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16 June - Nepal - Kathmandu
It poured with rain last night & we were awakened at 6.30am with the loudest clap of thunder I have heard in a while. The rain stopped & we were informed that tourist buses were allowed to travel in spite of the strike so we set off on schedule to see the biggest Buddha stupa in Nepal, and then on to the monkey temple. The strike is by the Communist party who intimidate the population to stay away. The benefit to us was that the roads were free of cars & motorcycles so it was slightly quicker to move around. However, by midday instead of cars in the streets it was people walking. We passed certain areas blocked by police in full riot gear facing off against groups waving communist flags. By the time we got back to our hotel a few shops around the place were open.
We set off to see the Stupa at a relaxed pace & are given lots of time to look around. Some of us watched painters painting these amazingly intricate 'thankas' or small paintings..... As a result some of us had to purchase as well!!!!!!!
Around all these places you are constantly asked for money, being approached by women with young children or individuals. Our leader & guide for today both said not to feel sorry for the people because usually they only get to a keep a fraction of what they collect ..... It's like the 'mafia' Bhagi our leader told us.
We then carried onto the Monkey temple which lived up to its name. We climbed the 365 steps to the top surrounded by evil stares from bunch of truly motley & unhealthy looking monkeys plus of course all the stray dogs that infest these places. There was also a large pigeon population & there were worshippers feeding the birds bird seed. This caused chaos & confusion as the dogs, monkeys & pigeons all compete for the seed!!!!!!
Got the plans for tomorrow so need to pop out to get dark long-sleeved shirts for the jungle & $$$$.
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