It has been completely foggy (read smoggy) here in Kathmandu. However after a day of trekking around the city visiting Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Durbar Square (in Patan - one of the three cities that makes up Kathmandu) and making momos (dumplings) at a local NGO, the storm finally hit us when we were at Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and the spiritual home of the Tibetan exiles in Nepal.
Travelling alone - sometimes getting conned in a good thing
So it turns out I am gullible. After getting asked 'where are you from' about ten times, I realised it is the standard con line here. But while I am certain that the winding tour I got taken on was for the purpose of bringing me back to buy a painting, at least it means I don't have to go souvenir shopping at the end of the trip.
Bicky (my tour guides name) probably saw me coming a mile away, given my travelling resting bitch face was glued to a downloaded map, but the positive was that by having him show me around, I was actually able to slow down and appreciate the city rather than get caught up in the fact that I had already been lost twice in the space of 10 minutes.
Coming back from Durbar Square, the streets were absolutely heaving with people as apparently 2-3pm in the afternoon is peak shopping time. Apparently being out at 8am walking about is very early for Nepalese time.
Here are a few quick snaps from my first day. I thought I would try and get these up asap given I expect there will be a bit of a break between now and the end of the trekking section of the trip with no wifi access.
Bicky (my tour guides name) probably saw me coming a mile away, given my travelling resting bitch face was glued to a downloaded map, but the positive was that by having him show me around, I was actually able to slow down and appreciate the city rather than get caught up in the fact that I had already been lost twice in the space of 10 minutes.
Coming back from Durbar Square, the streets were absolutely heaving with people as apparently 2-3pm in the afternoon is peak shopping time. Apparently being out at 8am walking about is very early for Nepalese time.
Here are a few quick snaps from my first day. I thought I would try and get these up asap given I expect there will be a bit of a break between now and the end of the trekking section of the trip with no wifi access.
A long farewell
It has been really hard saying goodbye to all the wonderful people I have met over the years in Brisbane. But I have been really blown away with the kind messages of support and encouragement.
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