Our New Digs (August 21, 2008)

Well, we finally settled on a place to live. It’s a very nice and spacious apartment, freshly painted (windows and security bars included). This means it feels clean! The landlords both speak proficient English, actually lived in Canada for a while and have relatives in the U.S. too. They are an older couple, probably in their 60’s (sorry all you 60 year olds out there!).

As for the place: 2 bedrooms (master bedroom has changing room and attached bath), 2 bathrooms total, living room, dining room, large kitchen with tons of cupboard space and shelves, and some bonus space in the dining room area. It’s furnished, which we were wanting. We might have too many chairs at this place! It comes with a huge (king size?) bed and 2 night stands plus a little changing table and armoire in the master bedroom. The 2nd bedroom has a bed and desk. We have a dining table with 6 chairs, and the living room has 4 whicker chairs (like the ones we got in Nepalgunj), a large whicker table and a whicker chase that we will use as a sofa. The apartment even has curtains and a sewing machine!!! It is so nice to have a place that is move-in ready – in nearly every sense (i.e. furniture, cleanliness, etc.). It has lots of windows and is supposed to get good light. In the front is a garden (little grass yard, about 8x12?), a large paved area, and a little place that we hope to put a sandbox in for Anusha. There is also a small temple, which I haven’t seen anywhere else. There is a back patio area for hanging laundry. We’ll make the move on Saturday, August 23. Oh, the best part is that Anuraj is trying to line up a high speed internet, which means I’ll be able to post updates – and pictures – on a regular basis. Cross your fingers!

For those of you who are curious, the apartment is in Bansbari, outside of Ring Road, the major road that circles Katmandu. It is close to Maharajgunj – a prominent section of Katmandu, which is due north (and a little west) of center city. We are around the corner from Thailand Embassy and are just a 10-15 minute walk from the US Embassy. (Look up Bansbari, Nepal on Google Earth and you'll find us!). It’s a pretty quiet area. And Anuraj claims it is one of the nicer and safer areas in Katmandu. We’ll spend some time exploring the neighborhood this weekend and next week. The only downfall is that it is far from Anuraj’s work: at least a 20-30 minute drive.