Namaste! It is barely four days since we arrived in Nepal and already we have seen so many different facets of the country. Our journey to Kathmandu was relatively easy, despite a short delay in Dehli. We were pleasantly surprised on arrival to discover that reports of being surrounded by taxi drivers, hawkers and hotel/guesthouse 'recruiters' were unfounded. We headed straight for the driver with the Kathmandu Guest House placard (Thanks girls for recommending it!) and more or less hit the road.
The guesthouse, located in Thamel the centre of tourism in Kathmandu, while significantly more expensive than what we intend to spend for the rest of the trip, it was well worth it. After almost 24 hours travelling and 2 nights sleep lost, peace, quiet and a comfy bed were essential! Its a quiet little haven, just off one of the main streets in Thamel. A private garden almost buffers guests from the continual beeping on the streets. (Turn right = beep; turn Left=Beep, Overtaking you, watch out = beep - you get the picture).
After the incredible journey from the airport, we decided to wait till day 2 to brave the city. Its only a short drive (15-20 mins) from the airport to Thamel, The city itself is unlike anything I've seen before and it was quite a culture shock for two weary travellers. It is impossible for the poverty to escape your notice, there are are crowds and crowds of people, some working, some sitting, some sifting through the huge piles of rubbish on the side of the street; cows (as a sacred animal) wander the place freely as do packs of wild dogs. Thamel, gives a different perspective. There is no evidence of significant wealth, however there are hundreds of small businesses which appear to be thriving off the tourist industry. You can't walk down the street without being approached by people willing to organise treks or accommodation, rickshaws, taxis - you name it. It should be oppressive, but its not. Admittedly, it can be tiresome after several hours, but generally we never felt pressured or threatened, its just the way business is done!
No photos just yet, but we'll upload them in a few days - along with the next installment - the trip to Pokhara!
Fi & Schmo
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6 comments:
good to hear alls going well, get used to the beeping, it seems to be Asia wide, apart from Malaysia.
Have you eaten any Yak yet?
Hey Fiona, Great to hear that ye arrived well. So jealous of ye. take Care, I look forward to reading all your blogs.
Brenda
Looking forward to reading your tales of adventure. Have fun, be safe and I will be back to check on your stories :)
Isn't technology wonderful ?... 'tis far from a travel blog you were raised ..ha :)
i can't work this damn thing!!!
ha... ok - I just did!!! Ok loving this blog idea... dying to hear how pokhara was - and annapurna... and how much ye're LOVING dhal bhat!! and when ye're gonna come back to nepal with me.. and how amazing ktm is.. ok - u get the picture - glad ye having a ball - don't forget Kilroys and Paddy's "we were the rock-n-roll kids..."
Missing you guys. Hope you're having a great time. We can't wait to hear all about it!
Cait and Rich
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