Much Awaited

Well, this is the much anticipated update to our blog. Much has happened in past days for the good and bad.

Our first day we went around and met many of Shibanis family members within their compound (Large house divided between Mr.Simhas three brothers) called Kaldhara. In the evening we had a celebration for our 1st wedding anniversary. Unfortunately I was getting very light headed and easily confused due to the jet lag, we thought. Later on we realized it was from the antibiotics our doctor prescribed which had a side effect of dizziness. Well needless to say we had to leave the party early because I thought I was going to faint.

On the second day we tried to relax but I really wanted to get out and explore my new found surroundings. We woke up early around 5 am and I got some pictures of the sunrise from the balcony here. We then headed out to the temples so that Shibani and her mom could perform puja which is there way of praying. We went around to four temples around Kathmandu for this and went back home for some lunch. We hung out around Kaldhara and met with family members till the early evening. Shibani and I then headed out to Thamel in the evening which is the overcrowded and pollution packed market district here. We wondered around for a bit then the power went out and we decided it would be best to return home and have some dinner.

Wednesday: Today we spent most the day around Kaldhara and met with all the family members here because there was going to be a party tonight for Amar’s (“brother in law/cousin…depending on culture) twenty fifth wedding anniversary. We got to the party and the power was out, so only some lights were running from generators. Shibani and I got extremely hot and lost just about all our water weight in a matter of minuets we tried to rehydrate ourselves but the heat was too much for us. Dinner was served while watching a Nepalese dance which was very interesting I am just kicking myself for not taking our camera. Dinner past and I got better but unfortunately Shibanis condtion worsened. We decide it best to leave and got a ride back to Kaldhara. We laid down for a bit and Shibanis state continued to deteriorate. I then decided we needed to seek medical treatment this was about midnight. Luckily Shibanis parents returned and we made our way to the hospital. The hospital stay is a story in itself but to continue on she got better and had suffered a mild heat stroke. We had to stay overnight for observation both of us very uncomfortable as she didn't want to be there and I was sleeping on a plastic patio chair for the evening with the wall as my pillow.

Thursday: Shibani’s felling better and her condition stabilized she was released from the hospital and we made our way back to Kaldhara. We had to take an ambulance because of the bandh which is Nepalese for strikes and this one was against transportation so the only safe means of travel was in an ambulance. Needless to say we slept all day and night.

Friday: after much needed rest we are getting ready for our reception that is scheduled for tonight. Taking it easy Shibani is going to be getting a spa treatment to help relax and prepare for the festivities.

Well despite all the ups and downs since we have arrived I feel that I have become much closer to Shibanis family likewise I think they feel the same. It was nice to see how the whole family cousins, aunts, and uncles all pulled together to help us and I can not thank them enough for all they have done to help us out and feel welcomed at the same time. We are truly grateful for all that they have done for us. This entry should bring everyone up to date as I am sure most of you are wondering what has been going on about the lack of posts, and I hope this answers most of your questions. Well I am going to end it hear as I am not trying to write a novel and we have to prepare for tonight which we are looking forward to. Till next time this is Brian and Shibani signing out.

Check out our pictures here http://picasaweb.google.com/CousinOpey