The Wildlife

We have been in the mountains for over a week and our time here has been interesting J There are a few things we have adjusted to that are different that we had orginally anticipated . We had thoroughly expected to be confronted with power outages and bargaining in the markets for groceries as a way of life. However, we did not expect that we would be in the same town as big chain restaurants like Dominos or Baskin Robbins. Which I am happy to say are near and available to us J 

Also, most places have pests like Squirrels or Raccoons, however we have Monkeys! They are everywhere! They tend to wake us up early in the morning from jumping on our roof top  and like to follow us on the road when we are carrying groceries.

Some monkeys in the street eating garbage (or maybe they actually succeeded in snagging someone’s grocery bag ;)

We also have encountered some very different kinds of Bugs. Like Big Beetles!

 We found this "little" guy on our neighbors porch! The picture doesn't fully do it justice because it was a least 5 inches long! 

We had also heard that Cows are a common sight on busy streets. Roaming with no owners. However, we did not see our first and, only Roaming Cow so far, until this last week!

Roaming cow ;) Hudson was soo excited!

However one thing seems to never change with us and that is the beautiful mountain scenery and nice cool weather. It seems that this is the environment we find ourselves in more often than not ;)

The view from our kitchen window: the Beautiful Himalaya Mountains.

Onward we go...

We have made yet another move ;) This time we went up to the mountains and we will be here for a while, learning language. J  The trip to our new home was an experience in itself.  We woke up early so that we could take a passenger train. The train was similar to that of an airplane in the way that it was air conditioned, you are assigned a seat and meals, snacks, & beverages would come through periodically for you to enjoy.  A significant difference is that before the train leaves, vendors are permitted to board the train and sell you “comfort” items such as gum, chips, as well as little toys for the kids.  Hudson was amused for hours with a simple “sticky- Spiderman” wall cling.

 He would throw the Spiderman on the window and laugh every time it slowing made its way down the wall—it looked like it was climbing down.

After our 5 hour train ride, we loaded up in taxis that took us the rest of the way up the mountains.  It was about an hour trip in which we went form sea level to 7000 feet in elevation.! The roads were windy, but the scenery was beautiful and the view form our new home is Incredible!

Requests

Ask that we would transition well into our new home and that we would make good connections with people here.

Also, Ask that as we learn language, it would come quickly and we would be able to communicate with ease. 

The Difference is...

We have been here a little over a week and so far our experience has been wonderful :)

We are enjoying the culture, food, all the new things to see and do and acclimating well into our new home. A few things that are different are the modes of transport, the ability to purchase "anything" and the playgrounds. 

We now take public transport everywhere and not just metros, trains and taxi's, but we have added Rickshaw into our daily mode of transportation. It is basically a three-wheeled vehicle that should fit about 2 adult passengers comfortably, however, it is more common see 3 or 4 adults plus children piled into one of these vehicles. 

(typical auto rickshaw)

Another thing that is different is the ability to purchase uncommon specialty items with ease. For example, it is not uncommon to see entire firework shops as you go through the market.  These firework shops are open year round (not just on the forth of July) and you can purchase any kind of "recreational" explosive you'd like (big or small) Also, you can set them off whenever and where-ever you like as well.  However, usually they are only used for celebrations such as weddings.

(firework stand)

The local park is also different from the one that we were going to in Canada.  The park in Canada was full of lush, green grass, plenty of seasonal flowers strategically planted and a state of the art playground . The one that is closest to our flat here is not quite as picturesque, but still has the basic amenities. Including a couple slides, sea-saws, and push, merry-go-round.

(local park)

However, lets be honest, children really just want to run around outside and play in the dirt, so it doesn't really matter what kind of equipment is there to play on,  because most of the time they will find a stick and some dirt more entertaining that the swings or the jungle gym ;)

Requests

The boys have come down with colds. 

Please ask that their health will be restored.

We will be moving in a few weeks to another town, please ask that our time here will be effective. 

And so it Begins :)

We have finally arrived in South Asia!

Nine Checked bags, Six carry-ons and One baby backpack later....we are safe and sound in our new home :) 

(Most of our luggages before we checked it)

The flights were smooth and on time, Hudson did GREAT for being "in route" for almost 30 hours, and we were able to retrieve ALL of our luggage at our final destination! We could not have asked for a better travel experience :) 

Playing in the international terminal playground at one of the airports or "bo-port"- as Hudson calls it ;)  They had a giant pirate ship complete with a dock and treasure box! Hudson was happy as a clam!

On the airplane. 

Requests

First we would like to Thank all of you who were lifting us up as we made our Big Trek across the world! Words can't express how much this means to us!

Secondly, we would ask that you continue to lift us up as we begin our transition phase into this new environment. We have only been here a few days and we already realize just how different this place can be :) However, there will be more on this topic in the coming weeks as we get over jet-lag and become better aclimated :)

We are excited as we begin this new chapter in our lives :) Ask that we would not loose this enthusiasm & we would remain focused :)