Kathmandu!

Arriving in Kathmandu, I walked off the plane into the small Kathmandu International Airport. I filled out my swine flu declaration, passed the guard and found my on arrival visa application, photo booth, and arrival card. I then stood in line for about a half hour, was granted a visa, and then found my bag! The place I’m staying, the Shangri-La Guesthouse in Thamel, was there with a sign holding my name! I was so happy to not have to grab a random taxi like I did in Bangkok. They 3 guys were so welcoming, and excited I chose to stay with them. It’s the end of the monsoon season still technically, so it’s a bit slower, but still touristy. It was lightly raining when I arrived. They wanted to help me in anyway their could always offering suggestions, although many I didn’t need. They were like secret salespeople that were awesome to talk to, but would just slip those types of salespitches sometimes. I dropped off my bag, was upgraded my room, and decided to walk around. I needed a map. I wanted to exchange money too, but I forgot my travelers checks, but wasn’t too worried because I had changed some money at the airport from my extra baht from Thailand. It was sprinkling, so they dirt/concrete block road was muddy, and navigating scooters, bikes, cars,carts and people was a little difficult sometimes. Stores with housing above them lined the streets. I can’t wait to come back and shop. I find a map! I find three girls from Israel who had been here for a couple weeks and were very helpful in getting me to the exact store I wanted and where things were around the city. I met another guy who was about my age who was trekking later than I am, but was helpful about what to do about booking my flights. I wander my way back to find the owner and friends upstiars hanging out on the balcony. One of them played guitar after a little bit, we snacked on fries and chicken, and since I didn’t eat dinner, I got fried rice. Tired from the nightbefore, I retired to bed after unpacking my bags so things could decompress a bit.

I woke up at 7 and looked into booking my flight for tomorrow, I will have to call. I go upstairs and have some Nepalese Tea and listen to another guy, this one who is in a band and plays in a band and teaches students, plays. Great way to start the morning! I shower, book a flight, and write this before I plan to walk around the city.

I will exchange my money for my trek, get some goodies that I will send in a care package home later, and head back to meet the guitar player who is going to motor bike me around the city to show me some of the touristy attractions of Kathmandu, as well as places that are wonderful and known my Nepalese, but not advertised by agencies or the government, and loved. Afterwards I'll pack and sort what I am going to have stored here and make sure the owners can arrange hotel transport. We'll go to an area a 15 minute walk away for a party because a festival has recently ended here. Great way to unwind and experience Nepalese city life before heading into the mountains!

Probably no pictures until I'm in India, but I may try another upload again before I leave Nepal!