It is Saturday afternoon. Toby and Noa are sleeping, after a morning at their favourite place in Kathmandu: the playground at the British Embassy. Yes, I think it has even surpassed the European Bakery in their view. I like it too. While they play on the climbing apparatus at the opposite end of a long green space, I can watch them from the comfort of a chair on the patio in front of the pub, sipping a cold cider and reading the latest Guardian.
It is raining, with incredibly loud claps of thunder. The lane will be under water now. I haven't found the monsoon to be a terrible hardship and other than a few days 2 weeks ago, it hasn't been unbearably hot.
All the same, I am looking forward to leaving tomorrow. Yesterday was non-stop but productive, and we celebrated my last day of work with dinner at Dwarika's Hotel. It is the most expensive hotel in Kathmandu, but they have Friday night barbecue that is good value. And you can't beat the surroundings: the hotel is all traditional Newari architecture, with window and door frames, columns and other pieces salvaged from homes and temples demolished in the valley. It is absolutely stunning, like being a world away from the chaos, noise and pollution on its doorstep.
I am almost packed (yes, Doreen, I started 3 weeks ago!) We are traveling light to Vancouver but I am anticipating more checked baggage on the return trip- I have packed an extra duffel bag. Toby is talking about 'going to the airport with Mama and Noa and Toby,' and going to 'see Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Felicia and Parker and Ollie and Aunt Deana and Uncle Pat and Uncle Jim.' And Noa can say her youngest cousin Thea's name when she sees her photo; it will be great to see Jen, Brent and Thea on the 16th!
We will see you all soon!
Love
C T N
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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