Kathmandu again.

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We spent the weekend after Pokara back in Kathmandu so we could explore more of the city. On the Saturday we wondered around the areas outside Thamel (the tourist district) which turned out not to be the best plan as water balloons had just come on sale in preparation for the festival of Holi (which is actually tomorrow - March 19th) and the local children were a bit over-excited, and were throwing the balloons at unsuspecting passers-by (particularly westerners) so we got hit a number of times - before becoming suspicious of any child who said 'Hello'(and even those who didn't!) and hurried past. In the evening we made another trip to Bodnath (the big Buddhist stupa) as there were meant to be celebrations there for Tibetan New Year (although when we arrived there was just a small area of prayers and offerings going on - later we learnt that the main celebrations would take place on Sunday). It was still very atmospheric to see the stupa at night though - the eyes were very powerful, and the white stupa stood out clearly against the dark sky and stars.
The next day we visited the Kathmandu Durbar Square - which was the biggest one I've visited. It's amazing how such a large area with such impressive temples just suddenly emerges from the bustling streets. It was very hot, so after spending about half an hour wandering around the temples, we made a visit to the Snowman Cafe in nearby Freak Street where (according to the lonely planet) they sell very good chocolate cake! This turned out to be very true, and we were definitely not disappointed with our pieces of cake!

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Photos

Me with the guide book.
I have become the groups map reader and guide - I always carry the guide book so this photo was quite appropriate!

Comments

[Andy Jones]

Cake
Mm. Seems to be a bit of a cake theme emerging here! Do they have Trunchbowl cake in Nepal?