The Move

I am quite amazed at how moving is such a normal part of my life. It seems to appear on my to do list often. You know like, 1. Buy milk, 2. Visit school, 3. Make bread, 4. Pick up everything I own, stuff it in a van, and move it across town. We moved exactly a year ago--to the day. My life is never boring.

Oddly enough, this move was rather easy. I think it was because I could see the end result much faster than putting everything on a crate, shipping it across the world and then waiting 3 months for customs to approve. This move was a snap.

The total time was almost a week. This is how it was executed:

1. Grab Gotham and Sarita and tear down everything in sight.

2. Throw everything that isn't nailed down in the back of our van.

3. Ask Gotham to put his life at risk to paint our new 1000 foot ceiling walls.

4. Hire Pakistani laborers (from Waziristan--Taliban territory) to bring all the heavy items and hope they don't do something radical because we didn't fully respect the one Quran we own during the move.
5. Drag children from House A to House B 100 times until they collapse. Once they fall over, they will be less of a distraction. Prime moving time.
We are fairly settled and like this house a lot. Other than the 25 day wait for an internet connection, I could do this again. Ugh, and most likely will sooner than I expect.....

On the Move

Yesterday was the big moving day. It has been 10 days of moving. Fill van, drive to new house, empty, and drive back home--repeat 1000 times. It is truly amazing all the stuff you can fit in a minivan.

We have finally counted the number of times we have moved since we have been married--13 moves in 13 years. Sigh. To be optimistic, I feel it is a wonderful opportunity to reevaluate all I own and purge. You would think I would be better at purging. It is tough to let go of the 100 pounds of my teen journals, so there I am, moving it and storing it yet again.

Since this move has been long and drawn out (not to mention done completely on our own, no professional moving company bubble wrapping my toilet paper this time), it has been difficult to find anything. I went to church on Friday with a potluck of items, and oddly, it was one of my most complimented outfits. Asa had no shoes, Dona wore Crocs with her dress and Axel wore what was in his suitcase from the night before. Underwear was also utilized for the second time.

The biggest problem is what is awaiting for us in the new home. Items were thrown in boxes with no organization whatsoever. It has already become a treasure hunt for the baby bottle, the children's PE uniform, and my make-up. It is so humbling to be stripped of all you own. I have lost count to how many favors I have asked. Thank goodness for great neighbors!

We are at the old home cleaning right now. Asa and Dona have been the best moving mates ever. They can play with Daddy's toolbox for hours! Plus, they are both content to be without clothing when their clothing became all wet from an impromptu shower. Hours of fun.

This move was the right thing to do though. Although we liked our compound, the new one has infinitely more room, the clubhouse feels like a resort, and it is 2 minutes from both the airport and Axel's work. It was the right thing to do. Painful, but right.

Boxed In

I have been behind on my posts because I have been digging myself out of this:

and this:
and this:
In the meanwhile the kids have been doing this:

In the shipment Asa also found his dai-dai (brother in Nepali).  He was bothered to see his dai-dai had other things to do than to just hold him; cause that is what they do, didn't he know that?

Disappointed, Again

100% must have a different international meaning in Qatar.  Just repeat what you read yesterday and that was my day.  'One more hour' turned into 'one more day' by 4 o'clock.  The bottom of an Filipino's soul is not so trustworthy these days.  

However, for your viewing pleasure, this is what Asa did two days ago to our highly prized family-sized box of Grape Nuts (difficult to find and 9 bucks a box).  

What did I do? Swept it up and put it right back in the cupboard.

"Where's My Bed?"

We received word that our furniture had arrived! This happened over a week ago and every day since we have been told it will be delivered 'tomorrow'. After much disappointment we were finally told it was going to happen today-90%. Those were good enough odds that we told the housing complex that they could take their furniture away. Today was moving day!

The day went something like this:

9am - Moved out all furniture except a select few items.

11am - Hauled everything away so the shipment could arrive.

12pm - Expected the shipment because it was supposed to arrive.

