Dec 4th and we set off for another
adventure. Nepal here we come. We were excited about this trip as it had
been a dream of Wayne’s to go to Nepal.
Ultimately he wanted to see Everest but not this time. it means we will have to go back and do it
all again. Well not quite the same but
am sure we could fill in many days there doing many different things.
We rang for a taxi to take us and we waited and waited at
the lobby only to find that the condo had changed the rules for taxi pick-ups and we weren't aware. Finally we met the
taxi at the gate and quickly drove us to LCCT.
We were the last ones onto the plane as we had spent time in the
bookshop looking for a camera magazine to take with us.
It was a 4 hour flight and we were going to arrive
mid-afternoon in Kathmandu. Just as we
were getting ready to land we could see the ranges out the windows. Exciting!
We were met at the airport and welcomed to Nepal. The drive to our hotel was interesting. They are widening the roads and it seems like
it is all being done by hand but they stop work for the many festivals. Dust was everywhere. Roads were very bumpy but we too excited.
Holy Himalaya Hotel was down a little alleyway. One way traffic! but cars were going in both
directions. We checked in and decided to
go for a quick walk before being met for dinner. Bipin, our main contact at Social Tours, met
us and took us for a traditional dinner at a local restaurant where they also
had some traditional dancing and music playing.
It was both fascinating and amazing.
We had our first taste of raksi and wine made with strawberries, both
had interesting flavours.
Dec 5th - My birthday and we were celebrating in Nepal. Wow! After a lovely breakfast we met up with Bipin and our guide who was taking us fro a stroll around the streets of Kathmandu, primarily the Kumari Trail. He had a lot of little anecdotes and lots of information about the area and we just lapped it up. We wanted to get off the beaten track and we sure did. We were led through doors that I had to bend to fit under into courtyards that were surrounded by buildings. Some courtyards were big some were quite small.
We entered this courtyard only to find that we had 7 more similar doors to exit before we were back on the same street a few doors down. Most doorways were tiny. I would have to bend to fit under them. From here we were led to Durbar Square which is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of Kathmandu Kingdom.
On the way we passed many local markets and stalls selling everything you could need. The fruit and vegetables looked delicious and fresh.
We also visited the place where the Kumari Devi (living goddess) lives. A pre-pubescent child that is worshipped until she reaches puberty.We were fascinated by how they pick the child and what happens to her afterwards. Such an honour for her family!
Wandering around these streets we were continually being entranced by all that we saw. December is traditionally the wedding month and we meandered through many little alley ways and stalls selling beautiful jewellery and materials.
Along the way were many temples. Below is a picture of the Demon God "Kaal Bhairava".
The Seeing Eye door. We had read about this and wanted to see it and luckily found it with our guide. Such an historic part of Kathmandu.
When our tour with this guide was over, he arranged to meet us and take us to Bhakatpur and then meet up with us at 6.30 for a walk through this historic heritage town while it was waking up. My birthday dinner was spent in a lovely restaurant beside the Barking Dogs Temple. We stayed in Bhadgaon Guest house which had a roof top restaurant with a lovely view of Durbar Square.
6th Dec
An early start to the day but wow, it was worth it. We wandered down narrow lanes and alleyways watching and taking in all that was happening around us. Below are selectionof photos all taken before breakfast!
Finally back at our guest house for breakfast of fresh yoghurt and cereal and eggs and bacon. Our guide arranged to meet us after an hour to walk to meet our car to take us to Patan. This walk took us past the palace, the Golden gate, through Potters Square where they were firing in an old natural oven, through Durbar Square and many other wonderful sights.
We met up with our driver who dropped us off at Patan Market. Again you can buy everything you want here without visiting a mall or store. Every umbrella sells something different. People were everywhere as were noises, colours and smells.
Before walking thorugh Patan Durbar Square we were treated to lunch on a rooftop of their famous momo's - dumplings - and yes they were delicous! the view we had while eating these tasty morsels.
I love the reflections in the water here. There was no way you would swim or drink this water but the view they gave us was so worthwhile.
Then it was back to Hotel Holy Himalaya for a night before we took off for a trek in the foothills.
