Kathmandu aka: Katmandu

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!

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.