1:30pm - Called the delivery company to find out when they would show up. Reassued that it would come 'in an hour'.

4pm - Called Sbarros Pizza for dinner. Still no furniture.

5pm - Advised that our stuff will, in fact, come tomorrow- 100%. 'Definitely, Madame, from the bottom of my soul'

5:30pm -Helped children create a makeshift haunted house with flashlights and all. Provided scary noises that echoed in our hollow home. 'Tis the season.

7pm - Begged neighbors for cushions and made a indoor campsite.

9pm - Wondered how I will survive tomorrow with all my sleep deprived children.

In Case You Were Wondering

This is what hell feels like during the month of October. Halloween is a forced holiday in the Middle East. I know many Muslims who don't like the idea of ghost and ghouls for small children. I get that. But truly, I couldn't think of anything more frightening than seeing this temperature in the dead of fall.

This sucks.

Honestly

How much longer can I disconnect myself from the real world? This whole process has opened up painful wounds of trying to settle in Dubai, and that process took at least 3 months. I am at month #2 right now with no end in sight. Everything depends on something else. For example:

To purchase a vehicle one must:

1. Get a visa - Check
2. Find a van in an SUV only market - Check
3. Get approval for a loan - Sort of
4. Wait for a man in a mysterious office who seems to be on vacation a lot to sign the loan documents - Nope
5. Sign post dated checks till 2050 and pass over first born child- Check
6. Give 800. bucks to the bank as an 'Approval Fee' - Reluctantly, check
7. Take the loan papers to the greasy man at the dealership who sold you the car - Nope
8. Wait for the greasy man to talk to the globetrotting banker before handing over the keys - Nope.
9. Drive away - In my dreams


This is ONE of the billion process we have to go through in this country and if there is one hiccup it adds days or weeks to the process. It seems that we have been told, 'Two more days' for the past 5 weeks. Such is life in a place that is civilized, but doesn't have a civilized system in place for residency. Seriously. Do you see my dilemma?

I am trying to keep a log of posts so that I can bulk up your reader when I finally get back on. IF I get back on. After all, it is only going to be about 'two more days'....

The Never-ending move

We are here. We are alive (barely), and we have a lot to tell. BUT, I still have no internet access and no sign of it coming soon. The good news is, Axel FINALLY GOT HIS VISA!!!!!!! The bad news is, I don't. Not yet, which means nothing can really happen before that officially happens. I have stories, I have pictures, but I have no internet....

It is a sad day in Doha.

To Compound or Stand Alone?

It appears there are only two options for housing in Doha.  We either go for a compound or a 'stand alone'.  Both options are pricey (around 10K USD for rent a month), Doha is not a cheap place to live.  It has been a very difficult decision for Axel and me because both options have good points and bad.  For example:

Stand Alone

Positives

- More square footage for your buck

- Bigger yard (not by much)

- Fewer rules

- Autonomy 

- Extra home for maids and drivers

Negatives

- Slow response to needs

- Solidarity 

- No gym (access to gyms in Qatar are limited)

- Strange architecture 

- No pool

- No services

Compound

Positives

-Pool (at a distance), gym, laundry services, restaurants, tennis courts, etc.

- Instant friends for the children

- Sense of community

- Close Westerners 

- Community gatherings

- Safety/gated

- Roads to play on

- Immediate services

- Western architecture and appliances 

Negatives 

- Close proximity to others (nosy neighbors) 

- Smaller homes

- Instant enemies for the children

- Free reign for children on the streets (I foresee serious shenanigans)

- 'Bubble living' (separation from local culture)

It took us a month, but we have decided where we will live.  Axel found our house on his own, and the minute I visited the place I knew it was the right place for us.  We move in tomorrow.  I will tell you what we settled on when I finally take pictures.  

I am sure the suspense is killing you.

The Unknown

We are currently in the 'limbo' phase. This phase could last a few months or longer.  How ever long I think it will take, I add two months to that estimate.  When we left Nepal, we were told we should have Axel's visa in 'a couple of days'.  We are now past a month and it is more likely this process will take 'a couple of months' at least.  The good thing is, I have gone through this enough times that I have no preconceived ideas of how long will take.  I am amazed at how flexible I have become.  No one could be anal living the life we do.  

