, Killarney and Cork! They will even be provided free accomodation by ‘Paddys Palace hostels’ around Ireland, which will be a fun new experience for The Brothers!