Happy New Year - again.

Today is the first day of 2066 in the Nepali calendar. There is a relaxed holiday atmosphere here in Pokhara, and I'm enjoying that. I think I've shaken off the lurgy and I've been spending the last few days doing a lot of reading and strolling - occasionally eating with some of the folks from the bus journey. Yesterday I think it is fair to say I found one of the best garlic soups so far, at the (very unstudenty) Student Restaurant. I've moved hotel - to the (also inappropriately named) Holy Lodge, a peaceful place which is also a bit nearer Lakeside.

The weather is hot and hazy, which is a shame because it obscures the mountain views. I'm keen to take some walks in the hills around Pokhara, but would like some clearer conditions. I guess we were lucky on that first day here, after some rain had cleared the air for a while. It is still a great place to chill. Here's a picture of yesterday's last sunset of 2065 over the lake.