Events

1 percent, keeping World AIDS Day in mind, this new Nepali film on the 'window period' of HIV diagnosis will be releasing worldwide on Youtube. 30 November, www.youtube.com

Living pictures, watch the prize-winning Finnish film Punk Syndrome. 5 Decemeber, 6.30pm, Moksh Restaurant, Jhamsikhel

AWON Christmas bajar, latch on to the yuletide spirit and visit this one stop destination for handicrafts, clothing, candles, paintings, brass and metal ware, silver jewellery, and other handmade items. Rs 100 for adults, Rs 50 for children, 1 December, 10am to 4pm, Hyatt Regency Boudha, 9851022363, 9851934190

Sattya rooftop sale, donate clothes, appliances, books or decorations to charity and support Ama ko Ghar. 1 December, 11am to 5pm, Sattya Arts, Jawalakhel, (01)5523486, 9818409207

Bato ko cinema, six movies, six screenings, six awesome chances to watch amazing documentaries in the streets of Patan. 6 to 21 December,
Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm onwards, Patan, 9813485716, (01)5523486

Green solutions fair, learn new ideas for a clean, green living. Free entrance, 8 December, 10 am to 4 pm, ICIMOD Knowledge Park, Godawari, half-hourly bus available at Jawalakhel

Thamel mall festival, enjoy Japanese, Newari, Manange, Tibetan, Korean, and Chinese food, and take advantage of discounts on clothing, jewellery, fancy and accessories. 2 December, 9am to 9pm, Thamel Mall, 9841801391

Adolescent girls in Nepal between tradition and modernity, an exhibition of Thomas Kelly's works which reveal the risks and challenges faced as well as the opportunities available to young women in Nepal. 7 to 16 December, 8am to 6pm, Indigo Gallery, Naxal, (01)4413580

Christmas fair, find beautiful, hand-made products by artisans around Nepal including decorative items, clothing, fashion accessories, children's items, paper products, coffee, tea, and spices. 2 December, 10am to 4pm, Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg

Piano lessons, a month-long tutelage under Thomas Duvigneau who shall be teaching rhythm, sight reading, scales, simple and advance harmonisation, piano solo, and comping. 9 December to 9 January, 5 classes a week, register by 5 December, (01)5013554, info@katjazz.com

Music

KCM inter-college music competition, rock the living daylights out of your competitors, and win up to Rs 145,000 in cash and kind. Rs 5000 registration fee, 15 December, 10am to 7pm, Fun Park, Bhrikuti Mandap, (01)5201997

Atif Aslam live, don't miss the Pakistani heartthrob who is in town to make your winter cheerful. 30 November, gates open at 1pm, Dasarath Stadium, Tripureswor

Live at Café 32, live music, and delicious food every Friday. 23 November, 6pm onwards, Café 32, Battisputali, (01)4244231

Night live, the sublime neo-folk band Night will perform songs from its upcoming album. Rs 200, 30 November, 4 to 6pm, Nepal Music Centre, Pingalasthan, (01)4465463

Dining

Karma coffee, be there at the Christmas opening to savour the delights of mulled wine, spiced coffee, KJC choir singing, The Boyz Next Door and Tabla Jam, and let your children take part in abseiling. 30 November, 2pm onwards, Jhamsikhel

Fuji Bakery, tucked in Chakupat this bakery offers homemade goodies like apple pie, pain du chocolat, and banana cake. Chakupat

Boomerang Restaurant & German Bakery, offers a large selection of cuisine for those who want to enjoy a full meal and desserts. Lakeside, Pokhara, (061)461412/462978

Hadock, big compound with ample parking space, its western and Thakali dishes are done to perfection. Jhamsikhel, (01)5546431

Comfort Zone, restobar with a decent range of cocktails and barbeque meals. Thamel

Thik Thak Restaurant, this restaurant boasts live fish from the lake which means the fish dishes are always fresh and delicious. Lakeside, Pokhara

New Dish, grab filling meals like pork momos, spring rolls, and chop suey and enjoy excellent value for your money. Khicchapokhari

Tamas-laya, promises a refined dining experience, try the prawn tempura, fisherman's fish and Balinese chicken satay. Naxal, Kathmandu

Falcha, give yourself away to the twin-advances of lemon jeera chicken and mutton handi kabab. Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur
Alfresco, for homemade pastas and other lip-smacking delights. Soaltee Crowne Plaza, (01)4273999

Dragon Chinese Restaurant, try the Kung Pao Pork if alone and the Mai Cao if with company. Lakeside, Pokhara

Lhasa Bar, enjoy a beer or a splash of cocktail at this springboard for excellent young musicians starting out on the Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043

Lazy Gringo, fail-safe Mexican restaurant. The lemonade with refills is what won us over, but the food is mighty fine. Jawalakhel

Getaways

Everest Panorama Resort, a great view of the Himalayas from the top of the Mahabharat. Daman, (01)4412864,
info@everestpanoramaresort.net

Grand Norling Hotel, countryside weekend package offering suite room, swimming, gym, massage, and discounts on other facilities. Gokarna, (01)4910193

Hotel Barahi, enjoy a great view of Phewa lake, cultural shows, or indulge in the scrumptious pastries from the German Bakery in the hotel premises. Lakeside, Pokhara, 061-460617/463526

Recipe for disaster

Renowned geodesist John Galetzka from the California Institute of Technology will conclude the lecture series that Cultural Studies Group of Nepal has been organising throughout the year. Galetzka, who spends much of his time in remote, earthquake prone parts of the world gathering samples, collecting data, and developing networks of monitoring instruments, will talk about the geology of Nepal. Take advantage of his expertise and learn how Nepal's position along major fault lines makes a recipe for disaster.

30 November, 9.30am, Shanker Hotel, Lajimpat
Entrance free for members, Rs 400 for non-members, tea/coffee served
csgnepal@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/CulturalStudiesGroupOfNepal

Paint the town blue

The sixth edition of Himalayan Blues Festival is here to extend the festive mood of the Valley residents. Artists from the US, Norway, Finland, and Nepal promise to concoct a treat for the ears, and scare off any premature winter blues that have threatened to set in. If you missed the opening shows yesterday, be sure to attend the rest of the party over the weekend.

Schedule
Blues Big Bang, 30 November,
6.30pm onwards, 1905 Restaurant
Wentus Blues Band (Finland), Sean Carney (USA), Amy Hart (USA), Oh no! Blue elephant with no hat or straw is flying on air (Norway & Nepal NSV faculty), Matt (USA), The Midnight Rider (Nepal), Ugra (Nepal), All star jam session.

Blues Garden, 1 December, 7pm onwards, Garden of Dreams
Night (Nepal), Wentus Blues Band(Finland), Sean Carney(USA), Amy Hart (USA), Matt (USA), The Midnight Rider(Nepal), Ugra(Nepal), all star jam session.