Kathmandu Calling

Katmandu is one of those out-there places that lots of people probably never think of visiting. Honestly, if it wasn't for the Bob Seger song I probably wouldn't have even known the name for the capitol city of Nepal before I went there. It's not in the news much (barring the 2008 Maoist overthrow of the monarchy, which happened when we were there) and people in America aren't overly aware of Nepalese culture - which is really a shame. This country's people are friendly and peaceful, their food is healthy and flavorful, and their traditions are vibrant, unique and thriving.

For many, Kathmandu is a stop-over on the way to the trekking destinations in the Himalayas. Want to climb Everest? Stop off in Kathmandu for a day or two to work your way up to the higher altitude. Kathmandu is in the lowlands of Nepal and from the top of the buildings you can see mountains hovering in the distance. 

In this packed city, the streets are full of families, vendors of all types, and monks in their cheery vermilion robes. It's crazy and hectic, but mostly safe and welcoming. People realize that tourism is a major source of income, and even in times of turmoil, travelers are treated with care.

Many women and men still wear traditional garments and colorful prayer flags flutter from houses, shops and temples. Stop in to the jewelry stops - Nepal has amazing silver, turquoise and gemstones and the prices, even for custom work, are very reasonable.

Most of the people practice Tibetan Buddhism - local sources say the Buddha himself was born in Nepal - and bright white temples, emblazoned with the eyes of the Buddha, surround the city. 

There aren't a lot of things you have to see in Kathmandu. Most of the guidebooks list the temples, the royal palace and a few mediocre museums. Go to the temples, see the palace, skip the museums and just wander the city. You'll come across things that may surprise or frighten you - meat out in the open at the market, stray dogs begging for scraps, children scampering barefoot - but the main thing to take away from this place is the welcoming spirit of the people and the color and enthusiasm in their day-to-day lives.

And if you need a little refresher, here's the Seger-meister and his rock-n-roll serenade to the city - complete with photo tour.

The Wild

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OMYGOSH can you believe this newest picture from Jon Rafman's Google Earth project? I so wish there was a location listed - the strolling tiger and the barren industrial park are just so incongruous that I can't figure out where this could possibly be.... any thoughts?

Have you had any interesting experiences with wild animals? I think I've told you about swimming with a capybara, the world's largest rodent, in Peru? He was very friendly .. I think his name was Charlie. 

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 I've had several encounters with monkeys that range from the cute and cuddly to downright SCARY. In the cities of India, smaller monkeys have learned to coexist with humans - mostly by acting cute and swiping food from al fresco diners. But in Kathmandu, we visited a temple inhabited by real big monkeys - the scary kind with big teeth that they bare at you at any sign of provocation. While we were touring the complex, a monkey attacked a couple walking by, even drawing blood!  Not so cute after all...

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And speaking of tigers, we visited the famous Bandhavgarh tiger preserve while in India. We took morning and evening safaris, riding in open air jeeps through the preserve, constantly on the watch for tigers. We were lucky to see several - it was amazing to watch those beautiful creatures float in and out of the shadows. They really are majestic. One day, a group on an elephant safari spotted a tiger and all the nearby jeeps crept close to watch. Suddenly, the elephant spooked and went crashing through the forest, jostling her passengers like rag dolls! Luckily, the tiger was disinterested in the whole spectacle...

What crazy animal stories do you have?

Smile: Photo

Some days, you just need a little something extra to make you smile. How 'bout a walking cotton candy tree?

Yep, does it for me.

 

Picture: Mine (or maybe my Dad's) from Kathmandu, Nepal 2008