Village life with local guide

Watched the sunrise over the mountains then went off walking 4 seven hours with a local guy that Trevor found. He was really funny but also a bit crazy I think. He took us all around the valley but insisted he needed 2 take a weapon with him 2 protect us! Trevor carried his "sword" " knife" to start with then he said he needed it while we were in the 'jungle' and he carried it by his side for a while. Not quite sure what the danger was... Once we got out among the villages he was great, he knew everyone, took us everywhere but not 2 the Tibetan village we thought we were going 2. he drank the rice wine everywhere. Such subsistence living and very primitive way of life but everyone has a cell ph charged by solar panels! But no hot water or taps or fridge or broom. Goats, cows chickens and dogs everywhere.

Trevor in trouble all ready!

Got a taxi 2 Baktapur and driver waited 4 a couple of hours while we wandered around the ancient city viewing the old Hindu and buddest temples. Then started on our way 2 Nagarkot. There is only one main rd and we came to a place where the rd was closed. Very chaotic with motorbikes & cars & buses all turning around and noone seemed 2 know what was going on. Lots of people hanging around and a few police. Our driver was trying 2 get info and phoned back 2 his boss 2 ask what 2 do. He said his boss said he must make the road ! Eventually a police women jumped in the car and took us around the back streets but rd was still shut off with lots of pipes blocking the way. Trevor hopped out and began moving the pipes much 2 the dismay of the locals. Apparently they had shut the road in protest because the govt. Does not fix them up! But they soon all laughed and helped and said tourists must get through.

Day out in Kathmandu

Arrived Safely

Arrived safely in Kathmandu yesterday. Pretty hot. Drive in from the airport an eye opener. It's a pretty crazy chaotic city. Cars, motorbikes, cycles and people walking all competing 4 the same bit of narrow rode. We wandered around 4 a few hours through the old part of town. An assault on the senses. The noise and smell and dirt... The Nepalise r very friendly and the women dress nice in their bright coloured saris and often high heels amongst the chaos! We had momos 4 dinner a kind of spinach and mushroom mix inside a floury dumpling outer. Hotel good.

Kathmandu bound

Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, about 30 plus hours. Half way there, 4 movies lots of aeroplane food and sore ribs from sitting up so long!

Easter

Luke is home. The best son I have. Helped me set up blog --> facebook thing

Todays view