The Adventure Begins

We woke from a pretty decent sleep (for me anyway, Jonathan has a headache) after 11am. Gopal was messaging about getting us for lunch. We threw some clothes on and found him downstairs having a coffee and waiting. He drove us to his home where Sheila and her sister and a young man Jiwon had prepared an amazing meal of chicken curry, lamb curry, cucumber salad and beans and carrots. 
We really enjoyed the time visiting with them. I had met Gopal and Sheila a few times when they'd been in Columbus but Jonathan never had. They had been introduced to our parents when they had been doing work with the Tharus. They are a lovely couple who spend all their time and personal resources previously on freeing slaves and currently on trafficking. A number of people like Gopal and Jiwon (who traveled 8 hours to be available to help us) are contributing so much to this trip. As are others on the next leg of the adventure.

After we chatted some time, he drove us to the spot where I was born at Shanta Bowen hospital, which is now fittingly Party Palace.
He then took us to a department store for some necessities and then back. After a rest, we wandered down to a gift shop the guesthouse recommended. No sidewalks and cars and motorbikes everywhere made it a little nerve-wracking at moments. They also drive on the other side of the road so we also have to remember which way to look. Jonathan, who didn't manage to get his rabies vaccine. was wary of the many dogs everywhere, which looked well fed and cared for but just wander the streets. We even passed a pet store. 
I bought a new bag and wallet and top to wear for the ceremony on Monday. Now we are chilling til it's a reasonable time to sleep. 

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