Kathmandu Day one



I was met at the Kathmandu airport by Deepak, the owner of Himalayan Destinations and he took me to the Shangri-la Hotel.  We had a late breakfast and I met my guide and driver for the next four days.  It was Sunday and the Old Market and Durbar Square were very busy. 





Bling and fabric



Water Buffalo Meat at the Market



I was able to see the Living Goddess; reigns between ages 8-12.  Astrologers choose her based on her strengths and many Nepalese worship her.  She was taken from her family at age 4 and is prepared for her reign.  When her reign begins another little girl will arrive at the palace and begin her training.

Window where Living Goddess appeared

We also visited the imposing Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa (Hemispheric half domes sanctified with sacred relics inside) ) in Nepal.  Monks in red robes circled the stupa with the living eyes of Lord Buddha.  Drums beat and prayers are chanted all day; you hear Om Mane Padme Om continuously.  I saw prayer wheels that ranged in size to a foot to ten feet by six feet wide.  We had lunch at a rooftop café so we could view everything from another angle. 

One view of Seeing Eyes of Buddha



View from rooftop cafe

Before we returned to the hotel around 4 we visited a school teaching the ancient craft of Thangka painting.  Heavy rain started about 4:30 and continues.  It will be a wet day today but I am looking forward to many new adventures.