It is Sunday evening at the end of what has been a really busy week. Our language lessons have been in the afternoon, in theory meaning that we had plenty of time for homework and admin in the mornings, but it often didn't work out that way...

One morning we went to renew our visas. Due to the changing political situation here in Nepal, the government is delaying the issuing of free visas to INF staff, meaning that we are still here on tourist visas that have to be renewed every 30 days. This means a cycle ride across town and an hour of two in the immigration office - they are actually very friendly, although disappointed that Evie wasn't with us!

On Wednesday morning we helped a friend pack up her house before before heading home to Switzerland. Sabin has become a good friend over the last four months and has been great at introducing us to Nepali life and biking trails. She is leaving after achieving a huge amount working for INF here, and is finding it very hard to leave good friends. In the evening we went to our vicar's house for dinner – a great time with a very welcoming family.

On Thursday we went to another office picnic, this time with INF Nepal's staff from the Simpani office who oversee all INF programmes across the country. It was a good opportunity to meet future work colleagues, play some silly games and eat good food, all in glorious warm sunshine.
We are thinking of moving house and went to see a potential new place. We are torn between staying here in the south of Pokhara, where we have friends and a good church, or moving further north to reduce the commute to work. There seem to be plenty of places available to rent, so we will see a couple more before making a decision.

Friday was Shiva Ratri, a Hindu festival that is a bit like bonfire night in the UK. Bonfires are lit on every street corner, and sticks of sugar cane are put into the fires. The canes are then smacked on the ground and explode with a huge bang, exciting all the neighbourhood dogs, who join in the din.

Elle has been a bit unwell for the last few days with a bug that has left her feeling very drained, so she tried to relax on Saturday and I took Evie ~ 6 miles down the road to a lake where our church were holding a baptism service. A group of about 20 people were being baptised, and it was a very happy occasion welcoming them into the church family – we felt very privileged to be there (picture: baptism in Begnas lake).

Today (Sunday) has been flat out. The Pokhara marathon took place this morning in beautiful bright cool conditions with fantastic views of the mountains, starting from the running track just up the road from us here. I had entered last week and it gave me a good insight to Nepali bureaucracy. I had heard rumours of a marathon for a couple of months, but no-one knew where or when it would take place. Then last week banner appeared giving the date, but it still took a while to find out where I could enter. When I found the office, I was told I needed a medical examination (some would say anyone who wants to do a marathon needs their head checking...), but when I turned up at the appointed time, the Doctor wasn't there, and still wasn't an hour later. I then found out that it wasn't compulsory after all and left... (picture: Phil and Sabin before the races start)

At a cost of RS300 (~£2.50), including running vest and lots of drinks stations on route it was great value. I haven't been doing much running, but was fine until around mile 18, when it started to hurt. The last four miles were all slightly uphill. I was reduced to a stumbling wreck, but Elle and others gave great support and I finished eventually in 3hrs5mins. We then went to a picnic to see off Sabin and a couple of others who are leaving, before going to the monthly ex-pat service which was a great time of fellowship.

(picture: 3 hours and 26 miles later...)