In the mountains the air is clean, there are no sounds of motorised vehicles (except for the occasional helicopter), in fact there are no vehicles at all. There is an overall sense of calmness and tranquility; it couldn't be more different in Kathmandu! The air is dusty, the noise of traffic is LOUD, people are rushing everywhere and it feels chaotic; however I find it absolutely exhilarating and intoxicating. Arriving back at the hotel by 7:30am I couldn't wait to get out and experience the city in all it's manic idiosyncrasy.
Our rooms were not ready, so we organised our inclusive 1/2 day tour asap and took a taxi into the centre.
First stop was Dhubar (Royal) Square. There are dozens of temples, mainly Hindu, and in varying stages of repair. The photos mostly speak for themselves:
This is a good example of the intricate window carvings you see all around the town.
Below is the Monkey God - not very attractive!
A palace guard - the yellow socks really are an authentic part of the uniform!!
This should have a PG rating
While we were in the palace grounds the ex Crowned Prince, Paras Shah, came out to meet the crowds. He had just returned to Nepal after 3 years in Indonesia - it's the guy with the sunglasses right in the middle of the melee! Apparently he is a bit of a playboy constantly getting into trouble with drugs and generally having a good time!
This stone carving of Kala Bhairab is cut from one single stone. It is said that telling a lie in front of the statue will result in instant death - honestly!
We visited a Thanka school and watched them paint thankas (what else?) this one is a Mandala which represents looking down on a Buddhist stoopa.
This mandala is made from coloured sand, an incredible work of art.
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