One Year Away

Penny

After 3 days of travel, 3 flights and 2 overnight layovers, we finally arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal.  The
city is a shock to the senses and it greets you immediately after getting off the plane.  Traffic, dust and people are everywhere! 

Kathmandu is the exotic-sounding capital of this  mountain kingdom. The city is overcrowded, roads are usually simple alleyways that only fit one car (and no sidewalks) and scam artists are a plenty.  But even after being scammed out of money twice on our first day, we feel that the magic of the city that attracted hippies in the 60’s is still alive.  The Nepalese, even the
con-men, are very friendly people.  Most also speak English which has made getting around the tangled maze of streets much easier.

We are staying at the ‘famous’ Kathmandu Guesthouse. The hotel’s outdoor cafe makes great Nepalese Masala tea that warms you up in the cold mornings and evenings.  It is our escape from the noise and chaos of the Thamel district in
Kathmandu.  After I cross the gates from
the street into the guesthouse courtyard, I always breath a sigh of relief.