Photography Forbidden

Our visit to the house of the Living Goddess showed us amazing carving and architecture but did not allow us a glimpse of the Kumari.  Even if we had caught a sight of her we could not have taken any photographs.  I cannot imagine the existence of a young girl secluded away from her family and public life from the age of about 3 years until puberty. What life would she then have when leaving such seclusion and an unnatural childhood?

Despite my qualms about the purpose of this 'house' I appreciated the workmanship and the peaceful haven that this oasis in the busy city provided.

Spirituality was present in the streets and in the Temples and there were so many photo opportunities from people to places.

The carvings were detailed and told of myths and legends that cross different belief systems.  We first saw Naga and Geruda in Cambodia and we saw them again here ... they have even featured in my science fantasy television programmes recently.

In addition to the splendour of ancient buildings I was fascinated by daily life and the hustle and bustle of street life.  It's nothing like my local high street:

Can the rest of our day's sightseeing continue to fascinate?  what will be next?

A Cultural Change

We were taken to Pashupatinath where, as non Hindus, we could not enter the Temple but could admire the outside buildings.  The above photo has many more pigeons than Trafalgar Square in London and certainly a lot more cows! It is customary to feed both the birds and the cows and they seem to be quite happy enjoying all the attention.

Our walk to the ghats was accompanied by cows and reminded me of our links to nature, we must share this planet with other creatures and I think in our busy Western lives we sometimes forget this.

Also in the West we are so removed from our contact with life and death.  Our funerals are sterile affairs and so often now without an open coffin.  We attend one service and then life is supposed to return to normal.  How can life ever be normal again after the loss of some-one so loved?  Here we witnessed cremations at the river side ... not hidden away.  We saw families gathered performing remembrance ceremonies months and years after their loss.  I would like to embrace some aspects of this culture although I accept that our local rivers could not support our levels of demise.  But we could spend more time with our families remembering the importance of our lost relatives and celebrating their life in the years ahead that we face alone.

As we left this area we were again struck by the vibrant colour that is so integral to this colourful part of the world.

Our next stop will be more uplifting ... see you there!

Any comments are much appreciated

All Aboard ...First Stop Kathmandu

First stop the airport toilets .... what a great way to indicate men and women!

Our recent trip was a long journey through Delhi to arrive in Kathmandu.  I've wanted to visit Kathmandu ever since I watched Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark in the 1980s. As I watched the scenes of the graphic aeroplane flying over the map to Kathmandu I knew I wanted to go there.  I didn't really think about what I would do when I arrived; I knew I wasn't going to battle in the snowy Himalayas for an ancient treasure or drink myself into a stupor to outwit fellow treasure hunters but it was some-where on my 'to do' list.  My wishlist has been in existence for as long as I can remember and Kathmandu has been on it for decades.

That time has arrived and Kathmandu brought unexpected delights.  I was surprised at how like India Nepal is on first sight.  The crazy traffic and the chaotic electrical wiring:

can you spot the monkey?

We weren't sure what our first sight seeing trip would include but we were blown away by our visit to Boudhanathe Stupa.  The brilliant white dome outlined against the clear blue sky was perfect.  My first sight of prayer flags was to start a fascination and new love affair. 

This stupa also gave us my first experience of prayer wheels.  In every variation and design I am entranced by these spiritual harbingers of wisdom and merit.

It is impossible to capture the feel of this place without experiencing the full assault on the senses:  the heat of the sun, the vibrancy of the colour, the sound of the chanting, the smell of the incense ...

We could have spent a whole day just drinking in the atmosphere but we had other places to explore.  Photographs will have to suffice to allow our minds to return.

I will endeavour to take you with me as I revisit our amazing journey.  As time allows I shall create installments of our adventure and if there is room for a few extra people, please tag along.  

The car may get a bit crowded but in the open spaces we'll make a festival of it!

Off Exploring

Taking an inspirational break but promise to be back soon