Nepal Day 2: First View Of Kathmandu

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After yesterday’s long trip from Perth to Nepal, I had woken in a different hotel to the one I had booked. The staff at my current hotel were not too sure about my situation, but eventually I was able to communicate what I wanted. I was able to visit and have breakfast at the actual hotel I was supposed to be in, they were very friendly and assured me that I would be staying with them next week when I returned after my time in Dulikel. The breakfast was western, I would have preferred to try some local food, but still a nice meal, and it is a much better place than what I am in now.

You would only see this statue in Kathmandu if it was pointed out to you
You would only see this statue in Kathmandu if it was pointed out to you

Today was a day I was free to explore Kathmandu. I am not usually one for shopping, but everywhere around me were great things to buy. I started off just asking about prices as I had no idea of the value of things, but as the day wore on I started to purchase items. I am glad I have plenty of room in my suitcase!

Colourful material for sale in the streets of kathmandu
Colourful material for sale in the streets of kathmandu

I took myself on a Lonely Planet self-guided walking tour from Thamel (the backpacker area of Kathmandu) to Durbar square. Everywhere I looked there were interesting things to photograph. Durbar square was an impressive collection of old buildings. The highlight was seeing a real goddess.

I was directed along a nondescript passage that led to this suburban courtyard with a central stupa
I was directed along a nondescript passage that led to this suburban courtyard with a central stupa

I had lunch overlooking the square, a very nice dish of fried chicken momos and chicken soup. I know what I’ll be looking for on menus form now on.

Momos on the menu in Kathmandu, Nepal
Momos on the menu in Kathmandu, Nepal

I walked back a slightly different way and browsed though some more touristy shops. I returned to my hotel for a rest before heading back out again looking for somewhere to eat. I bought a few more things, mostly for the kids. I found a nice a nice restaurant and had a chicken dish (chicken piccata milanese), which was a pan fried chicken with a garnish of spaghetti, on a bed of mash potato. This went down well with a strong local Gorkha beer.

a monk in Durbar square busking
a monk in Durbar square busking

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