Kathmandu

"That's where I'm goin to Katmandu
Up to the mountains where I'm going to
If I ever get out of here
That's what I'm gonna do."  Bob Seger

 

We had a 4:15 am wakeup call for our flight to Kathmandu.  The hotel went above and beyond by providing us with a 4:45 am breakfast of eggs to order, beans, bacon, toast, tea and coffee, proving again that this countries "Gross National Happiness" project really works.

 

As our plane quickly ascended into the clouds and over the mountain peaks, we said goodbye to the scattered houses below.  The highlight of the 50 minute flight was the view of the Himalayas off the right side of our plane, and the majestic Mount Everest.

 

As we began our descent into Kathmandu, the contrasts between these two countries was immediately evident.  The city is huge, sprawling, smoggy, and dirty.  We were met by our new guide and driver and driven directly to our hotel, the Soaltee Crowne Plaza, where we discovered two more differences -- this country has air conditioned cars, buildings, and it even has elevators!

 

After settling into our rooms, we met back in the lobby to begin our first tour.  We were driven to the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu in the heart of the old city.  Durbar Squares is the former Royal Palace, surrounded by many ancient and medieval temples.  We walked through the narrow streets of the business hub and tourist district.  The experience can best be described as "sensory overload".  Shop after shop of colorful, shiny, or fragrant curiosities, detailed carvings and sculptures, interesting people everywhere -- many of them trying to sell you something -- kept our heads turning from one direction to the next, all the while we're trying to negotiate streets streaming with people, bicycles, motorcycles, and cars all going wherever they want, as fast as they want.  It's amazing that we all came out of it without being run over.

 

After lunch at a rooftop restaurant, we drove to the Swayamblhunath Stupa, a 2000 year old Buddhis shrine, and another geocache for Augie.  It was situated high on a hill with a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley.  It is also known as the monkey shrine, because the place is crawly with the crazy beasts.  Augie saw one walk up to someone and steal their can of Pringles.  I wondered why they don't walk up and steal the shiny objects the merchants have laying out on tables, and someone noticed that some of the shop keepers have slingshots they use the keep the monkeys away.

 

Tonight was our welcome dinner in a very nice restaurant where we sampled a variety of Nepalese dishes and were entertained by traditional dancers.  The tour company managers surprised Dory with a birthday cake.  We were so tired from our long day, some of us started to fall asleep at the table.