Ending our time in Nepal

  Kathmandu, Nepal
Sunday, September 28, 2008

These last two days have been a little frustrating. Transport hasn't helped and the threat of a strike today with most things running business as usual - except taxi drivers who simply charge more. When asking the locals why there is a strike, the reply is that it has to do with the opposition party but not sure why!!! One guy's response was that they just like to strike!

Because of this we had our farewell dinner last night, but both have been having mild stomach rumblings the last few days. Hopefully that was the last of our Dahl Bat's - wonder if we will miss it. I think though that we have been quite lucky on the health front and strongly recommend a handheld water pump. Kirsty's paranoia probably also helped.

Today we had to wake at 5 and head straight to the airport for our Everest flight. Even this simple travel wasn't without its complications. We were flight 301, but had to follow 302 and 303! We were then told that the attendants for the flight were late, once on the plane and about to take off we were told there was a technical fault - "The indicator wasn't working!" - so had to go back to departures. Once there we were told that our flight had been cancelled and had to make our way back to the hotel. At least we now have a few more dollars for SE Asia but think we have already spent them!!!!

After breakfast we started our wondering through the markets to Kathmandu's Dubar Square

Taleju Temple in Kathmandu's Dubar Square

and then up to Swayambunath (or the Buddhist Monkey temple)

Swayambhunath

. It is lovely to get out of the main tourist area's on the stroll as there was no-one there to hassle you. Unfortunately the streets are quite dirty though. Our last few hours here will be spent tying up loose ends and packing for the rest of the trip. Bring it all on - first stop Chaing Mai and the famous Cooking School!


A few thoughts on Nepal...
It is an amazing, chaotic, vibrant scenically beautiful country. We have at times utterly loved it and wanted to move here, while at bad times we have wanted to leave! The poverty is tangible but at least tourism will do a lot to help the local people. Unfortunately we often felt like Cash Cows in the more "urban" areas. This country has undergone immense recent political upheaval. Up until April it was a monarchy which still imposed the caste system (you stay as you were born) and women were definitely second class citizens. Now there is a Maoist government and a lot of hope for change. The mountain they need to climb is as big as Everest and will take time.

The Tibetan refugees in this country have still not been nationalised even though some are second / third generation here. They are unable to own property which prohibits them from getting phone lines etc. It seems Tibetan's worldwide have a difficult lot.

Transport here is the subject of a whole book!!!

If you are planning on coming to Nepal, our advice would be come, but be prepared for frustration. You will no doubt feel immense exhilaration on the whole. As far as the treks go, many areas are having roads built which will help the local populace, but change the scenery and utter seclusion you feel when trekking. I would suggest you get here sooner rather than later if you want a rustic experience.

And Lastly enjoy it!