Happy Newari Year everyone!

It's now the year 1132 and there are oil burners lining the lanes of ancient Patan. Placed amongst intricate rangolis made of coloured rice flour and petals, these little vessels of light were lit one by one until every lane and alleyway is twinlkling in their warm golden glow. It all began yesterday as strands upon strands of marigold garlands were draped above every doorway, window ledge and staircase to mark the start of Tihar and the Newari 'new era'. We don't really need to say it do we- it's magical! There's been dancing on every street corner, trumpet fanfares coming from every direction and a fire cracker every time you least expect it!

And if this wasn't enough, we've just come back from a family feast hosted by Kiran of KTS. We felt so honoured to be part of such a special meal... and what a meal it was! Spicy buffalo, beaten rice-very similar to toasted oats and ginger and peanuts where just some of the thus far unexplored tastes for Olley and Wells to get their mouths around. Yum yum!! And, wait for it... homemade gulab jammons- amazing! Here's to 1132!