...when they spend the afternoon at Dakshinkali. I think today was the last official family sightseeing outing as the next few days will be for some goodbye parties and one last night with Gombu's family. Although this wasn't really a tourist trip, I have seen a pretty good bit of the Kathmandu valley. The two big "misses" this trip were Pokhara (Nepal's second biggest tourist city and a trek--although both were offered, I decided to stay closer to home) Today, we headed to the southern valley of Kathmandu. The morning was spent in Pharping, a traditional Newari village known for its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. A bit like wandering around Vatican City but exactly the opposite--No Guides, No areas off-limits, lit many candles for loved ones and explored some sacred caves--quite a peaceful morning. After a spot of lunch, we hiked (just 40 minutes worth) down to Dakshinkali,a Hindu temple where plenty of uncastrated male animals were being slaughtered (for their blood only) and then bbqed and eaten a short distance away by the offering family. In hindsight, we might have reversed the order of the day.
On the way home through Kathmandu, we stopped at Bishwa Bhasha campus for International Languages. I had picked up some bar talk that this might be a route for the year-long visa. The place was quite empty and we were told by an instructor that the 3 main student political parties (Nepal, Maoist and Communist) had called a strike due to the on-going student elections that have turned violent at a number of campuses. Indeed, the bar talk was right--I could get a one-year student visa to study the Nepali language three hours a day five days a week. All for the lovely price of $1250 and proof I had $3000 in personal funds. Still going to explore the volunteer route, but good to know this is an option.
Off to a restaurant to be feted or "feasted on" by the Sherpa community. Either way, I am sure that without CW keeping my comments and liquor intake in check, I will make a spectacle of myself!!