During this long, drawn out phase it is fun to see my life unfold.  Where will I live; what hobbies will we begin; what talents will we discover; what stores will we enjoy visiting; what restaurants will be our favorite, etc.?  These questions help me keep going.  It is the unknown that makes me love this kind of life.  We call it 'spice'.  

The questions during this phase invoke feelings of excitement and frustration.  As much as I am thrilled to find out where we will live, I am equally frustrated with how expensive and cramped the housing options are.  It is also balanced with sadness from where I left.  It is difficult to revisit the past and think, 'Awe, when I lived in X it was so much easier to do this.'  Then again, if I lived in X, I wouldn't have the chance to see what else could be easier.  We have lived in enough places to know there is good and bad and you must learn to accentuate the positive.  Axel and I often have a date night discussion about the following question: 'Give me your ideal day if you could be in several countries at once.'  Mine would be this: Wake in Canada and have a hearty breakfast with back bacon and real maple syrup. Head to Split, Croatia and buy fresh fruits from the market.  Go to an opera in Vienna.  Eat lunch in Hungary.  Go to the temple in Switzerland.  Shop in Thamel.  Swim in Thailand.  Jungle explore in Bali.  Eat dinner at a swanky hotel in Dubai.  Sleep under the star-filled sky in southern Utah.  

Although this time is uncomfortable, it is also thrilling.  It is a pleasant (or sometimes unpleasant) way of seeing how my life will work in a new environment and amongst new people.  To me, the unknown is what makes life interesting and fun.  It is spice, and I like mine extra hot.  

We Made It

Before we left Nepal, we had to have a tikka session.  It wouldn't be right without one.  Our entire staff gave us an elaborate farewell party.  I sobbed the entire time.  I felt so blessed to have had this experience.   I felt very lucky because A) Very few people are given the opportunity to live in Nepal; B) If given the opportunity to live in Nepal, very few people would take it. It has changed me forever.

Here are some photos of our farewell: 

Asa refused the tikka again.  He is not one for formalities, especially Nepali formalities.  

Our trip to Qatar was uneventful (thank goodness).  Why do my children always save all their naughtiness for when mom is solo on the plane?  This time (while dad was there to help) the kids were perfectly behaved.  

When we got off the plane, Sedona had to tell us that Qatar was a 'heating one'.  She was right.  In the middle of the night it was well over 100 degrees.  Also, unlike most other desert climates, Qatar is humid.  I am so glad we are showing up at the tail end of summer.  Better days are ahead.  

Our temporary home is just fine.  It is a spacious 3 bedroom overlooking the Persian Gulf. It is so soothing and calming to look at clean, clear water.  I forgot how great that really is.  

Our heap of stuff.  Transporting 4 kids under 6 years old requires goods, and lots of them.  
Our bedroom overlooking the Gulf
Xavier and Asa's room
Our view outside of the living room
Driving in Doha

I questioned how I was going to adjust to life in Qatar.  I expected that my love for Nepal would cloud all my judgements of this place.  Admittedly, as soon as I got into the Carrefour (the local hypermart) I about died.  For once, I wasn't there to store things in my bags and bring them several hundred miles home.  Instead, I simply buy, put in my car and drive home.  Novel, I tell you.  I was giddy.  

Axel and I had to talk about this for a while.  We liken the experience to this:  Remember when you dated that ubercute guy/girl in college?  Even though he/she is a little conservative and boring, and you know that he/she isn't someone you want to stay with forever, it is sure fun to hang out and be seen with that person.   Although you know that the other guy/girl you used to go out with was really interesting, eccentric, and helped you grow as a person, he/she was just not that attractive.  

I know I will eventually want to get back with my eccentric mate in the future, but I am so thrilled to have my rich and handsome play date for a little while.  

