New Year's Eve

All the hotels, restaurants, and bars in the area are getting ready for the New Year's celebration. My hotel has a whole roasted pig out front - quite a sight. The potted plants are decorated with cotton, dirty from the dust and pollution, to simulate snow. A Christmas tree stands in the courtyard, like a sentinel at the gate. The have hired a local musician, who plays guitar and sings American pop and Nepali folk equally off-key.

I walked around Kathmandu today, but haven't taken a single photo. Each time I bring out my camera, I am surrounded by beggars and merchants. There are other westerners around, and they also are approached. There are many fascinating shrines, temples, and architecture, but so many people crowd the streets that it is hard to get a clear picture. I rang the bell at one temple, and spun a couple of prayer wheels at another (that's for you, Nicole!).

Most of the streets are narrow, and filled with people walking, on bicycles, motorocycles, pedicabs, and 2-way car traffic. I have not seen any accidents, but I imagine they must have many here.

I pause in front of a store window, and immediately hear "Namaste, madam." "Something for your family, madam." "You would like to buy, madam. We have many colors and sizes." "Please, madam, I am hungry and need milk for the baby". ""Would you like someone nice?" Hashish?"

I have resorted to answering in Russian, hoping no one understands. Ya nye ponimayoo. I don't understand. Ya nye govoreet Nepali. I don't speak Nepali. They give up and go away.

The tourist area of Kathmandu is a little tiring, but in other parts of town, it is a bustling big city, much like any other.