IT was in the first year of teaching many years ago that I was asked to review a book on Kathmandu. Since then the yearning to visit has smoldered.
But what an eventful two days to get here!
I had such a wonderful conversation with Claire, a lovely well traveled gen x biomedical scientist
from Bangkok to Kathmandu
The story about the elderly woman that died 2 hours into QANTAS flight on the way from London to Sydney took the cake!.So as not to disturb and alarm the passengers the flight crew moved the deceased to the back of the plane wrapped her in a blanket and put an eye patch on her for good measure! Tinged in the utmost sadness for the poor woman is this macabre John Cleese black humor. Lots of good tips from Claire on where to visit- Segovia just outside Madrid.
Upon my arrival at Kathmandu, with the customary long queues at Immigration ( In Bangkok as well coincidentally) I was reminded of the goddesses of Kathmandu's words of wisdom ( Nicole for those who are not sure) "Just chill and go with it!"
This sentiment was fine until my lift from the airport which Nicole had paid 500 NR for did not show! I was besieged by all folk of good will willing to come to my rescue, for a small price of course! As I feebly went to the volunteers counter only to be cajoled into" this hotel very good, not that one" I recalled and rattled off about 7 hotels I had done research on ( Who says that being on the spectrum does not have its advantages!) I threatened to leave until suddenly they could accede to my request- Hotel Norling).
My journey from the airport was everything I had expected to be; chaotic, a cacophony of sound and smells
a desire to eek out a living however porous that may be, and melded with good will and kindness. Perhaps you would not want it any other way?
After dropping of my pack at the hotel I went in search of an ATM in the rambunctious Thamel. To my surprise I was greeted by my friend, no make that long lost friend according to him as he attempted to persuade me to buy what looked like something that would make brisk trade in Nimbin.
It is the melting pot of humanity and such a challenge to my sometimes delicate cultural sensitivities. I trust it is just what the doctor has ordered for me. Travel for me is stepping out of your comfort zone, like how to respond when you are stopped at Bangkok airport; smile of course as you know you have not done anything wrong and then smile when you leave after they have found nothing in your bag! No dramas. It is this drama that is being constantly played out in people's lives when they travel, like Claire who as a 11 year old saved her pennies for four years until she traveled on her own at 15 from Tasmania to London to visit a relative. No dramas and just soaking the marrow out of life.
Until next time
good tidings and God's blessings to all
Janika
No comments:
Post a Comment