I found a roller coaster in Nepal: it has 4 wheels and is called a MICROBUS

The children are going on a morning walk every day at 5:45 a.m. Its the cutest thing ever. The first day was a couple days ago. I woke up, put on my shoes and rushed over- I did NOT want to be late for this! They were all lined up, in ascending height of course, waiting patiently for me. I could tell they were all excited that I was going on Morning Walk because they had a little extra pep in their 'Good Morning didi!!'. Seriously, they are all so cute when they make their line because dai makes them put their hands out in front of them and scooch backwards or forwards to have the perfect arms-length distance in between them. I situated myself toward the front so I could keep my eye on the smaller children. Immediately, Nabi grabbed my left hand with both of his as to tell me he really wanted to walk with me this day. I gladly accepted as he is one of the smaller, cuter and needier children!
Our walk consists of going clockwise around the base of the hilltop/mountain that the temple sits on. We pass other native Nepalis, with traditional clothing and then running shoes. There are also a few men actually running or jogging. This is the only place in Kathmandu that I have actually seen people exercise. You also have a few Monks going on their daily walks, a few beggars sitting and waiting for you to drop a rupee coin. How could I forget the monkeys that seem to have tripled in number since I got here, with their little babies attached to the mother's bellies and then learning to jump from tree to tree. Its kind of funny- the monkeys wait until the slightest break in people to cross the road and they totally lave us alone as we alk, skimming their tails.
Its a lovely sight to see- these kids getting their blood to flow so early in the morning. Onlookers see my hands in theirs and look with question and some, respect. Others may dismiss the latter and insert: indifference. One man even asked Anil if I was his Ama. He said 'No, mero Didi' and he smiled genuinely as we passed. I am not sure what others may think when they stare at me (labeled: TOURIST) with the children, who seem so comfortable with me- the foreigner, and quite frankly, I don't care. I am really beginning to get a grasp on that: living life, having confidence in your decision, and not letting others influence your decisions.
There is a little fish pond that we stop at and the kids go crazy. Its pretty cool- there are lots of fish that are all sorts of colors and sizes. This stop is a nice rest before the homestretch. I am looking forward to these daily morning walks with the children! Maybe one day we will pass Ama and Ba!

So, the other day I found a roller coaster in Nepal. ITs got 4 wheels and is called a microbus. Dai and I had some errands to run. Well, actually, I had some errands to run and Dai was nice enough to come with me. I would have had no idea where to go. We hopped in a bus from the base of the Temple and the driver would not leave until it was completely ful. this concept takes the American phrase "packed like Mexicans' to a whole new, unfathomable level. We even had people hanging on from the slideing door. the roller coaster analogy was so true, I tell you. From Swayambhu to the downtown part of KTM, there are so many pot holes, divets, and uneven terrain. I am so impressed we didn't have multiple flat tires and I can still feel my stomach dropping like I just got off the batman ride at Six Flags. :)

So, tomorrow I leave for Pohkra. I can hardly wait to visit another side of Nepal. I am going by myself and now that I really think about it I have never really done that before- taken a trip all by myself. I know no one, but have been put in contact with a couple people that are going to look after me- one being the owner of a Hotel that will pick me up from the bus stop. Stay tuned for more pics and blogs from this beautiful place they call POHKRA.

Love
J