A day for the kids!

After my mom and I lugged 60 books in our carry-on luggage for 22 hours, the day had finally come to give all the kiddos their book that they had written.  The school organized a really nice program, they even made a special sign, and many of the kids performed some traditional Nepali dances and sang some solos. :)

I'm pretty sure this is the most attentive I've ever seen them.  :)

 I really don't think the kids knew that they would each be receiving a copy of their own book.  So for all of those who made that possible, thank you soooooooo much.  The kids were thrilled and I could tell by their reactions they weren't expecting this. :)

Presenting Dolma with her book - Class 4

 

Presenting Sonam with her book -class 6

As with the tradition in Nepal, for the inauguration of a book, a chief guest of honor is invited.  This guest is presented with the book and is the first one to open it.  Well this chief guest of honor seemed to be so important that he was exactly an hour late.  Not only that, he also gave a little speech...although I shouldn't say little...to be honest it was way too long, the crowd grew a bit antsy, and after his speech, he left the program early!  Quite typical in Nepal!  There were a few things during the program that probably could have went a little better...but things in Nepal don't always seem to go as planned!   :)

Chief Guest of Honor

After presenting all the kids with their books and calling them up on stage one by one, they had to patiently wait to open their books until everyone had received one.  It was pretty cute to see them trying to look through the wrapping paper. :)

I think this little guy was in shock for a few minutes :)

Personally I think the best part of the day was the autograph session. All of the authors got to go on stage and autograph quite a few books that people had purchased.  They took the autographing super seriously and I could tell they felt like they were a big deal.  Which they were! :)

Raj class 4

Jishank Class 4 signing autographs

Thank you again to everyone who made this day possible...you know who you are!  I'm so happy that the books are finally in the hands of the authors ...exactly where they should be.  :)

Adventures in Nepal with the Madre! :)

I first want to start off by saying that I am so extremely proud of my mom for coming to Nepal with me and for being so adventurous. The week that she was here was such a whirlwind of events that it now already feels like a dream.  For it being her first time out of the country, she definitely picked a one of a kind place to visit....and I now think she is going to need a vacation from her "vacation."  :)

This was right before her ticket flew out of her hand and she didn't think it was a big deal. Ummm...don't worry Mom, I'll get it. :)

 I'm not sure what my mom's favorite animal is, but I'm guessing it is now the cow.  After pretty much sharing a neighborhood and walking the streets with them, I don't know how it couldn't be.  I'm kind of surprised she didn't bring one home with her.

The cow was a little camera shy

I'm also going to make a prediction that my mom will now give up her car that she has at home. After a week of walking for hours in the blistering sun, muddy streets, riding in the jam packed buses, and crossing streets that aren't meant to be crossed, I can't imagine that she would want the comforts of a car again  Hmmmmm.....I guess only time will tell.

The only time you'll see my mother in tennis shoes...I guess it was the mud?  :)

Besides riding buses and getting lost in Kathmandu, we did make some time to check out some of the tourist places.  And although the drive to Nagarkot (a little town up in the hills) was a little bumpy, considering the road probably shouldn't even be classified as a road, the views were pretty stellar.

Monkey Temple...thank God for no monkey attacks

Nagarkot- pretty sure I'm obsessed with these clouds :)

Like any place, the people are usually the ones that steal your heart.  And I think my mom would agree. After spending some time with these people, being invited into their homes and being offered so much food and tea it makes you sick (literally), it's hard not to fall in love with them.

Lunch with some great people

Class 4 girls :)

Thank you so much for coming with me Mom to see this wonderful place and meet some amazing people...and I'm glad we got to be roomies in Nepal...oh wait, we're roommates at home too!  Haha lucky you! 

Enjoying an Everest Beer in our cozy apartment :)

Receiving a token of love....only in Nepal :)