Temples and toilets

We have managed to spend a little over a week in Kathmandu; was it the cleaner air? the picturesque mountains surrounding the valley? the chocolate cakes and capuccinos? the live music and traditional dance performances every night? the continental cuisine?... well yes, but also due to the bugs we picked up in Delhi that caused us to spend a little too long in the bathroom! "Delhi Belly" hit pretty bad but eventually we both managed to emerge from the hotel and explore the valley.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu

We stood in awe of the many temples at Durbar Square in central Kathmandu and waited in the rain to try and see Kumar, the 'living goddess' (a young girl picked due to various attributes who then spends her childhood living in a palace being worshipped by the Nepalese). We also took the local bus to Bhaktapur, an ancient city of the valley filled with temples where local life appears to have changed little since the 17th century and children clamber over ancient statues unaware of their historic significance.

Kate at the old Royal Palace, Bhaktapur

Nepal has a number of important religious sites for Buddhist and Hindu followers and a large Tibetan community, which makes its temples and surrounds a vibrant and interesting place to wander. We visited the large stupas at Bodnath and Swayambunath and watched local craftsman at work in the many side alleys surrounding the temple squares. On the way back from Swayambunath we had a monk give us an insight into our past and futures with a palm reading - Kate was not too happy to hear Michael will have two marriages! Both have long and good lives to look forward though.

The Nepalese have already won us over with their genuine friendliness and 'no hassle' attitute and after a glimpe of a snow capped mountain to further enchant us we are already thinking about returning! First though we must head west and tackle the 'Jomson Trek' - 11 days of hiking along the Annapurna Ranges and the world's deepest valley.

Swayambanath Temple