Katmandu

I don't know what I expected to see in Katmandu; I was pretty ignorant of the cultures and art. As soon as we left the airport, one could see all of the Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan influences. As intermediary country between India and China, many people found Nepal to be a safe haven and stayed. So, there isn't a distinct culture; but instead, there are peaceful collections of Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikkhs, and faces that resemble those of the Middle
East, India, and Mongolia. Even the dress: some are fully westernized, and others are in saris, traditional dress. Vendors mostly cater to visiting climbers and tourists: knock-off North Face, Tibetan carpets, jewelry made of silver or precious gems, prayer flags, incense, and spices. Native music from mini guitars sounds the streets and the smell of incense fills the air.

Today, we went to Bhaktapur, a crematoria area. A few hours after one is dead, Buddhists and Hindus alike are taken to this riverside city and burned on a pile of dry wood. Heated to 700 degrees, the body is turned into ash in a matter of hours, and dumped in the running river. Everyone prays that the soul achieves nirvana in their own way. Family members gather and dump marigolds into the river, widows head into a year of morning in the adjacent temple, and priests rub the ashes all over their skin.

Next, we ventured to the holiest temple inNepal, Bodnath. A white stuck dome is the foundation of the golden stupa, painted with blue eyes and decorated with thousands of prayer flags. Priests light candles and burn incense. Young men where repainting the stupa with gold paint, so that the dome would resemble a lotus flower. We ate lunch at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the temple, priests, and local merchants. What a view!

Finally, we stopped by a carpet factory. It was fascinating to see the creation of these silk and wool tapestries. I bought some Tibetan lamb's wool to take home. So now, we are all resting up before dinner, when we meet our official trekking guide, Albert. We fly to Lukla tomorrow, and begin the hike to Basecamp. Here we go....