Marriage Day

So after we submitted all our documents in at the CDO we had to wait 16 days before we could finalise our marriage. We had to get 2 more documents before we signed the register though. Lok and I both needed police reports to say that we weren't criminals. After spending nearly 2 days in total at several different police stations we finally got the letter to say that our wedding could go ahead. It was really funny as 5 of our Nepali friends had to sign the document to say that we were good people as there are no computer records of crime!

On Thursday 12^th April we turned up at the CDO with Lok’s niece Binita and nephew Bishal, Chris, Caroline and Raj Kumar. We needed to have 3 Nepali witnesses to also sign the register and it was lovely having Chris and Caroline to take lots of photographs and share our special day. The girls had arranged a beautiful flower arrangement for me to hold during the signing. But in Nepal nothing is straight forward……we had to go from one room to another to another before having everyone’s signatures on our papers. No vows were spoken, no one declares anything and then we just put our finger prints in the register and we were MARRIED!!

With our certificate in Nepali and English we are now official Mr and Mrs Gurung.  

We all headed back to Thamel for celebratory drink and food – I couldn’t eat all day – stupid nerves! Caroline and Chris had arranged a beautiful wedding cake – black forest cake with white chocolate frosting– it was delicious!! It was up to the boys to decide where our wedding meal would be and they wanted steak and chips! Very British!!!

It was a very emotional day for both me and Lok. It still doesn’t feel really yet but I’m sure it will. We have the rest of our lives together for it to feel real! I really wish all my family and friends could have been with us on our special day but we’ll have a party later this year!! 

A Nepali Hen Night

On the Saturday 7^th April, my girlfriends arranged for my ‘Hen’s night’. I was left completely in the dark about what was happening. All I was told to do was be at Maya’s Cocktail Bar at 7pm and be ready to be dressed up!! I had no idea what was going to happen – hen and stag do’s are not tradition here in Nepal so I wasn’t too worry about what the dress up could be or what they might ask me to do.

When I walked into the bar my girlfriends, Chris, Megan, Niamh and Caroline were all getting dressed up with beautiful necklaces and tika’s (decorative spot between your eyebrows). Next it was my turn!! Chris had somehow found a white vale and a beautiful red ring to go with my outfit! So once we were all dressed up out came the yummy drinks! I couldn’t believe how many I had at one point and they just kept coming!! Our friends at the bar kept making special drinks too, some of them were just too strong!

After 3 hours of girlie time the boys came along – Lok also joined as someone had to get me home after all the cocktails. We continued in Maya’s dancing on chairs and singing before heading off to the nightclub for more dancing. Come midnight everything was closing and I was really looking forward to bed! I have to say that in the morning I didn’t feel very well at all! But it was a great night with great friends – just wish everyone else could have been there as well. 

Getting Our Documents To The CDO.....

In order to get marriage in Nepal, I first have to get a letter and certificate from the British Embassy. We had to put up our notice of marriage at the Consul in Kathmandu for 21days. Within that period, anyone can come forward to object to our marriage. So on the 22^nd day of the notice being up on the board I was happy we had no objections! It was very funny because when we first put our notice up I had to read aloud an oath to Lok that I was single and over the age of 18 etc……….It felt so strange having to do this!

In the following days Lok and I visited the City Department Office (CDO) in Kathmandu to collect the form that we need to fill out. Outside the CDO were lawyer (well this is what they told us) trying to get our business. Lok and I are in no hurry to get the marriage certificate and plus we didn’t really think that these guys were legit. Anyway we went and asked lots of question to make sure that we would come back with the correct documents, but in true Nepali style then never tell you everything!!

Lok also had to get the police to sign the documents to say that he was single. I thought that this was going to be difficult as Lok is not from Kathmandu but lucky a friend of the family is a police man who signs the form for us.

We then had to both get temporary letter of our residency. Everything seems straight forward but it really isn’t. Fortunately we got the letters and put all over documents in at the CDO. Our names are in the register and we have to wait 16 days now till we can sign the main register and get our certificates!! It’s all really exciting and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone! Lok’s family have been so supportive too and this just makes everything seem like this was meant to be!

Lok and I just need to get the all clear from the police station to say that we’re not criminal and then off to the CDO with our friends to witness the marriage. In 2 weeks’ time we will be Mr and Mrs Gurung!!!   

Engagement Cards and Rings!

