Durbar Square, Kathmandu

Found out that “kath” means cut wood, and “mandu” city, so it’s the city of buildings made from wood (most mountain places are made of stone).

Feeling good, Kathmandu is quieter as it’s the last day of Dashain Festival, so I braved the walk from Thamel to Durbar Square. Its only about 1.5 km but takes time and a lot of deep breaths.  Oh and did I mention that it is so polluted here that my throat is sore within 5 mins?  But all good, it was an amazing day!

So many deities, Gods, statues, holy symbols and people intent on their personal worship.

This is a temple to Annapurna, goddess of Abundance. You place a butter lamp in exchange for a blessing.

Three religion temples, where Hinduism, Buddhism and some other one I can’t remember are all worshiped.

The level of detailed, ornate carving, metal work and stone on every surface is amazing

Pretty rickshaws (they are my plan B if I get lost)

Holy men (who charge for photos if they catch you taking one)

 Durbar Square is a UNESCO world heritage listed sight, and contains many wooden building built in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, some even older.  This is where kings were crowned.

Cows, always cows!

This bell rings to ward off evil

There are two lion statues at most temple steps, one for blessing and one for protection

Necklaces of flowers which bestow blessings on you ( I think!)

 Moosie sought out some protection

Many of the temples are three tiered and have intricate ( and sometimes very erotic) carvings on them.  People climb then steps and just sit and watch the world go by

Sorry but I don't love the monkeys, you must never put food in your back pack or they are all over you!  Yikes!!

Its a 15 day festival so flowers and food everywhere

I walked through the culinary alleys where they sell food, and also every pot and pan you could imagine

Food vendors are often on bikes

And every sort of fruit, vegie, spice, bean, grain and condiment was on sale

I became obsessed with all the pretty colored and carved doors

Very glad that I ventured out, had a young Nepali boy walk with me and tell me about what we saw, to practice his English he said, and of course I was to pay him or buy food. I quiet enjoyed the explanation, then just told him I wanted quiet time and gave him some Rupee. He was much less pushy than the grown men who want to guide you in the Square, when I said I needed quiet he just headed off.