I am going to start today by going back to last night as it is a memory that has stayed with me all day. After meeting our new tour members (over half are kiwis) we were taken to a restaurant. Sitting on low chairs and cushions we were served a six course meal in a fabulous building. Every where you looked there were more alcoves. Special touches included a personalized menu, shoes off but slippers to wear in the loo, and a gift of a brick with a symbol to bring good luck. A great way to start our tour.
This morning after an exceptionally light breakfast we went to Bhaktapur heritage area. The earthquake damage is obvious and our guide pointed out a pile of rubble where 150 people sadly lost their lives. The people are getting on with rebuilding their lives. Concrete is being made (gumboot stomping is the mixer), bricks being laid and rooms taking shape to fill the gaps between buildings left standing. It feels as though the people are working very hard even though it is festival time. Children are off school and played together in the square while others gave offerings to their gods, fed the pigeons, sat making pottery (heaps of money boxes as children are encouraged to save) or trying to sell us more wooden elephants or jewellery.
For lunch we visited the Sisterhood of Survivors. This is a non government organization started by a local woman and supported by G adventures. Its the story of young girls being rescued from human trafficking (horrifying statistic is that over 7500 children are abducted annually) and how they find a new life. Education provides opportunities to work as paralegals in police stations, hopefully this will encourage more girls to ask for help. They can train to be cooks, teachers or a tour guide. Their English is excellent given it could be their fourth language (hundreds of dialects and languages are spoken). The girls taught us how to make momos (remember the dumpings I have been raving about), and then fed us a selection of goodies before giving us a presentation on the organization. An Australian who volunteered for a month made a fantastic recipe book that is the ideal fundraiser for tourists. Friends back in NZ may get to sample home made momos on our return.
Next we went to a Buddhist temple surrounded by shops and more temples. A quiet meditative place where everyone goes round clockwise (very practical as you aren't fighting human traffic, apparently its because your right hand which is the clean hand is nearest to god). The temple lost its tower in the April quake but through hard work it was restored quickly. There is no entry to the dome but rumor suggests there could be holy scriptures hiding with in.
I am pleased nothing is planned tonight. We have an early start tomorrow for the flight and so it will be a hotel dinner then bed. Tomato soup was yum and the conversation with the waiter about NZ cricket was delightful. He had met Stephen Fleming.
Some interesting facts and observations. Very few cats around as they are considered bad luck if they cross your path. Lots of chooks, and only a few goats, cows and dogs. Lots of women wearing trousers and a number of women working. If married a woman wears an apron at the back, if she is single apron is at the back.
Sadly not many photos today as I forgot to take out my phone.
This morning after an exceptionally light breakfast we went to Bhaktapur heritage area. The earthquake damage is obvious and our guide pointed out a pile of rubble where 150 people sadly lost their lives. The people are getting on with rebuilding their lives. Concrete is being made (gumboot stomping is the mixer), bricks being laid and rooms taking shape to fill the gaps between buildings left standing. It feels as though the people are working very hard even though it is festival time. Children are off school and played together in the square while others gave offerings to their gods, fed the pigeons, sat making pottery (heaps of money boxes as children are encouraged to save) or trying to sell us more wooden elephants or jewellery.
For lunch we visited the Sisterhood of Survivors. This is a non government organization started by a local woman and supported by G adventures. Its the story of young girls being rescued from human trafficking (horrifying statistic is that over 7500 children are abducted annually) and how they find a new life. Education provides opportunities to work as paralegals in police stations, hopefully this will encourage more girls to ask for help. They can train to be cooks, teachers or a tour guide. Their English is excellent given it could be their fourth language (hundreds of dialects and languages are spoken). The girls taught us how to make momos (remember the dumpings I have been raving about), and then fed us a selection of goodies before giving us a presentation on the organization. An Australian who volunteered for a month made a fantastic recipe book that is the ideal fundraiser for tourists. Friends back in NZ may get to sample home made momos on our return.
Next we went to a Buddhist temple surrounded by shops and more temples. A quiet meditative place where everyone goes round clockwise (very practical as you aren't fighting human traffic, apparently its because your right hand which is the clean hand is nearest to god). The temple lost its tower in the April quake but through hard work it was restored quickly. There is no entry to the dome but rumor suggests there could be holy scriptures hiding with in.
I am pleased nothing is planned tonight. We have an early start tomorrow for the flight and so it will be a hotel dinner then bed. Tomato soup was yum and the conversation with the waiter about NZ cricket was delightful. He had met Stephen Fleming.
Some interesting facts and observations. Very few cats around as they are considered bad luck if they cross your path. Lots of chooks, and only a few goats, cows and dogs. Lots of women wearing trousers and a number of women working. If married a woman wears an apron at the back, if she is single apron is at the back.
Sadly not many photos today as I forgot to take out my phone.
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