Yesterday we made our way to Pokhara in preparation of our 10 day trek to the Annapurna Base Camp.  The 7hr bus journey was breathtaking, especially though the Kathmandu Valley.  I said in a previous post that I would ride on the top of the bus, but at 6am it was pretty cold and decided against it.  It’s pretty surreal driving through the clouds in the valley.

We started our trip with few cups of milk tea (7p each) at the bus stop – lovely bubbly. Below you will also see a picture of a hut which is actually a shop, there were many dotted along on the roadside throughout our trip.   

Some photos of our journey, it was difficult to take photos out the window while moving:

“The great Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is one of the most popular and instantly recognisable symbols of Nepal” (Lonely Planet).

From the hilltop you get a great view over Kathmandu and the valley.  It is a good 20 minute walk to the top, dodging and weaving the vicious monkeys – Sam had her skirt pulled and ankles scraped several times – needless to say, I didn’t hang around.  If you make eye contact they hiss and screech and if you don’t move on they make a run for you – it’s quite scary, unlike the monkeys at the Sun Temple in Jaipur.

Atop of the dome you’ll see the watchful eyes of the Buddha (Stupa) which gaze across the valley in each direction – known as the symbol of unity of all life.  Between and above the two eyes is a third eye, which symbolises the Buddah’s insight – I have the t-shirt

Also below you’ll see a picture of Kathmandu 1965 compared to one we took on our visit – what a difference a few years makes.

This post is interesting while somewhat disturbing. The Kumari Bahal (The House of the Living Goddess), is home to the Kumari Devi, a girl who is selected to be the town’s living goddess until she reaches puberty.

The Kumari is selected from a particular caste of Newari gold and silversmiths. Generally, she is somewhere between 4 years old and puberty and must meet 32 strict physical requirements ranging from the colour of her eyes and shape of her teeth to the sound of her voice.  Her horoscope must also be appropriate.

Once suitable candidates have been found they are gathered together in a darkened room where terrifying noises are made while dances in horrific masks and 108 gruesome buffalo heads are on display.  Naturally these are goings-on that are unlikely to frighten a real goddess, so the girl who remains clam and collected throughout is selected.

As a living goddess she is confined to the house 24/7 and only makes a few public appearances annually.  This is a huge honour for the girl and family, especially when she reverts back to being a normal mortal.

She is required to sit at a particular window for several hours a day so visitors (tourists) can take photographs.  We decided against it – she has enough on her plate without having to look at us ugly mugs.

The Kamasutra, (Hinduism) an ancient Sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with Hindu law.

This Sanskirt text is said to have originated from many of Nepal’s temples including Jagannath, Basantapur Tower and Ram Chandra, which all have erotic carvings detailed in the roof struts.  Believe me, we have only included the tame ones, animals and all sorts are at it.  Those who visit these temples are said to be blessed with life long fertility.

Who said our blog wasn’t educational .

As I’ve written a post for dad it’s only fair that I write one for mum too .  Gambling on chess, backgammon and various card games on the street corners is a way of life here and when we came across Ludo I was stunned. 

We’ve spent many a Christmas night playing Ludo at home in Ireland, mainly for money of course, and it’s my mum’s favourite.  I was tempted with the $20 stake, but knowing that they would fleece me I chickened out.

The elderly lady playing was as sharp as a razor.