Blogs from Bhaktapur, Nepal, Asia - page 2

"Yes, yes, yes I know, I'm a billy no mates and have no friends", is what I felt like saying after the 6th person in two hours spoke or gestured, combined usually with a look of concern or confusion, to ask whether I was on my own. I was beginning to get the feeling that in everyday Nepal, ie. outside of the tourist bubble I'd been living in, perhaps women didn't travel on their own.... I was staying in Bandipur, some three hours from Pokhara, having decided to take the scenic route back to Kathmandu. I'd finished my Annapurna trek with a day being shaken around (as much as is possible when there are four squished into a row) in the back of various jeeps as we travelled a road that was in parts more rock ... read more

Tibetan hot Beer Seeds are fermented with yeast for 2-3 days depending on the weather. Shorter time on hot days and longer on cold ones. The fermented seeds are then aged for 15+ days. To make Tongba, hot water is added to extract the flavors. Water can be refilled up to four times. Taste a lot like rice wine, but slightly sweeter. Prune endnote. Smooth. Often served in this wooden type of mug with a metal straw. "Technology has made human interaction a thing of the past. The warmth and bond between human beings are quickly dissolving. Relationships are casual. There are no more warmth in any relationship. I tried to hold on to this, but even I will change in a world that is quickly changing. "Staying Gold," means being left behind on the curb ... read more

Following our trip to Chitwan, we ended up back in Kathmandu. The next morning we caught a bus to Bhaktapur, once the capital of Nepal, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The Durbar Square includes many ancient temples running along cobblestone streets, which are free of traffic, surrounding the beautiful Palace of 55 Windows, built in the early 15th century and home of the king until the late 18th century. It now houses the National Gallery. Not far from the palace, and perhaps sharing the status of the chief site of Bhaktapur, is the Golden Gate, which acts as the entrance to the Hindu-restricted Taleju Temple, dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani. We headed to Pokhara the next day. There isn’t much to do in the town except fatten oneself up before and after the Annapurna Circuit. ... read more

Having heard so many good things about Bhaktapur, I just knew I had to make it there one day, only had to fit it in my busy schedule somehow... ;) But finally a wonderful opportunity came up to share this experience with my dear friend (that would be you Grant! :)). We thought about taking a local bus there first, which could’ve been an interesting experience on its own, but since it was well over 30C degrees outside, we just decided to spoil ourselves a bit and took a driver instead – and what a treat it was, a sports car with airco! It just doesn’t happen in Nepal… Once we got to Bhaktapur we were offered guide services straight away, the guy seemed very nice and his price was very good also, but having him ... read more

After 2 days both spent in bed due to food poisoning, we had to alter our plans to go hiking for 2 days in the outskirt of the Kathmandu Valley and make our way to Nagarkot then Bhaktapur by Taxi. A heafty taxi fare in local terms but the thought of being able to lure Mt Everest in the distance at Sunrise was too tempting. Although we were able to see part of the Himalayas we were not quite fortunate to see the big one this time round. On our way back from Ngarkot we visited the beatiful city of Bhaktapur; hopefully the city can remained preserved as it has been so far, both me and Carmen very much enjoyed walking down the streets and squares that still remain intact with time. This was our final ... read more