Kathmandu mostly makes me irritated.

It’s one of the most polluted cities in the world. Transportation options are awful. The airport lousy. Visitors are pestered by touts non-stop.

Many get sick there — the KathmanFLU.

BUT — I have to admit — the tourist area in Thamel is much, much better than in the past.

In October 2017 they started blocking off most traffic from some of the shopping streets.

Emergency vehicles such as ambulances and water tankers are allowed.

Some motorcycles disobey the ban. But it mostly works.

In 2019 I saw the morning cleaners doing quite a good job.