Kathmandu

I came to Nepal with much trepidation. Online research were flooded with issued travel warnings, various accounts of theft, riots, pollution, Maoists, etc.

With the installation of a new governing rule, I experienced none of the above. The city is polluted but no different from any other developing city. Bandanas or scarves were often seen worn over local faces to shield the smog.

Thamel and Durbar Square streets seemed to be the cleanest, probably due to the high traffic of tourists. There are the occasional piles of trash but nothing that can’t be avoided. The only intimidating experience was sharing walking space with motorcyles, cars, pedestrians, dogs, and the occasional cow, so stay alert.

Overall, the Nepalis people are good natured, friendly people…religion is their way of life. Street peddlers were not a nuisance and did not see or experience any form of harassment or trouble.

An absolutely beautiful culture.

I imagine this city at the crossroads of many Asian civilizations to be a frantic, varied place with a lot to see and do: shopping; temples, monuments and destinations of pilgrims through the ages; art and architecture; many cultures to experience, including those from many parts of Nepal; limestone caves and other natural scenic places.

explore the villages!

As my first real trip into Asia, Kathmandu was a real culture shock for me. It looked as if our minibus was going to hit many people walking by the road or on bikes or scooters on the short trip from the airport to the guest house, but miraculously no one got so much as a scratch!

Other than the usual annoyance of hawkers, I really enjoyed the city. We found a local guide who took us all over town – to the temples, squares and restaurants. The main tourist draws (Durbar Square, Bodnath Stupa etc) were great, but I actually preferred wandering off by myself into the maze of streets and getting a feel for the city as it is for those who live there.

A total contrast to the tranquility of the mountains, but a great experience nonetheless.

A magical place, so full of exotic and beautiful things. At the same time one of the most dirty cities I have ever visited. The little tuc- tucks, a 3 wheel vehicle, is a big smog producer. The open sewers, and other roting things add to the pungent smell that is mixed with incence and rich curry aroma from the restaurants. It can be overwhelming at first.
visit Fire and Ice if you miss western food, it’s a pitza and ice cream shop, you can see monks there enjoying the food.

At least, that’s how I termed it… so incredibly foreign, but not at all intimidating, Kathmandu is one of my favorite places on the planet.

I despair a bit that traditional Nepali hospitality and acceptance is leading to breakneck erosion of their history and values… but I harbor the hope that despite their superficial embrace of western culture, the Nepalese will manage to incorporate the best from both worlds and make something uniquely their own.

Absolutely awesome place

it’s amazing.

Mirror mirror on the wall, what do you see me doing in year 2007 and don’t give me no bull.

- I see you peering up at a peak so high, a jagged rock piercing the sky.

Everest here I come.

Hope to make it on June, it would be my first time. The current travel advisory warning worries me though. I hope everything becomes alright by then.

But i really want to get into a volunteer program, teach english or anything i could share. I’m seriously preparing for this…while i’m single and unattached! :-)