Settling in

Dodging the motorbikes!

We are beginning to get used to the sights, sounds and smells of this vibrant, seemingly chaotic city. (We are also getting quicker at moving out of the way of motorbikes and bikes as we walk through the lanes!) People are very friendly and we get lots of smiles, especially when Amy and Paul practise their Nepali - 'namaste' (hello) and 'dhanyabad' (thank you).

At 7am this morning we heard the whistle of the rubbish collector (a chap on a bike with a large box on the back) and rushed downstairs before he could cycle off again. For 100 rupees a month (about 80p) the collectors come round a few times a week and take the rubbish who-knows-where to (hopefully) sort it and recycle some of it. The rest is probably burnt or dumped so we try to keep our waste to a minimum.

Today we went to Patan's famous Durbar Square, which is about 30 minutes walk from here. The temples clustered around the square were built between the 14th and 18th centuries and are truly impressive.The highlight of the day was sitting in a roof-top cafe watching some traditional bands as they processed through the square, vying with each other to make as much noise as possible! The kids (with Mum's help) then had a go at bartering with the very friendly stall owners and proudly bought a couple of bronze cats!

Durbar Square and traditional band (under yellow umbrellas)

Paul enjoying a well needed drink

Religion is a corner stone of Nepali life and wherever you go there are shrines and small temples. Offerings of flower petals, rice, yoghurt, fruit and sweets are made on a daily basis. Each item is sprinkled on the deity in a set order and a bell is rung to let the gods know an offering is being made. Hinduism and Buddhism have mingled together in many ways and it is not uncommon for Tibetan Buddhists and Nepali Hindus to worship at the same temple.

We are off to the International Church tomorrow, which meets in Amy and Paul's school hall. We'll probably also join one of the Nepali Christian churches which meet on Saturdays so we can get to know more people.

Thanks for reading! More soon.

J, S, A & P