KTM - A place like no other

Kathmandu is a fabulous cacophony of sights, smells and sounds; a weird and wonderful place. Exploring the city by foot is a great way to observe the gentle mayhem that exists in this town. A glance upwards reveals a ridiculous tangle of wires that is symbolic of the chaos that makes this city so marvelous. Kids walk to school hand in hand, all in neat uniforms, some with eyes lined in dark kohl. The divine smell of incense slowly wafts through the dusty air as tiny Suzuki Marutis speed through the narrow streets. Drivers make liberal use of their comically meek horns as they dodge cows and dogs and potholes big enough to swallow all. Men in the latest knock-off fashion, topped with a traditional Nepali topi, and women in brightly colored kurtas and saris cavalierly stroll through the streets, unbothered by the clutter and noise around them, blessing themselves as they pass temples and shrines that are found all over Kathmandu. People take great pride in maintaining their businesses and homes, sweeping the entries, hanging flower garlands in the doorway and sprinkling water to keep the air clean. Smiling faces approach with offers of Tiger Balm, statuettes of Hindu gods, singing bowls and Gurkha knives, reveling in the sport of bargaining. Shop owners play their music extra loud, sometimes placing a speaker just outside the entrance of their store – a wonderful mix of Buddhist chants, the theme song from Titanic and the latest pounding club hits – to provide an eclectic soundtrack to the day’s activities. Despite all of the noise and pandemonium, a quick turn down a dark, cool, dirt-path alley way opens up to a quiet open-air garden café strewn with delicate flowers and potted plants, prayer flags fluttering above. KTM is just this amazing city of excitement, enchantment and beauty is easily a favorite of ours – we can’t wait to be back. #travelnotes @ Kathmandu, Nepal