Two More Hours

In order from left to right: Ritu (TM/BA), Anindra (BA), Suresh (IT), Poshak (CFO), a hot housewife, an ex GM, Arun (microinsurance A&H),  Bhupesh (CSC), Sumita (HR), Basant (training), Nirmal (CMO) and Surya (Group).  

We are two hours away from getting in the car and leaving Nepal for good.  Last night was a wave of a million emotions and during my farewell dinner with my Heads of Departments  So many good people to say goodbye to.  It was really tough.  As I looked around to all the people who where there I thought about all we had been through together and I felt really honored to have worked with them all.

Dasrath (COO and my GM replacement), the Punisher, Ram (U/W head)

People say that business is cut throat and Hollywood likes to portray it in its worse possible light.  In my few years of experience in the 'for profit' world I have seen 99% good.  Good people trying to help each other working together as friends for a common cause.  

And it has been especially that way here in Nepal.  It honestly was a family.  We had some tough times and a few disagreements, but no more than a normal family.  We went through three major issues and came out on the other side stronger and in a better position than when we went into them.  

It really is with sadness that I leave these people.  I only hope I get a chance to work with them again in the future.

Then on top of that we had to say goodbye to our staff.  Sarita did not get her visa to come as a tourist, so we are flying out tonight just the family.  Even though we are going to get Sarita and Debendra (our driver, guard, fellow orchid collector, animal doctor and all around big brother for the kids) visas over the next few weeks, it is still hard to say goodbye to them.  The others it is especially hard as we will probably never see them again.  Gotam (Terah's eye candy), Najouman (our resident Maoist), Namaste (old man who we never knew his name) and of course Hari dai.  Hari built 90% of the things we had here, took care of all the animals, and has a great relationship with Asa.   It was a teary goodbye to say the least.  

From left to right :Najuman, Gotam, Dona, Sarita, Asa, Terah, Xay, Me, Kopila, Heavah, Hari and Debendra.  Namaste is missing.

One of the things that is tough about living overseas is constantly having to say goodbye.  And not becoming jaded to the process.  Even though you know what is coming, making new friends is one of the best things about this lifestyle.  

In the end we are all just passing each other in this life.  Which is getting shorter and shorter.  If I live as long as I have lived, I will be 80.  Will I make it to 80?  Maybe, but even if I do, I only have as much time coming as has already passed.  It is going to fly by regardless.  It is more than comforting to know that one day Terah and I will see these people again.  Whether in this life or the one to come.  We always tell each other when we finally do die, not too many people will be able to come to our funeral as everyone will be scattered around, wherever that random place will be that it is going to held.  But that the party on the other side will be overflowing with great people.  And that isn't so bad at all.

They're Here...

I guess it is really happening.  It seems like yesterday I wrote this post.  Now you simply have to reverse it, and that is what we will be doing in another day or so.  

This is the truck they are using to take our things to another location.  They do several trips a day.  I am not sure where this magical location is exactly, I am just hoping it isn't over a cliff somewhere.  

Asa headed for the bubble wrap.  Who can resist?  Even in my 30s, I can't.  

Axel's bird cages were all given away to our guards and friends.  We are down to only 4 chickens.  Anyone care to take some bunnies home?

As sad as I am to leave Nepal, I am not enjoying the limbo phase.  It is like taking off a Band-Aid.  I just want to get the pain over with as quickly as possible.  It will be nice to start our new lives and begin another Bromley adventure.  I am ready.  

The things we lost along the way

Our stuff made quite the trek to arrive in Kathmandu. It went through the following:

1. Loaded in Dubai

2. Shipped to Calcutta, India

3. Sat in Calcutta for a couple of months, while a lot of paperwork had to be processed

4. Reloaded on another truck and moved to the Nepali border

5. Opened and assessed by the Nepali customs

6. Send to Ring Road in Kathmandu

7. Reloaded several times over on two small trucks

8. Delivered to our home

Every step of this process we were given an update, and every step of this process I thought it would be a miracle of all miracles if it all actually made it to Nepal in one piece. The good news is that what we lost during our move was minimal. The bad news is the things we lost are really expensive and difficult to find in Kathmandu.

