Paint and giggling xx

Well Viv managed to avoid the Santa hat thing on her birthday yesterday. Hers was an altogether different day. For a start we are in Kathmandu this week. And secondly Bhakta took us both out for a special evening to a different sort of restaurant. He even organised a birthday cake for Viv and the traditional musicians sang 'Happy Birthday" which was definitely different.

The restaurant was a traditional Nepali place where one sits on the floor and is served with one dish after another all evening. All the traditional dishes of the main tribes of Nepal are included. Sounds like a banquet but it wasn't. These were only tastes. There were also traditional dances (dancers, not us) and some Kathmandu valley musicians. All rather lovely.

And this morning she left for Phokara in her weeks' exploration of some of the rest of this beautiful and extraordinary country.

I am taking the time to draw and paint in my favourite places around the valley. This is easier said than done. If one stands still at all here in Kathmandu one is assailed by hawkers and beggars and people trying to practice their English and act as unofficial guide. Endlessly saying "no thank you" doesn't work. Nor does getting het up. Nor does ignoring. I shall let you know if I find the answer.
Meanwhile my sketching is fun and a very sociable activity. For most of the neighbourhood.

Hoping to call in to Natraj tomorrow and meet up with Sem for a viewing of the website, which has caused us so much giggling to date....
Love and kisses,
jill x