Kathmandu, Monkey Temple, Durbar Square - What a Day!

This morning I was invited to the office of Himalayan Glacier Trekking (HGT) where I was welcomed by Naba Raj Amgai, Managing Director, www.himalayanglacier.com. Naba took the time to arrange a few tours for me today by one of the folks that work for him, Raban. Raban took me around Kathmandu where I saw how the locals live. The Nepalese people seem to make the best of what they have, something we can all stand to learn from. I was driven to a place called The Monkey Temple. According to legend, this hill rose spontaneously from a lake that once covered the valley, hence the name swayambhu, which means self-risen. It is also known as the Monkey Temple, as there are many monkeys living there.

A stupa is a Buddhist religious monument consisting of a hemispherical base, and a square top with a pagoda-style roof. On each side of the square are Buddha's eyes which see everything. The "nose" is the number one, signifying the predominance of Buddha. Various ornaments and the pagoda are sheathed in gold plate, and colorful prayer flags complete the decoration.

Our next stop was a very old historical section of town called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the World Heritage site. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. The square is presently known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace.

Raban found a money exchange for me with the best exchange rates in town, 70.55 rupies per dollar, all other places were 69.5 rupies per dollar. Well, its about dinner time and I have been invited to dinner by the folks at HGT. Tomorrow is our groups orientation day, another tour of the city and then onto Lukula Airport and the trekk! Keep smiling, I am!