"Load Shedding"

n. sing. - cheerful euphemism for the power cuts that occur daily in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu. Lasts from 20 minutes to 10 hours. Necesitates generators in restaurants, or anywhere else that pitch blackness is not conducive to business. Ke garne?

______________________________________________________

Jetlag successfully avoided, or almost. Kathmandu polluted and bustling with taxis, motorcycles, vendors, and stray dogs. Home is nice and even has hardwood floors in part, which is appreciated when the indoor temperature goes below 5 degrees. Cable tv and phone - unexpected bonuses. Internet at dial-up speed, for T1 prices.

First day of work for C-A - computer is set up and Nepali counterpart, Indu, is very nice. Not quite sure what my work will look like... but it seems I will be in the field sometimes!!! YEAH!!!

Clayton surprised me with my comfort drink after a day's work - a brisk gin & tonic! Cheers!