Hectic traffic, historic squares, and handmade goods: Nepal has exceeded my expectations!
I came to Nepal with my friend who has sponsored a child at Mitrata for 10+ years. I feel like I know him as she talks about him as her son. My expectations for the trip were to experience the country and interact with the Mitrata children.
It’s day two for us in Kathmandu, and so far, the trip has surpassed my expectations!
The city is very crowded with many people, many cars and many motorcycles. To cross the street you must dash into traffic and weave in between motorcycles while horns beep all around you. It is a wonder that there aren't many injured tourists lying in the streets!
Three of us set out with Christine today to do some shopping. Those of you in St Louis who are planning on attending the December bazaar December 7th and 8th, we got some pretty amazing stuff! Be sure to stop by for great holiday gifts!
After the shopping, we loaded into the van with travel agent and long time friend of Christine, Lok, and went to a rug factory. I am a knitter, so I was excited to watch the women weaving the rugs. They were very fast and made it look easy. I have tried weaving and know for a fact that it is NOT easy!
Next stop was Patan Durbar Square. It is a UNESCO site, circa the 1600s. First we had lunch at Si Taleju Restaurant and Bar. We dined on the roof — 65 stairs up! The view from up there overlooking the Square was fantastic! After lunch we took in the history and artifacts of the Square.
Our next stop was visiting the older Mitrata girls who have graduated high school and attend university. These young ladies were very endearing. They have been students together since they were young. They live at a hostel run be the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Some will start university in a few months and some are in their second or third year and work part-time, too.
On the way back to our hotel in Thamel, we stopped at a woman's co-op called Danfe where one of the older girls works. The co-op trains woman to be tailors and the lovely items are sold at their two locations in Kathmandu. Of course, we purchased some of their wonderful creations, too!
Then it was finally time to return to our hotel. The only challenge for me on this trip has been the air quality. Wearing a mask is a must! By the end of the day, all the travelers gathered to drink hot lemon and honey to soothe our scratchy throats! What a great day!
— Ricki Koppel