Merry Belated Christmas!  This is a late blog post in lieu of one that was half finished for last Friday, Christmas Day, when I just simply ran out of steam for writing.  It was a combination of packing for our big move on Boxing Day and the preparations for a pseudo-Christmas dinner that ran into some problems (the biggest being that the chicken we bought was rotten, but we didn’t realize it until it was half cooked which then sent R on a run to the local Tandoori shop that I actually think was way tastier anyway) that has resulted in a Monday post instead if a Friday one (as if you even noticed anyway!).  We have finally settled into our new house and, despite the fact that it is about 10 degrees colder than our previous top floor apartment, we are enjoying it.  The lovely dog, Kiva, makes it feel a lot like an actual home (as does the real couch and chairs, dining room table, and luxurious bed with a feather duvet!).  So, it is a nice way to transition out of Nepal – a little bit of luxury – before we find ourselves homeless vagabonds for 6 more months.

• Warmth.  There is nothing we take more for granted at home then clean water and warmth.  While we have found ways to secure clean water here it is the quest for true warmth still eludes us slightly. First, and this takes some time before it clicks in, is that it is always warmer outside.  The concrete buildings and lack of a heating system combine to make indoors frigid while the outdoors are sun basking and lovely.  Inside we often wear toques, fleece jackets and double layers of wool socks inside slippers.  And if computing anything some sort of gloves or arm warmers are a must for the chilly exposed arm and finger skin.  Top all that off with a blanket for any moment when we are sitting still and a cup of tea is always on the ready.  The closest comparison I can make is that it is a bit like camping in December, but only when inside.    And there is always a slight feeling of chill despite the layers most often caused by any bare skin that comes in contact with the air or by any shifting one makes while in their warm cocoon that means a new spot needs to be warmed.  All I can do is dream of Hawaii and the Philippines and know that in 19 days I will feel warm again.
• Inverters (aka uninterruptible power supplies). The loadshedding schedule is set to increase to about 6 hours per day (3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening).  And usually, we adapt by lighting candles, reading for a short while, and then going to bed exceptionally early.  But our new house has an inverter – a battery that stores electricty from solar panels on the roof which can then power a CFL bulb in each room, the TV, and a laptop.  And let me tell you, it certainly doesn’t take long to become accustomed to this – I have all but forgotten about candles and early to bed evenings in the span of 2 days!  I will look forward to the days when we don’t need to worry about whether we have power in order to shower, check email, or cook dinner.  But until then, we will revel in the joys of our temporary inverter.
• Being spoiled.  So, we maybe wouldn’t choose to live this way, but given that it is part of the housesitting gig, we are left to just sit back and enjoy it 🙂  Despite the fact that we are meant to look after the dog and house the following arrangements were made by the folks who live here and will continue while we stay:  1) A regular cleaning lady who comes 2 days a week to do laundry, dishes, and general cleaning; 2) A gardener who looks after the property, yard and plants; 3) A dog-walker who walks the dog on weekends, 4) A dog mover who takes the dog to doggie daycare Monday-Friday, and finally 5) Doggie daycare who look after the dog on weekdays from 9-5ish.  So, what are we left to do?  Basically, sit back and enjoy it because this will likely be the only time in my life when I have these perks!
• Broccoli.  The proliferation of broccoli this season is suprising.  However, when one considers where it is being sold, it actually graphs in direct relationship to the density of foreigners.  It is not a vegetable that Nepalis eat but is being grown for the foreign palate.  So, shops in areas where we live are selling the leafy green bundles.  It is an nice change from the cauliflower which is a staple in our diet and provides some added colour and nutrients to a regular meal of rice and curried paneer.  I have also taken to chopping the bunches up into giant spears (trees instead of the small shrubs) and tossing it with a oil/dijon/soy/honey/vinegar/red onion dressing before a quick toaster oven roast, which makes the spears all toasted and caramely.  Can you say delicious?  Unfortunately, I can’t because my mouth is full of broccoli 🙂