Slept 12hrs. Arose at dawn to explore the streets of Thamel.

I’m pleased to report that Kathmandu has not been “ruined”. It’s exactly as crazy, loud and chaotic as when I was last here, 1998. Hindu ladies are up early at neighbourhood shrines. Litter is swept into piles … but only to make eating garbage more convenient for the dozens of sickly looking stray dogs.

Holy cow. What a memorable place.

I took a Buddhist from Mexico, who arrived on the same flight, to storied Kathmandu Guest House for morning coffee. (He had chai.)

Wonderful cafes, books stores, trekking gear shops. The smell of incense. I’m happy.

related – my last post from N.E.P.A.L. (Never Ending Peace And Love) in 1998