Wednesday 24^th October

We had a small lie-in today and then treated ourselves to breakfast at the German Bakery.  After breakfast we took a cab to Kathmandu Durbar Square to see the last of the Dashain celebrations.  We were hoping in a strange way to see some of the Goat sacrifices that play such a big part in the festival, but this had all happened the day before, and we could still see the circles of blood dotted around the square.

We were able to go into the Royal Palace courtyard and to wander around.  By accident we entered the part only open to Hindu people and we saw all the cow heads lines up in front of the shrine and the blood all over the square – that is until we got ushered out by the police!

Sitting on the temple steps in the centre of the square is a great place to watch the world go by.  From here we could see the kids flying their kites and balloons, with pretty bad control.  They were getting tangled around the electricity poles, and nearly garrotting the motorcyclists going through the square.

We wandered off and came across a brass and drum band that were parading towards Durbar square so we followed them and joined in the celebration.  The kids and teens on the float had bright pink, purple and blue coloured powder all over their faces and clothes and were obviously having a great time.  The women following the float were all wearing red clothes, and I am still not sure of the significance of that.

That evening we had dinner with Andrew, Robin and Luke and were also joined by teacher Jen who had cut her trip to Pokhara short due to a student needing to unexpectedly go back home.  Back to the school kids!  Zane was the student brought back to Kathmandu early.  A polite young man who joined us for a drink before dinner (non-alcoholic) and in a group of adults, he totally held his own when discussing the pros and cons of international versus local schooling.  The way he presented himself and maintained the conversation was astounding for someone his age.  The worldliness of the International school kids and their ability to do this with ease is something I haven’t really seen in British kids their age.

Dinner at the Third Eye restaurant was lovely and once Robin had polished off what everyone else couldn’t eat, we headed to Paddy’s (yes an Irish pub in Kathmandu) for drinks (and we only came here because full moon was rammed and everywhere else was shut for Dashain!).

A few drinks later and random chats with strangers found a new friend for Sarah, and we headed home to bed.

Thursday 25^th October

This morning Sarah left and I am now on my own!  4 weeks with friends at my side have really settled me in and I feel very comfortable here.  I bumped into teacher Jen and Zane who were going down to an orphanage that their school is supporting.  The school kids have split their time between trekking, Chitwan and rafting, and spending time in the orphanages they have raised money for.  I joined them. The orphanage supports children whose mothers are in prison, and it stops the kids having to spend all their time with the mothers.  Some of them do have to go back at night, but at least they are receiving food, clothing and some education.  We left Zane there to spend some time before he had to fly home. 

On the way back from the orphanage we turned up an alley to explore and came across a small courtyard that had a Dashain swing set up.  These are made from bamboo that is sunk into the ground and the bent to meet at the top.  The swings are made ready for the festival and stay until after Tihar festival in November.  We took some photos of the kids playing here and at their request we ended up with loads of photos.  Having their photo taken caused great amusement, they were posing and strutting and generally loving the limelight.

Whilst shopping and running errands I was approached by a pregnant woman carrying a baby, asking not for money but for milk for her baby.  I agreed to this and went with her to the shop to buy milk and rusks for the baby.  She invited me to her house in Bodnath, but I politely refused.  Whether the baby ever got this or whether she sold it back to the shop keeper for money I’ll never know but for the small amount it cost me I have to hope it was used.  It is hard to know how to deal with the begging.  It is present but they are not very in your face and usually a simple no and they leave you alone, it is hard knowing that 10p worth of rupees can make a difference, but if you give, it will encourage begging to increase.  What to do?..............

That evening I was invited to Dwarika Hotel, which is an extremely plush hotel near to the airport.  Andrew and Robin were treating themselves to a bit of pampering luxury before heading off to Bangalore, and wanted to spend a last evening with Santosh their fabulous Everest guide.  We ate in the Newari restaurant and had the 6 course taster menu.  The service was impeccable and as it was Dashain there was a lovely feel to the place.  It was all low tables and seating, and the food was all very traditional.  I will remember this for my birthday maybe.  It was a lovely evening and the food was amazing, Thanks guys.

Friday 26^th October

I met Jen for breakfast before she headed off to Bhaktapur and just had time to take copies of the photos of the kids from the day before back to them.  I managed to find the courtyard again, and found either the kids or their family and distributed the photos amongst them.  I was really pleased to be able to do this – it cost me hardly anything and they were chuffed with the copies.

Then back to the hotel to catch a Taxi to Jawakhel to meet up with Joy and Ron.  Peter who plays trombone in the Bisham Band had introduced me to them on facebook before I came away, knowing that they would be out here at the same time.  They are from Kings Church in High Wycombe and they support King’s Church Kathmandu.  They have both been here on many occasions and have really helped the church thrive and develop.

After a coffee, Ron disappeared off on his Scooty for meetings, and Joy and I took a tut-tut (finally!) to Lagarkhel to do a bit of shopping.  Here I managed to find new trousers and the rest of the material I needed for the dress I was having made.  We then met Ron for lunch and had the hottest Chicken Chilly I have ever had!  A quick ride on the back of the Scooty to their flat and we settled in for tea.  They live in a lovely enclosed area close to the Ghurkha headquarters.  Most of the road is smooth but the last part is off-road- very interesting on a scooter!  I had a lovely day and was so pleased to have finally met them both.

The evening was spent in with cheese, crackers and a DVD – Perfect.

 

 

You may be pleased to hear that from now there will be no more daily updates.  On Sunday I move to Dhulikhel to start work on Monday and I only plan to put something on once a week or so, or when I do something particularly interesting.  I can hear you breathe a sigh of relief!

 Bye bye Kathmandu (for now) – Hello Dhulikhel!