KTM: Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. The area is actually quite picturesque with some notable sites including Kasthamandap and the Kumari Devi.

Peanut hates lay-overs

Particularly when 2 out of 3 flights have been delayed.

So he just snatched the computer and decided to read comics and ignore me.

KTM: Swayambhunath

The Kathmandu tour started out at Swayambhunath, which is also known as the monkey temple due to the thousands of monkeys that roam around.

I actually really liked. I love the concept of monkeys. They are so cute from a distance, they actually remind me of little hairy old people :-)

KTM: Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family, and is a good representation of Newari architecture. Last time I was here, I got the 5 second tour around it, but this time I was able to see some more.

It's actually a really cute area.

And this lion seems a little more than happy to see us!

The group enjoy a tour day

KTM: Pashupatinath

Another place in Kathmandu that we went to is Pashupatinath Temple, which is considered to be one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. It is believed that to die and to be cremated here will release one from the cycle of repeated birth and death.

I for one wasn't that impressed, but who am I to judge.

KTM: Boudhanath

I actually got a day off! Yay! I crammed as much sightseeing as I could into the day. So at least I have proof I came to Kathmandu. :-)

Here is Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

I'm not one for sentimentality, but I will say that this was really magnificent. Even the circle of shops were cool. It all seemed to fit together. Even the "Om Mani Padme Hum" chanting blasting from the music stores added to the vibe of the place.

KTM: Dinner and a Show

I think there is nothing as draining as being trapped in a hotel with 30 colleagues and project partners. But to add to the exercise in tolerance, it was decided we needed to have a social event in the evening also.

So we all went to Bhanchha Ghar, claims to be the first specialist Nepali restaurant in Nepal, and as part of a complete dining experience courses are by a cultural show, showcasing the dance and music of different ethnic groups from around Nepal. Though I really could not tell the difference among all of them.

Though the food was alright (momos aside I'm not too keen on Nepali cuisine), the company turned out to be better than I thought it would. I guess you do need to get people "outside" of work in order to get a better sense of them. Though I'm sure the social lubricant, also known as alcohol, helped.

Raksi - a traditional distilled rice liquor was served throughout the evening

The group consisted of representatives from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh

And of them was drinking alcohol for the first time

And the obligatory closing speech by the project director

Kathmandu: Room with a view...

...sort of.

As always, Peanut traveled with me to Nepal and since i'm working he he has to find ways to entertain himself.

We are staying on the 6th floor of the Radisson Kathmandu, and he noticed that even though he can see out of the building form 3 different sides - the view is all the same.

Maybe next time we should go out to the country side.