Time: 9:08am
I'm here! Finally, after months of planning and expectation, I'm here.
I flew last night from Guangzhou, China, over the mighty Himalayas, and down into Kathmandu. Unfortunately, night flights do not offer the best views of unlit mountain ranges, so I have yet to set eyes on the mountains. Hopefully today.
Kathmandu is not as expected. It is extremely poor, more what I would expect of an urban city in India. