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My bus ride from Gatlang was not nearly as eventful as the one to the area but that was ok by me I was winding down by this stage and didn't plan to do much for my last few days, just see the last few of the notable stupas and lay low.
There was a bit of unexpected action though when I arrived to mayday and the demonstrations that ensued. Nothing dangerous just a lot of flag waving and motorbikes. Interesting to watch actually.
Then it was onto the last big outing of the trip, I had spent all my money so couldn't do much but I didn't want to leave without seeing Pashupatinath. I had seen most of the ancient sites of the city earlier on this trip but this was perhaps the most unique, incorporating a blend of both Hindu and Buddhist elements and the site where peoples bodies are burned and put into the adjoining river when they die. It was both strange and macabre to be standing in the smoke drift of the scenario. It is also the home to many Nepali holy men typically with painted white faces or wearing masks of the various hindu gods, while clad in orange gowns and equipped with tools for hashish smoking. I would have enjoyed a photo but as with everything in Nepal there was a charge and I had nothing left.
Actually the last of my currency was snapped up by a random guy (in the picture) who decided he would follow me around the temples talking to me though I had repeatedly told him I didn't want a guide. He didn't ask for any fee exactly but he knew what he was doing and I gave him a few dollars which was probably a killing. He did have a few interesting factoids though.
All in all the visit was very worthwhile if not spiritually enlightening though a bit spoilt by the tourist hounds.
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