It was a leisurely start this morning and I was grateful considering we had two early morning starts. At 11.15 we lifted off on our 25 minute flight after standing in the sun for an hour. I got a magnificent view of the snow capped mountains and of the little villages perched on hills. The river meandered down the valley soon joined by other tributaries. I could see the road we traveled winding its way above the river. Dusty, narrow and steep. I was grateful that the 9 hour road trip was over and couldn't believe a 25 minute flight could cover the same distance. But it took a tad longer. Plane jam in the sky. We went round for 20 minutes which was okay by me. Views of the mountains, country side and outer suburbs circulated below.
After settling into the hotel and more momos on the sun roof we visited the Pashupatinath Temple. First the temple where we couldn't go inside because we weren't hindus. It's a bit like Mecca is to the Moslems, Hindus try to pray at this temple at least once in their lives. We saw women whom when they are old and have no family live in a government sponsored retirement village.
Now for perhaps the most moving thing I have ever seen on our holiday. A funeral where the person is covered in a cloth and cremated while the family sit respectively and fuel the fire and talk. Grief seems to be a public affair with the wooden pyre chopped near by, the price list hanging for all to see and children hunting for coins with metal detectors as the mourners throw gifts and money into the river. There were five funerals progressing and they can occur all through the night. I felt very touched to have seen it.
Tonight is our last group dinner.
After settling into the hotel and more momos on the sun roof we visited the Pashupatinath Temple. First the temple where we couldn't go inside because we weren't hindus. It's a bit like Mecca is to the Moslems, Hindus try to pray at this temple at least once in their lives. We saw women whom when they are old and have no family live in a government sponsored retirement village.
Now for perhaps the most moving thing I have ever seen on our holiday. A funeral where the person is covered in a cloth and cremated while the family sit respectively and fuel the fire and talk. Grief seems to be a public affair with the wooden pyre chopped near by, the price list hanging for all to see and children hunting for coins with metal detectors as the mourners throw gifts and money into the river. There were five funerals progressing and they can occur all through the night. I felt very touched to have seen it.
Tonight is our last group dinner.
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