Finally, we have our engagement cards.........they are in the style of a traditional Nepali wedding invitation. Lok has spent several days finalising the design and we are both really happy with them. Today Nicola took several back to the UK today and Lok posted the rest from KTM. 

Last week, Lok and I went to our local jewellery man and pick out our rings! We both wanted to wear something to symbolise that we are engaged. Maybe one day, once we have earned a few more rupees or pounds and we can upgrade them!! 

Keep an eye out in the post!   

Ruth's 27th Birthday Celebrations

Last Friday, I turn 27! It was a lovely day....Nicola and Chris joined me for a birthday breakfast at my favourite place in Kathmandu - Buddha Stupa. The sun was shinning and we ordered some amazing cakes! Unfortunately, I have been suffering from a horrible cold! But that wasn't going to stop us having some fun. 


In the evening, I joined my friends at Maya's Cocktail Bar for a drink before heading to La Dolce Vita! Yum Yum.....It was so lovely to have my close friends with me although I would have loved to have my family with me as well. 


Next year will be have to be in the UK! I miss Mum's cakes!!!   

Goodbye to Step, Harriet, Kerry, Chris and Nicola :-(

It has been a crazy last month for Lok and me. We have had so many visitors from all around the world and it has been lovely! Step and Harriet came up to Nepal after travelling in India and in true Harriet fashion we found her in the hospital! All better now and at least it wasn't a hole she fell into - sorry Harriet I had to mention it!


Steph and Harriet have now returned back to Australia but it was wonderful talking about old time! Hope all is going well for you both back at uni.


Now, how do we introduce Kerry - 'Yak Attack' comes to mind or the more common nickname we gave you Tholu Tholu Duhts! No it was a pleasure having Kerry and Nicola stay with us even though me and Lok were sharing a single bed.......I'm looking forward to getting back into our double bed now! It was just so lovely having you both staying with us - I've never laughed so much before or danced so crazily! It was only today that we said goodbye to Nicola :-( It will be very strange in the flat tonight! 


Chris, who is working in Delhi, came to visit for the weekend to meet up with old friend and re-visit all his best restaurants! I think we completed all of them Chris :-) 


It was so lovely having you all in Nepal - we miss you all very much! Hope to see you back in Nepal soon xxx 

Happy Holi!

On Wednesday all around Nepal we were celebrating the festival of colour and water!! It was an action packed day with us all wearing old clothes and preparing our bags of colour powder and water balloons! We were invited to play at Snowlands School - a school I had worked with when I was with Projects Abroad. So Nicola, Lok and myself played from 8am - 5pm. We were very colourful by the end of the day and completely wet. Thank goodness we were able to to have a hot shower at home! 

The children were so funny all day trying to hit us with water balloons and they really do hurt!! Lok especially was drenched by the kids! It was such a great day though - my best Holi! 

Traditionally, Holi is a Hindu festival which commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. This was enabled through unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu.

Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colours" from Lord Krishna, a re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colours.

Happy Holi to everyone around the world! 

Engagement Announcement

On 12^th February we announced to my parents and family that we have decided to get married. It seemed strange to me to tell them something so personal over Skype but this is the way we have to do things! I was nervous to tell them but once I had I felt so much better and I’m so happy that they are excited and happy  for us too. Later that evening I got a text from my brother and Tam – they too were super excited with our news. I had a few problems getting through to my sister and Nan but eventually I did, and I was so pleased that they were all thrilled!

Lok has told his Ama and once he gets all his family together, he will tell everyone else too - but I know secretly he is waiting for his mum to spread the news…….

We are arranging engagement cards at the moment and hopefully they will be sent out by next week.  

We’re Getting Married!

We are delighted to announce that we have finally decided to take the next step in our relationship and get married!

Lok and I plan to marry this year in Nepal. We intend to celebrate our marriage in a manner which embodies both of our cultures.

Many of you know that Lok and I have been in a relationship for over three years. Whilst we have cherished our time together in Nepal, it is our hope that we will soon return to live in the UK together.

We first met in 2008, when Lok taught me to kayak on the Trisuli River, and with his cheeky, funny personality, I knew he was the right man for me! Lok loves the adventurous life: kayaking, biking, bungee jumping, you name it – but recently he has been developing his web design and graphics career. Ruth has an  infectious laugh and smile! She has a huge heart for helping people and trying to make a difference. She has loved spending time with all my family and friends and hopes that we can have many more family events.

We would like you all to be part of our special celebration either in Nepal or the UK.

Love Ruth and Lok