Sights from a Nepali bus

Had cocktails last night at the hotel - they apparently do this on a Sunay so that new guests get to meet each other. It was good and I got talking to another Susan from Australia which was nice, expect I was off on the Monday to Bandipur.

On Monday caught a rickshaw for the 1st time so that I could catch the tourist bus in time - another different experience of Nepali transport.

Again the bus journey took 5 hours instead of 3 and 1/2 but I had a front seat and could see all the sights. I was a little concerned when they placed a large petrol can right next to me but it was moed eofre we set off.

The roads by the Royal Palace were line with soldiers all stood to attention een though there is no longer a king in residence.
I saw the usual exercising in the park and the traffic was as chaotic as ever leaving Kathmandu.

On the way I saw lots more -
1st time I've seen a dog on a lead
A bus was in the middle of the road jacked up on 4 huge tyres
Tree branches and stones are used as a warning sign for oncoming traffic instead of a red triangle
Local men showering at the public showers in their skimpy underwear - yet the women are fully clothed when they shower at the same place.
School children walking along the edge of a busy main road all dressed in their clean school uniforms.

Then we hit a traffic jam and waited for an hour while they cleared the road as 2 cars had overturned. Luckily we have a careful driver so no games of 'chicken' on route.

Arrived at Dumre where you catch the jeep to Bandipur. Had to wait 45 minutes as they like to make sure the jeep is full. Oh and I mean full - 13 people inside plus 2 children, 3 people sat with the driver, 3 on the roof of the driver's cabin, 6 hanging off the back and possibly more on the roof of the jeep itself. It was another steep climb up the mountain and surprise surprise - it started to pour with rain. Managed to book into the Old Inn Bandipur which is like stepping back in time. Had the best coffee ever and then the sun came out and I wandered aroun dthe streets of this 18th century village. I met a couple of people and chatted and then started talking to 2 volunteers who were staying at the same hotel. I also walked part of the way with a Malaysian girl and we went to see one of the temples at the bottom of some steep steps.

While I was just taking in the views, a man came past dragging a dog with it's leg tied by a rope - he rushed past down the hill and the dogs head was just bumping down the path. When he got to the bottom - he clubbed the dog to death - I was horrified and felt helpless in that situation because this is a different country and they certainly do things differently here. When he came back up the hill I asked why he had done this and he said the dog was 'mad' and had bitten someone an the ddog possibly had rabies. It's the 2nd time I've seen a dog killed - 1st time was in Chitwan when the hotel manager was taking me to the elephant breeding. He ran over a dog who was asleep in the road and just didn't stop. It seems there is no regard here for dogs as there are so many strays and yet they take so much care to avoid dthe cows, goats and chickens that wander in and out of the traffic.

Anyway - back to nier things - had dinner at the hotel (Daal/Baht) but with chicken and chilli tomatoes and then spent the evening chatting with Ami (from Scotland) and Pam (from Australia) - 2 volunteers. It was good conversation an so relaxed - I've spoken to so many people here in less than 6 hours.

The room here is quaint with wooden beams and shuttered windows which open out to a view of the mountains. A buddha sits on one of the shelves and the bedside lights are old lanterns. - there's even hot water!.
I'm looking forward to my 2 days here and the walk with the guide on Tuesday.

I've been sitting on the bed just chilling out and looking at the mountain view - Bliss !!

More soon

Love Sue