Nepal Summary

Nepal was a late addition to our trip.  We read that it was not a safe place to visit because of Maoist rebel activity, including rioting and some bombing, but our friends the Foxes had an American friend living in Kathmandu and they talked us into going there.  We flew India Airlines from Calcutta and purchased visas as we entered the country.  The Foxes met us at the airport, a real treat, and we stayed at a wonderful guest house called the New Orleans (opposite the Kathmandu Guest House).  The area of Kathmandu frequented by foreigners is called Thamel and it is vibrant and interesting.  American Bill Levine, an expat living in Nepal showed us around the city and we explored temples and markets.  The food was terrific, a great variety at very low prices.  We tried to take a scenic flight to Mt. Everest, but it was cancelled due to bad weather.  Mainly, it was great hanging out, sharing travel stories with Bill and the Foxes and soaking in the lovely atmosphere of Katmandu.  We didn't even mind the garbage in the streets and the polluted air (from vehicles).  The Nepalese people are kind and spiritual; they don’t deserve the problems they currently face with their government and the insurgency.  Many people live in extreme poverty with little hope for a better future.  Democratic representation is almost non-existent.  After four days, we were sorry to go.  Our plane ride out of Nepal was the most turbulent to date and had us all nervous. 

Kona Moment:  The hand painted green and white “Borders Bookstore” sign in front of a hole-in-the-wall bookshop.

Starbucks:  None

Weird McDonalds Menu Item:  None

Cultural Moment:  Learning about the Kumari, a living Goddess selected from the general population at age 4, who then becomes the patron deity of the city.  At puberty she must step down and her successor found.  Our guidebook said these girls have a hard time getting married, because after years of being a goddess, they can be a bit spoiled.