Our first task this morning was to go shopping, both because we needed certain things, but also as a gentle introduction to Dhangardhi, and as a bit of orientation. Everything we need is pretty much within walking distance, and in fact we got just about everything we needed at the supermarket around the corner, Which was: one kettle; one jar of instant coffee (with complimentary mug, virtually identical to the one we’d bought in Beirut); an umbrella, more for sun than rain; some underwear; a packet of instant oats; a tie (for formal wear in Lucknow.) Quite an eclectic mix. And on the way home, Val bought some excellent sport sandals in a tiny shoe-shop.
Next were more expensive purchases: an e-sim for me, plus flights: Dhangardhi to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Delhi, Delhi to Lucknow, nearly 24 hours of travel, while the rest of the party get to take the four hour bus journey. And all because I have an e-visa, which can only be processed at an airport. Ah well. Val also needed to change her own ticket; it seems sensible for her to fly to Kathmandu with me, and then split to go our separate ways (nothing permanent, you understand.)
Our next purchases were far cheaper; Val bought a pair of samosas from the school canteen. (I got mine for free; as part of Workaway, one aspect of the arrangement is free food in exchange for my labour.) People tell us the samosas are nothing like as good as those available elsewhere, but they taste fine to us; they are my regular lunch. But these were followed by a real treat; I remembered the way to the dairy, where we had some delicious lassis (a yogurt drink, popular throughout South Asia.)
Shopping done, Val returned to our room to get on with some work, while I had a rehearsal, splitting the time between work on the play, essentially another run-through, and, with the help of Dhir, tackling the James Bond song. He had produced a backing track, which gave them greater confidence in the tune, as well as filling out the sound. And we added some actions, basically a move for each line.
Val discovered that she too was required during the afternoon. The college has a “Mr and Ms” competition coming up, basically a beauty-cum-personality contest, and this was the first audition, intended to weed out those who were unable to demonstrate a certain confidence. I think Val found it a bit of a daunting task, but we are discovering that we need to be able to think on our feet, ready to cope with whatever task is thrown at us.
The evening found us both to be exhausted, so we staggered back to the Bread Box, and had some dinner there. I am feeling a little guilty to be spending so much of our time there, not only breakfast every day, but also many dinners too. I ought to be exploring more of the local cuisine, but the Bread Box is more or less the same as the hotel dining-room, so far as we are concerned, and it is so easy to eat there.
