Back in Kathmandu

 

You know how dog owners look like their dogs?

Ah, the joys of the big city! What can't you find in Kathmandu, that's what I'd like to know. Within my first few hours of being back in the city I printed several photos, updated and added photos to my blog, purchased several different maps of the city and a Nepali phrase book, and had a worldwide selection of food options for lunch. Just what I needed after being in Bhutan...quite opposites. I've since gained some knowledge of different areas of the city and now understand at least which way north is and where some very touristy sites are located in relation to others.

Yesterday, as a finale to our Bhutan trip there was a free 3 hour tour of Kathmandu and so I signed up, interested in what we could see in such a relatively short period of time for such a big place. We went to two different sites, Pashupatinath and Bouhanath, which I've previously talked about and loved. Our tour guide by the end of the trip invited me to stay at her house with her 13 year old daughter after learning of my interest in studying Nepali. It was an interesting tour. At Pashupatinath, I witnessed my very first Hindu cremation, up close and personal, which will stay with me for the rest of my life. The photo above is of the location, but not of the cremation. I had my first two Nepali people come up to me and ask for food/money for their family near Boudhanath.

Today I've been traveling and walking a bit around the city by myself and doing chores like laundry on the roof and organizing my next teaching placement. During my adventures today, I've learned how to get the best price for taxis and have been eating loads of fresh fruit! It is strange how I've been in the city by myself for almost two days now and I do not feel alone at all. Maybe I'm enjoying my quiet time after being in a group for so long or maybe it is because of how safe I feel traveling by myself. I don't think I've ever felt this safe traveling in any city before, with the exception of Seattle.

So many holidays/festivals right now in Nepal. Tihar is happening right now and it's exciting to see Christmas lights and other colorful decorations put up in shop windows.The photo above does not do justice to the magical feel of overlooking the city at night. Special shout out to Edward, my brother, because on the last day of Tihar sisters honor their brothers and give them flowers to wish them good luck/success. Below is a picture of some of the boys at Papa's House, one of the orphanages that is connected to my volunteer program, that were being honored by their "sisters."