Whirlwind tour of Tihar

I arrived back in Nepal a fortnight ago and I've barely had a moment to catch up with my thoughts or words on the page. Sophie, my partner in Shakti Pictures and DP/co-director on the film project was due to arrive a week later, just in time for Tihar Festival and there was much to do to prepare (not to mention helping my friend move house).

I must admit, it is great to be back. Had a few Nepali classes in an attempt to dust the cobwebs off what I had learnt earlier in the year. Made sure all our travel arrangements were confirmed and an array of other bits and bobs to ensure that once Soph arrived, all would run smoothly. And shopped for my friends new house and house-warming party!

To her credit, after a 24 hour journey, Soph managed to take it all in her stride and showed only a mere hint of jet lag. The hustle and bustle (illuminated during festival time), noise and dust and sheer quirky madness of Kathmandu didn't faze her. It was good timing, as once the festival was underway, there were less people and traffic in town as people return home to their families.

Tihar is the festival of lights and all over Kathmandu, shops and homes string lights and lay out little oil candles to coax Laxmi to bless their homes. In the meantime, groups of enthusiastic children make a tidy sum from going from house to house singing and dancing - doing incredibly elaborate routines, I might add! One boy in particular clearly has access to music videos. He was impressive to say the least. Think Nepali folk dance mixed with breakdancing - not something you see every day!

this beautiful piece of artwork was on the street made of grains, rice and petals

Tihar lights adorn the whole city.

We did a manic drive-by viewing from one side of town to the other,
just to get an idea of the festivities

On the Friday of Tihar we flew to Pokhara where children continued to busk the neighbourhoods and lights make it feel like Christmas. I was able to introduce Sophie to my family at Bishnu Lodge and EWN. But days later and we were on the move again - in car bound for Nepalganj (11 hours).

I write now from a darkened room in Nepalganj, probably disturbing the sleep of my production team, but I wanted to send out a brief update before we disappear into the mountains of Jumla where internet accessibility is somewhat limited.

If and when I can (power, net & time permitting), I will be doing blog updates that are more specifically about the shooting experience on the Shakti Pictures blog.