Elephant ride

So we went back to the Zoo, Ada and I , to try to ride the elephant. So here's some pictures and some film of the experience.



















Ada waiting for her turn..

A long way down, but it still feels safe.

Ada also tried out an old rusty train ride..

Monkey Temple

Yesterday, Filip and I(Dad) went sightseeing to the Swayambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple because of all the monkeys living in there. It is on a hilltop in Kathmandu and you can see the whole city from there. Filip tried to catch the monkeys and pigeons up there and we had a great time.

It's very nice to go up there just to get away from the noise and polution in the city. The whole area around the stupa is buddist, and there are plenty of small stores selling healing bowls, small statues, knifes, you name it. This picture is not a store.

365 steps to get up to the top from the bottom. Filip and I drove the car almost to the top and got only 60 steps..
This monkey was sitting so peacefully, so I wanted to get closer and take a picture of it's face..

but...

....the monkey jumps at us, I have Filip on my arm and jumps back while taking the last photograph. .

Here's a link with more info about the place : http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/nepal/swayambhunath_stupa.html

Kake, Kake!

Ada and Filip enjoying each other, and cake..

Though Kid #2

So today Ada took the schoolbus home from Lincoln School by herself! She was almost as proud as her parents:) When she came out of the bus she said 'I sat in the back, because it's bumpier, and the cool kids sit there'. Let me tell you, taking a bus in Kathmandu is not like Norway, here the traffic is very caotic and noisy and could easily scare anyone.

I've been following Ada the first three days to summer camp at Lincoln School where she spends time with some of the other kids that will start this August. They have different activities starting at 9 in the morning and going back around 3:30.

We've been taking a schoolbus back and forth together but today Ada said it was Ok for me to go home earlier, so I did. Tomorrow she will break another record she said, by going to school by herself.

Most of the other kids there know english quite well and talks alot, Ada has been a little quiet the first days, but I think she understands most of the things the teacher tells them. The teacher also told us that she does well in class, and follows instructions.

The first impression of Lincoln School is very positive, and we're looking forward to spending more time there.

Web albums

http://picasaweb.google.no/lasse.storholt

Is where we'll post pictures. Some of these will be in the blog from time to time.

One tough kid

So Filip and I went to the daycare center yesterday, and he quicly put himself in respect. Two older kids where constantly trying to steal whatever car he was playing with, but he is a though one. The proud father watched as Filip first yelled, NO!, then tugged the car back, and then went "aarrrggh!" while flexing his small muscles.
The center itself was nice with a large outside area and nice teachers, but a 'little' stricter than in Norway. The kids have to respond to the nannies there with 'yes teacher' :) and they have a 'naughty chair' in the back that you might end up sitting at if you push someone. The strictness shocked me a little bit at first, but they seemed fair, and the one kid that had to sit on the chair only sat there for like 20 seconds. I don't believe in that kind of punishment as a way of teaching them to behave so I'm looking forward to the first parent meeting aready (If there is such a thing).
Anyways, I think Filip will be ok there, he is Major Leage spoiled already, and might need more stucture..

Ada and I was at home today watching movies as she had fever starting friday evening. She seems better tonight so lets hope it goes away as quickly for her as it did with Filip.

Better days!

Filip was well again today, so we went for a walk to a nice cafe and met several other expats with kids which was popular. Later in the evening the skies cleared a little and we could see the Himalayas in the distance! The kids thought it was very cool to see the snow covered mountains, and Ada asked me when we could go there.. .:) Go climbing anyone?

Tomorrow Filip and I are going to his new day care centre and on Monday Ada and I will go to summer camp at her school, Lincoln School, to meet the other pupils at school including the kids that are starting this year. Very exciting for the kids and us, we're sure they will get a lot of new friends the next few days!

First dinner with our new cook Ram!

Ram, out new cook started working for us today. He made is some authenthic Nepalese food that was absolutely fantastic! I dont't think we ever have to go out to eat anymore. We've had some Nepalese food twice here in some good restaurants, but this was way better. The kids thought some of the chicken and vegetables was a little spicy, but he also makes all kinds of continental food. I thought i was going to loose a few pounds here, but now I'm not so sure..

Filip is a little bit sick , he has the fever, but is running around playing most of the day anyway, we suspect it's his stomack. We hope he will be feeling better tomorrow after a good nights sleep.
Ada is getting more used to being here, she does not ask for her friends at home to much, but draws pictures to her cuisin Thelma all the time. Today we also sent some sms'es back and forth. When Filip get's well again we can take some more trips and not stay at the house like we did today.