Rested in Katmandu

 

I continue to become better acquainted with Kathmandu.  I finally found my way out of Ranibari, (Queen’s Garden) where I am staying, a warren of small street and alleys . Making only two wrong turns on my way out, I felt quite confident I could make my way back. I made my way to Thamel, the main shopping district and tourist center, home to countless trekking agencies and restaurants of every description. I then made my way directly to Deepaks office to print out material for the workshops I will give. As I later wandered around Thamel, I attempted to keep track of the number of languages I heard but soon lost track as I dodged rickshays, bicycles, motorbikes, cars, tuk tuks, buses, and trucks all moving on streets in different directions. If takes a certain fearlessness to drive on these streets as it seems to be a constant game of chicken – who will back down first. I am quite pleased to have figured out how to cross these streets with a degree of confidence. I did, however, sacrifice what little dignity I had as I returned home in a light rain and my feet slipped from under me and I found myself in the mud one all fours. I cleaned up as best I could with the tissues I had, but basically I was a muddy mess. I was really too muddy to go in any place to clean up so I continued on home pretending it was a new natural look.

 

I am called aunty almost universally here. I am convinced it is because of my gray hair. I see very few people with gray hair other than those who are really elderly and infirm. People my age still have pitch black hair.  hmmmmmm…

 

David and Julian were finally able to catch up with their itenerary in Tibet by giving up rest days. I eagerly await the details of their trek and the Kora around Mt. Kailash which they are in the midst of as I write.