Despite the fact that there was basically a neon sign on it's box stating !!!!FRAGILE!!!!, our plasma TV was not only bashed, but permanently damaged. We searched the entire city over and it is clear that Nepal does not carry Hitatchi. Not only that, but plasma TVs are a rare find. I took it as a sign that we should continue our TV free life, but then we stumbled upon a Samsung store. Only 30 minutes later we are now owners of a new Samsung plasma TV. I guess not having cable will have to do.

Axel's X-Box 360 did not make the trip to Kathmandu in perfect form either. In fact, the less than two year old time-sucker ended up rocking and rolling so much that it no longer turns on. There was a silent "Hurray" and backflips done within me but I gave my most sincere "That is really horrible sweetie, I am so sorry!" Apparently, I should have made it more obvious of my disdain for the mind numbing machine because in less than two weeks, there is a new one sitting in our entertainment unit. I am not even sure where Axel found it, I guess if you are determined to find an X-Box 360 in Kathmandu that badly, you deserved to have one.

A few of our dining room chairs were suffering before we left for Nepal but there were still a couple that functioned just fine. As fate would have it, the two perfect chairs are now more 'imperfect ' than the ones that were damaged before. Therefore, I am on the hunt to find someone who can repair these chairs to make our set complete (Oh, and avoid anyone falling off or through the middle of the chair while visiting. Care to come for dinner?)

Finally, a butt load of glass is now in crumbles at the bottom of a box somewhere. This is when Home Depot or Target would come in handy. That way I could easily replace the frames and dishes that are now worthless. Instead, I will be running around the city trying to find a poor replacement. Such is moving, such is life.

Overall, the most important things made it here just fine. Which, knowing what our stuff when through to get here, goes to show that miracles do happen.

Clothes

As you can tell from my last post, I have been living with so few items of clothing these past few months I am not quite sure what to do with all the possibilities of my new arrival. What goes with what? What fits right? What should be saved for a fancy deal and what can be trashed? I never knew how much thinking I used to put into all of this. And it is not just me. Now that the kids don't have uniforms for school, the task is that much harder. It was fine when my kids would wear something totally ridiculous at home, but displaying it for all to see (where kids who may have some fashion sense will be) kind of worries me.

I have to admit, the first feeling I had as my maids uncovered the many boxes of clothing I possessed was pure guilt. Dress after dress they would comment on its beauty, its colour, its shape. It was humbling to think that even when I had my small pile of clothing, it was still more than what they owned. However, the other feeling I felt was excitement that I can now sort out what I need and the rest can go in a box ready to be given to someone who needs it far more than I do.

Opening one of the billion clothing boxes

In fact, our old room that once was used to dry out our clothing during this monsoon season has now become a place where I not only keep my dryer (which really can't be used much because it sucks all the electricity out of this house), but also a place that holds all the 'give away' boxes. Each box is labelled and we will give out as many items as we see the need. I am thrilled.

Our drying/storage room

Our American sized dryer (which was a rare find in Dubai)

In addition to the dryer, there is so much joy in having a washing machine. Even if it is a small machine (can't really purchase one of those 'American washers' here and Dubai didn't even allow the space for anything big near the washer pipe), it is a small miracle whenever you choose the setting and push start. In fact, when the movers arrived with our goods my maids kept asking, 'Is that the washing machine?' 'How about this one, is this it?' They were both so done with spending hours scrubbing with brushes to get out all of those nasty stains.

Our old method of washing Our new method of washing

The point is, I have too much clothing and now I am painfully aware of this fact. Nepal makes you realize this and also makes you realize that fashion is what is comfortable and what is colourful. (They love their lime greens and fluorescence oranges). Which makes my wardrobe seem quite drab.

So, clean out the closets, get rid of the stained and drabby clothing and send it Nepal way. There is always someone here who could use it. AND I would be happy to wash it for you when it get here.