OK, no, not ever subject line is going to be a reference to a song. 

I’ve finally made it to Nepal, and I really like it. The streets are narrow and windy for the most part, with crazy polluted traffic, and there are a lot of people walking next to you trying to sell you something (they start out with “excuse me” so at first you feel rude ignoring them, but you quickly outgrow that). But it is interesting and the people are friendly, and the surrounding hills are pretty. There are a lot of old objects scattered amidst the “new” city, you can find very old things in the oddest spots. 

There are a lot of tourists here, not as many as Bkk, but a lot. Many western style restaurants, which I understand are a welcome treat when done trekking. But I’ve learned that by croissant they mean bread in the shape of a croissant, and bagel is likewise. Haven’t had pizza yet (I think I ate enough with Erin & Tim to last my entire trip), but it is everywhere. I have decided it is the most universal food, and rightly so, as it is also the perfect food. Yesterday I ate at a restaurant where you can eat for free for life, if you have summited Everest. They have all these handdrawn signs from different expeditions through the years, including Hillary and Messner. 

Yesterday I walked around Durbar Square, the heart of the old city. I found the most interesting the palace of the living goddess. Right now she is 7. She will be a goddess until she hits puberty, and then a new one will be chosen. There is a long process, with similarities to choosing the new Dalai Lama. The king used to live here up until about 20 years ago.

Durbar Square

I also arranged for my rafting trip, an 11 day trip in the remote remote western part of the country on the Karnali River, one of the top 5 rivers in the world according to white water enthusiasts. I will leave Sunday (10/24 – 11/02) and be out of touch for that entire time. Right now is the best time to go with many Class IV+ rapids and good stretchs of gentle water. We will camp on river beaches. This trip will be in proper self-bailing boats. 

Off to visit some nearby temples.

The “perfect window”, it was on a postage stamp

1500 year old Buddha statue in the middle of the new city

Kumari Palace – the Home of the Living Goddess