Lori and Ian in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

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Here are the pics of Kathmandu, Nepal while preparing for our trek.

We packed a cab full of fellow travellers at the airport and off we went to the travellers center of Thamel. The Nepalese fellow in the center is a tout who is anxious to show us to a hotel and collect his commission.

We arrived a couple of days before our mutual birthday, April 1, and decided to treat ourselves to a nice meal.

Lori treated herself to an imported bottle of French wine - Thank you very much Nana.

Ian treated himself to a nice bottle of imported Tubourg.

Momos are one of Nepals contributions to the international culinary arts (the other being Dahl Baht). A steamed or fried dumpling filled with curried chicken, lamb or vegetables.

Delicious!

Thamel at night.

Buying silly hats for our trek.

More birthday presents for Lori - yak wool blankets.

Colourful beads in a Katmandu market.

For fifteen centuries the wooden Rato Machhendranath chariot has been revered by Buddhists and Hindus as a guardian of prosperity in Nepal. Since the 6th century it has been paraded out during the harvest to ensure a bountiful harvest. Unfortunately a few short weeks after this photo was taken the 40 metre tall structure toppled over during the parade. There are those who believe that this is a bad omen for the Nepalese Monarchy and the nation as a whole.

These are pro-democracy rallies in Kathmandu. The elected parliament was dissolved by the King in October of 2002 and caretaker Prime Minister was appointed. The democratic parties are demanding that the King hold free elections.

For those trying to follow along at home the pro-democracy protesters are not Maoists. The Maoists are a rebel faction mainly active in the hills of western Nepal. Politics in this aid dependent state are complicated and volatile.