Hotel desk person told us it was an easy 15-minute walk, "you can't miss it because it sits up on a hill." Neither part of this sentence was accurate (unless he's a marathon runner and goes there when there' no traffic of any type.) And you can't actually see it high on the hill until you get to where you already know you're there. But with my good map, and four brains working (yielding perhaps one intelligence), a little help from an "I'm not a guide" person, we got to where we could see it.
And it is high on a hill, overlooking the city with great views of the mountains in the distance. To reach the temple, there is a long (and even by my standards, long) staircase, lined of course with people hawking any number of different trinkets, religious and otherwise. Pauses along the way to sit on stone walls, in a little shade, admire the views, and chat. Eventually reach the top--it is a beautiful temple, with gold covering the roof. But as I often find in non-Christian religious places, because I don't know the religion well enough, I really can't fully appreciate all of the symbolism and significance. (Actually can't in Christian cathedrals, either, but that's another story.) But it still was beautiful, and quiet, and felt good to be inside it.
Reversed the walk, this time down the staircase. And as is always the case, when you're going downhill, and you know the route, it takes much less time. Still not 15 minutes, though.
Stopped for lunch on the way back--having been here two days, and the others having just arrived, I became the expert on choosing and locating a place to eat. Worked out fine--they seemed satisfied, we ate, and had a good time chatting.
Back in time before the electricity went off again. Earlier, I had gone to the ATM to get some money. Discovered, of course, that ATMs require electricity. This was the "off" period. So, still another way in which I need to be a little more aware of what time it is, when I need to have electricity, and plan accordingly. Another example of the many things I take for granted when I simply turn something on at home.
My roommate arrived while we were out. Besides being a really great guy, he proved his inestimable value immediately. Within minutes of arriving, he correctly discerned our fan didn't work, called and got another. What a guy! (I had simply concluded I was not deserving of a working fan and accepted my situation. Wetly.)
Some more team members arrived later. It's really nice to get acquainted with them in person. I had talked with most of them by phone, others simply by e-mail, so it's good to be together with them.
Dinner with another couple plus my roommate. They wanted to go to a high(er) end place they'd heard about. I said they were welcome to do so--I was going budget again since that's worked fine for me and leads to interesting places. They joined us. I don't think they'll do that again when we dine on our own in Pokhara.
My dinner plan included hitting an ice cream place that our travel agent had pointed out to me, quite near the hotel. So off we went. Only to find.....it was closed! Forgot that Saturday is the weekend here, so many shops are closed. It's the only day they are. And this one was. So, no ice cream. Maybe tonight.
More exploring, this time walking through Durbar (Palace) Square. One of three (Kathmandu is comprised of three formerly separate cities, each with its own palace square.) Nicest part was taking another Lonely Planet walking tour starting and ending at Durbar Square. Through a non-tourist area, devoid of pashmina shops, beggars, other vendors. Just real people, going about their business. A taste of real life in the city.
I've always enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches. Even ungrilled cheese sandwiches. Never had the opportunity to have a yak cheese sandwich. On a baguette. Now I have. And I have.
All team members now have arrived in Kathmandu, at our hotel, all checking in. Team meeting shortly. Then the formal program begins.
One team member came down for breakfast with the report (and the evidence) that her mattress had bedbugs in it. She had already moved to another room, and that has bedbugs as well. Now onto her third room. Fortunately (in an odd sort of way), her husband's parents live in a high-end assisted living place in the States. And they recently had an infestation of bedbugs! So it's not limited to lower level places. Nonetheless, I now know more about bedbugs than I ever wanted to know, including the complex steps of getting rid of them if they get into your house. So far, no evidence of them in my room.
One team member came down for breakfast with the report (and the evidence) that her mattress had bedbugs in it. She had already moved to another room, and that has bedbugs as well. Now onto her third room. Fortunately (in an odd sort of way), her husband's parents live in a high-end assisted living place in the States. And they recently had an infestation of bedbugs! So it's not limited to lower level places. Nonetheless, I now know more about bedbugs than I ever wanted to know, including the complex steps of getting rid of them if they get into your house. So far, no evidence of them in my room.
And on that note, good night, sleep tight....
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