Barod

Well nearly. We're surrounded by our preparations for Nepal - money, tickets, passports, clothes ... and batteries.

USBCell batteries look as if they might be useful. You can plug them into a USB port to charge them up, without needing anything else. Hopefully they can be charged at a friendly cybercafé in Kathmandu. Failing that, a powered USB hub can act as a battery charger. That should be good enough to give the camera a continuous supply of power.

Gewch Chi Olchi, Gewch Chi Smwddio

On the pilgrimage to Nepal, the ordained people will be wearing their robes for the whole of the journey and for the whole of the time in Nepal. This means that there is a considerable amount of sewing, washing and ironing to be done.

The clothes are nearly ready, the passport, air tickets and insurance are in order. I will need to pick up the earrings from the jewellers tomorrow. And book train tickets ...

We're busy with our preparations, but still find the time for family visits and general hwyl a sbri. The Wii has been a real hit. Wii've been enjoying games of tennis and ten-pin bowling.

Sylweddoli Byrder Byw

We went up to see Dee on Boxing Day and again today. It's a year now since we moved her to Wyndham Livery and she's a much happier horse as a result.

Being at a riding school, as Dee used to be, is a hard life for a horse. The horses always have to suffer at the hands of inexperienced riders and get pulled this way and that. Eventually they develop bad habits, or switch off altogether. The last year has been a kind of rehabilitation for Dee. She's become more relaxed and responsive.

We will probably be able to visit her two more times before we leave for Nepal. Time is getting short and we have to make sure that we are prepared, flights confirmed, shopping complete, clothes washed, medicines packed ...

I'r Golau

It must be a difficult job to be Christmas Day. Just imagine the expectation that people put upon you. The pressure to perform. The family duties, the presents, the turkey. Boxing Day has it easy. No expectations. Sleep late, play games, eat inventive leftovers. Boxing Day gets the better deal.

Meanwhile...

Christmas Day is a celebration. Your thoughtful presents perform themselves to an appreciative audience, and you are the appreciative audience for the present performances from your friends and family.

And we live in hope that circumstances will improve for people (and vice versa).

Ar Hyd y Nos

Christmas is the one free holiday of the year. The University closes for a week. Everyone's on holiday. It's the one time of the year when you can be sure that no-one at work needs you, that e-mail is not piling up, that there's simply nothing to be done. A holiday can be a real holiday. It's a really civilised institution.

Of course it's a little different this year. In just over a week's time we're flying to Kathmandu via Vienna. But we won't think about that. For now it's a time for family, friends and relaxation.

Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we ... pack?

Dyma'r ffordd i fro gogoniant

Wyt Ti'n Gêm?

I walked home yesterday through Bute Park. Town was busy, chaotic and festive. The park was quiet, misty and empty. It's remarkable how quickly you can escape from the centre of a busy city into the quiet beauty of the park.

Yesterday was my last day at work for a month. The University closes for the Christmas and New Year, but just as I'm due back at work we're going to be pilgrims in Nepal for just over two weeks.

And so to blog. I'm not at all sure about this blogging business. Having been asked to write something of our experience in Nepal I thought I should get started now in the warmth and comfort of our own home. So here is is the first trepidatious step into the land of blog. Wyt ti'n gêm?