Wow. Just saw the news that there was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet, not far from Kathmandu, where we were mere days ago. We remember our tour guide showing us centuries-old structures and temples that had to be rebuilt after major earthquakes. He told us that they preferred more frequent, smaller earthquakes over larger, more infrequent ones since the damage was less drastic. Not sure where this one ranks, but 156 people killed is tragic nonetheless.
Category: Kathmandu
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Pho Real? In Kathmandu?
The Vietnamese noodle soup phenomenon knows no border. Its ubiquity is rivaling the global reach of Starbucks by the day.
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Nepal day 2
Monkey as seen in Lalitpur Durbar square! It was climbing on power lines before sitting here.
This is a wood carving of a Hindu deity (I don’t know which) dating back to the first century AD (if I remember correctly). This was in the palace at Lalitpur Durbar Square.
This is one of the oldest temples in Nepal at Lalitpur Durbar square
Some guy
Prayer flags at Boudhnath Stupa. Taken slightly before a pigeon pooped on mom.
Prayer flags on a motorcycle in Boudhnath
A master of the Thanka art form painting on canvas
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Day 2 – Rena’s Perspective
What a full day! Nepal is truly a gem in many ways. Our guide called Nepal a melting pot – and it really is. There are descendants from the natives or “Newar”, China, India, Tibet and more. There are distinct facial features of different lineage.
We’ve noticed Nepali people are very modest and friendly all around. The rich and not-so-rich live in the same areas. Women are highly regarded and considered equals (or as our guide said, women importance is 51% and male is 49% 😊) – thus making women safe and comfortable overall.
Juxtapositions are everywhere! Ancient history blended in with modern day amenities all around. At one second we are crossing a traffic filled road lined with all types of shops, and the next, we walk into an ancient stupa or temple.
One of the most interesting things I have learned is how earthquakes have hit Nepal regularly throughout history. Many of the sites we have seen have been partially destroyed by various earthquakes at some point or the other. Countries around the world have helped restore specific structures. Norway, Austria, Tibet are some of these countries.
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2025! Here are some pictures from my camera:
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Interesting Artwork
Definitely my favorite piece of art I’ve seen so far. -
Kathmandu Day 2
Wow. What a day. Began with a solid buffet breakfast at the hotel and then we were off to Pashupathinath temple, one of Hinduisms’s most sacred ancient temples on the outskirts of the city.
That was followed by Boudhnath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the center of the city, where we also enjoyed an amazing lunch and a tour of an art gallery and the practice of thangka painting.
Then it was off to the neighboring town of Patan’s Durbar Square, the site of ancient temples with scriptures dating back to 182 AD.
And back to the hotel for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whew!
(New image format! Swipe right or left to see all the images in the gallery.)
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I’ve Started a New Business
You have to do at least two of three things when you visit my new establishment: dance, drink or get a tattoo. House rules.
