Thamel- The Tourist Mecca

First let me apologize for the lack of visual aides up to this point. I have tried numerous times, with two different cables, to upload pictures onto my blog. I will need to make a friend in order to get these up and running. Try to be patient with me!
Thamel is a beautiful place. Although a bit polluted, I haven't really noticed. And yes, I am definitely 'that tourist' with my camera in hand at all times, taking pictures of the seemingly meaningless things. The sign of our breakfast place, a building I have no idea what it is, but thinks is cool, my computer station, random shops along the streets, etc. I just don't want to forget ANYTHING about this amazing land.

My yesterday was filled with a day for Jessi. After two benadryls to help me fall asleep due to the Nepali 'Club' blasting music outside my window till 2 a.m., I slept for 11 hours. What a wonderful way to help recover from a crappy nap on the plane. :)

I spent most of the day alone, because my fellow American volunteer, Kristie, got delayed in Qatar. So, our morning date got pushed back to a dinner date. Probably a blessing in disguise because I could do what I wanted for most of the day. I ate a cheese sandwich for 50 rupees (no veggies- we cannot eat fresh veggies if we do not know were 100% washed in safe water) from a hole in the wall shop called 'Pik Wik'. That is also where I bought my first cup of coffee for 15 rupees (about 5 cents) Don't worry, I have a picture of the store and the boy working the counter. Then, I walked through Thamel continuing to soak it in and not really having a plan. Sometimes, that is the best way to do things. I did come across a child beggar. Those who know me well, know that I am a bit naive and trustworthy- almost to a fault. I had heard warnings about this happening in KTM. He looked pitiful and anything but sweet. He kept grabbing my hand, would not let go, and followed me for literally 5 minutes. Finally, frustrated, heart broken, confused, I went to a nearby restaurant and bought him a loaf of bread. The right thing to do? I have no idea. He seemed anything but satisfyed, probably because a loaf of fresh bread is harder to resell than a package of biscuits. Good lesson learned- do not even make eye contact and maybe I need to be a little more forceful.

For any little negative thing that ocurrs here, there are 10 positives. I passed the girl who works at our hotel, not more than 20 years old, named "Uzie". Her real name has a lot more letters, but I like to shorten names to one or two syllabals. They like my American nicknames. (Razam is 'Raz", Dipen is "D".) Uzie invited me to her house. Her father, a business man living in Singapore, was in town for a short time. That meant her whole family was there at the house hanging out. I followed Uzie to a HUGE house that looked antique. She explained her uncle lived on the first floor, she lived on the second, and her brother lived next door. Pretty amazing. Uzie brought me tea and we sat in her bedroom with her brother and brother in law. They were all so welcoming. I took pictures of the family and they were impressed with digital cameras. I did not understand what they were saying but Uzie explained they kept repeating 'Bring her every day- we will cook for her and show her Nepali way of life'. Could I have asked for anything more? Uzie has impressed me so. She is taking me to a nearby Temple on a hill this afternoon. I can hardly wait to visit.

There is much more, but time is running out. I apologize in advance for all you grammar people out there. Don't judge too much. :)

Lessons from Nepal today:

1) Blackouts ocurr on a scheduled basis in certain parts of the town- make sure you know where the candles are.
2) Be weary of child beggars- a nice gesture may not be enough.
3) Bargaining can actually be fun, not intimidating- always start with at least half of the initial price.
4) Kathmandu also has a park! I just thought that was neat.

More to come. I plan on taking Max's advice and venture outside the city a little bit. Hopefully Uzie can help me with that.
Hugs from Nepal!
Jessi