After a fairly interesting bus ride to Bhaktapur (1100 NRs), we got off the bus less than a block from one of the entrances to the old city. Dru walked with me around the old city, pointing out the significant sights, temples, landmarks and telling me about each one, but not in too much detail. I really appreciated that. I had been here last year, but didn't get an actual tour, so it was great to come back and get more information. There are over 1000 temples in Bhaktapur. This time it was much more lively than it was before. Lots of shops were open, several tourists were roaming around but nothing was crowded. I'd like to say I remember all of what Dru told me about Bhaktapur, but I don't. It is a great place ... read more

I left Kuwait at 10:00 AM for a much needed holiday outside of the Arab world, and was glad to be heading to Nepal for the second time. I went at this time last year with a friend, but this time she couldn't join me, so I am on my own, which is fine with me. Like most of Asia, you're never really alone when you're there. I made it to Kathmandu around 8:00PM and actually got through the visa line in about 5 minutes! I knew what to expect, so I rushed off the plane, rushed to get my entry form, and rushed to the front of the foreigner's line. I thought I could pay in rupees, but I couldn't, so I had to actually go exchange rupees back to US dollars. But the guys ... read more

I must admit that on this trip, probably my 6th or 7th to Istanbul, I didn't wander far from Sultanahmet. I stayed three days and there were a few sites I wanted to see in Sultanahmet, and a friend I wanted to visit, but mostly I just wanted to wander the streets a bit and relax and have some good food and drink. I accomplished all of this and then some. This trip to Turkey was bittersweet for me. There are many things I love about Turkey, and many things I don't. But after my experience of living in Selçuk for one year, in a relationship that was bad and ended badly, I wasn't sure I would ever want to come back. I have been to Turkey twice now since I moved from Selçuk, and both ... read more

When I left Lorraine and Roxanne, I got on a bus headed for Lefkosia where I would cross over to The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus. I was very curious to see what it was like and how it differed from the Greek side. I will start by saying I preferred the Turkish side! I only stayed three days on my own, but it was so lovely and I had many chances to use my very limited Turkish. I stayed at a beautiful hotel called The Ship Inn for 30 pounds a night. This was also a British package tour kind of place, but it wasn't really noticeable. My room was beautiful and clean with AC and a balcony overlooking the pool. It was easy to catch the dolmus (mini bus) into Kyrenia to see the ... read more

We were supposed to fly back to Kathmandu around 9:20AM. Rather than hang out at Hotel Yeti, we decided we would skip breakfast and go to the airport around 8:00AM which was early. In Nepal, 45 minutes is enough time to arrive before a domestic flight. When we checked in, they said our flight would be delayed 30 minutes. No problem. At 1:00PM, we were still in the Pokhara airport. Our frustration was visible, especially Megan's. This was her last day in Nepal. I at least had all day tomorrow. Our flight had a mechanical problem. No one bothered to update us. No information was provided. No announcements were made. This is the way in Nepal. So we waited. Our flight finally arrived around 1:30 and we made the short 45 min flight to Kathmandu. Nabin ... read more