Namaste!

Full day traipsing around Kathmandu and surroundings. What a visual treat: over-stimulation might be the right word ;)

First a visit to Asan, a bustling open bazaar with its throngs of people, colors, savors and smells -- some great, some... well... a bit off-key, esp after yesterday's torrential rains (see the 1st and 3rd extras). 

Then off to the Monkey Temple (see last extra). At 4km above Kathmandu, it commands beautiful vistas of the city below. Its 'stupa' is replete with symbols and a sight to behold. The place deserves its name with monkeys  frolicking about all over. We got there right in time for the skies to open up and monsoon rains to start... Drenched to the core, in spite of weather proof stuff! The strength of the rain and the floods it generates are impressive, at times filling the narrow streets up to the ankle.

Off to lunch near the Hunaman Dhoka, a medieval area, where many royal ceremonies take place. Nearby is the home of the living goddess Kumari, who makes appearances for visiting tourists from a balcony -- unless her 'keepers' don't like the crowd they see. So, we didn't see her ;) I find that a bit of a sad tradition: a girl is chosen at age 3 to become the Living Goddess and is entered into her new home where she will remain until her first menstruation, leaving only a couple of times a year to officiate in ceremonies. Occasional visits from her parents are allowed, but she does not attend school nor socialize with anyone. It's supposed to be a great honor for the family, but it sounds a bit like a prison term for the girl...

Lastly, Ancient Patan, just outside Kathmandu (see 2nd extra). It's full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. Unfortunately, last year's earthquake took its toll and many buildings are in disrepair. Still, it was full of people (including, oddly enough a CosPlay convention of youngsters in the middle of an ancient temple...).

While there, we went to a 'healing bowl' place and got to experience their effects. The bowls are fashioned of seven different metals by hand and have varying and very deep resonance when struck with a special mallet. The bowls' claim to fame is to help maintain a healthy body and mind through the sound they make and the vibrations they produce when struck.  I volunteered to participate in the experiment and, let me tell you, it felt good. If it weren't for the five pound weight of the bowl, I'd have brought one back :)

We're getting on the road at 7am tomorrow heading towards Pokhara, with an overnight at Bandipur. 

Roger and out for now!