Nepal here we come!

Arrived in Kathmandu Tuesday 12th March - day 13 of our adventure; only another 167 days left! Kathmandu suffered a massive earthquake a few years back and the city is still reeling with the aftermath. To be truthful, you think we had entered some sort of warzone. The roads were, well, just dirt tracks and the dust was incredible. Many buildings were still badly damaged and the effort of the government in reconstructing the city whilst at the same time putting in a complete underground fresh water system is probably a bit over ambitious. However,we arrive at the delighful Hyatt Regency hotel and chill out in their pleasant Club lounge enjoying some cold wine!

Up early the next day for a city tour and a visit to Durbar Square. Most interesting was the Kumari Ghar, where a maiden girl, who was chosen, when probably 4 or 5 years old, in the belief she was the reincarnation of the godess Durga. She will live in the house until puberty, then another girl will be chosen. We did not get a glimpse of her (she was in meditation), but it was certainly an eerie thought that she lives her young life pretty much in solitude. We went off to the Swayambhunath Temple, which was a magnificent sight. This temple is the oldest Stupa in Nepal and has a fantastic gold spire.

Finally, the long drive to Pokhara - only 7 hours by a windy, bumpy, crowded, dusty, narrow road! Saw some unusual sights, including a public toilet with what it would cost depending upon your business!