SMILES ALL ROUND: Members of the government and Maoist talks teams look happy for photographers before getting down to the business of second round of talks at Hotel Himalaya on Thursday. (KIRAN PANDAY)

OFFICIAL ADDRESS: The CPN (Maoist) attracted a crowd of people, and flags, as it opened its Kathmandu office in Kupondole on Tuesday. (KIRAN PANDAY)

ACHTUNG: Popular Nepali rock band 1974AD left for a three week tour of Germany on Wednesday at the invitation of resident Nepalis there. Yes, the lucky guys will also be watching the World Cup games. (KIRAN PANDAY)

WE GOT THE CUP: A giant replica of the FIFA World Cup outside the newly opened Sports Bar in Kamaladi. (KIRAN PANDAY)