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!