If last month was ants, this month we’ve moved on to battle with cockroaches, there were so many in the kitchen cupboards that by the end the children were picking them up by hand and taking them outside. I preferred the calmer, more adult approach of standing on a chair crying. We also have a mix of ghekos, lizards, a bat, which hangs each night off the clothes rack and of course mosquitoes!! How they love me.
We are continuing, slowly to get to know our Nepali neighbours. We’d our local “Jim McFadden”, wife and 2 daughters here for afternoon coffee and tea. The girls went to another neighbour’s birthday party and we’ve been for daal bhaat again.
In March, was another festival called “Holi”, as part of this, there is a tradition of throwing water and coloured powder. All of the foreigners arrived at classes that day in old clothes. We made it safely to class, but on the way home were “holied” in a lovely bright purple!
House hunting continued, but now the house we’re in has been signed to INF for another long term contract, so we’ve decided to stay. Stephen now has a vegetable patch and has been busy planting. Yesterday we went furniture hunting.
Language learning continues slowly. Stephen bought a fridge and with his limited Nepali and a few extra rupees was able to get our new fridge delivered to our house, the old fridge taken to another ex-pat house and their fridge taken upstairs to their landlords! We were all very impressed. Shopping yesterday I pleasantly realised I can actually now quite easily communicate at that level. Understanding what’s being said back isn’t always so easy. There’s only so many times I can say, “Pheri bhannus,” or “bistaarai bhannus”-(please say again, please say slowly.)
Easter here, our first main Christian event since leaving home. It’s been quite emotional at time singing familiar songs. The children did the Easter story in assembly. What a mix of international children, parents and religions! Being here, has helped to bring the familiar story to life again and given a new perspective to many of the bible verses. Stephen and Patrick took part in an Easter parade. All the churches gather and walk through Pokhara.
We are continuing, slowly to get to know our Nepali neighbours. We’d our local “Jim McFadden”, wife and 2 daughters here for afternoon coffee and tea. The girls went to another neighbour’s birthday party and we’ve been for daal bhaat again.
In March, was another festival called “Holi”, as part of this, there is a tradition of throwing water and coloured powder. All of the foreigners arrived at classes that day in old clothes. We made it safely to class, but on the way home were “holied” in a lovely bright purple!
House hunting continued, but now the house we’re in has been signed to INF for another long term contract, so we’ve decided to stay. Stephen now has a vegetable patch and has been busy planting. Yesterday we went furniture hunting.
Language learning continues slowly. Stephen bought a fridge and with his limited Nepali and a few extra rupees was able to get our new fridge delivered to our house, the old fridge taken to another ex-pat house and their fridge taken upstairs to their landlords! We were all very impressed. Shopping yesterday I pleasantly realised I can actually now quite easily communicate at that level. Understanding what’s being said back isn’t always so easy. There’s only so many times I can say, “Pheri bhannus,” or “bistaarai bhannus”-(please say again, please say slowly.)Easter here, our first main Christian event since leaving home. It’s been quite emotional at time singing familiar songs. The children did the Easter story in assembly. What a mix of international children, parents and religions! Being here, has helped to bring the familiar story to life again and given a new perspective to many of the bible verses. Stephen and Patrick took part in an Easter parade. All the churches gather and walk through Pokhara.
We went on our 1st trek, Royal Trek, done by Prince Charles and Mick Jagger, only the best! Actually not on the popular tourist trail, so accommodation pretty basic, we only counted 3 mice in our room the 1st night. We travelled with 2 small bags, and met an American couple on the same trail who had 5 porters fully loaded up!Missed out seeing Ireland claim the Grand slam. Dad gave us a good 2nd hand account and mum posted out newspaper reports. Gave us great satisfaction, especially when there are Scottish, English and Welsh expats out here.
I eventually made it up to Western Regional Hospital. I’d heard it was very grim, so was pleased it wasn’t as grim as I’d imagined. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming. I didn’t feel overwhelmed which I took as a good sign. No doubt that feeling will come in 8 weeks after I start work !!!!
We enjoyed meeting up with some fellow Irish people, Crooks from Ballymoney and Rosie Slater who did the job before me and her team from 1st Portadown . To them thanks for taking the time to meet with us, we enjoyed the craic and encouragement.
