Old Woman @ Monkey Temple - Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu feels like India and in fact some of the Nepalese look very much like Indians. The food here is pretty closely related to the Indian food that we had in the north. There is a lack of quality meat and vegetables and that is quickly noticed within our first few dinning selections. This country is much poorer than India and in turn their cuisine is much poorer as well.

There is a power cut that lasts throughout the day. So during our daily exploration of the city the smell of diesel powered generators and that low generator hum can be experienced throughout the city. It seems that a hydro-electric power plant broke or was damaged a few years back. Since then Nepal doesn’t have enough energy for the demands of the capital. Their solution is to cut power from 11am to about 6 or 7pm daily.

Kathmandu is very polluted and the air is thick. On some days it is difficult to see into the distance. The constant exhaust fumes from the numerous motorbikes and cars seem to linger on the streets making it difficult to breathe. Most of the motorist wears masks, not the typical surgical masks. They actually have stylish ninja looking masks that they wear. Its actually pretty cool looking.

Nepalese people are extremely friendly and apparently I look Nepalese because they usually come up to me speaking Nepalese. Either way I am greeted by helpful people with warm smiles everywhere I go. It’s an amazingly welcoming culture.

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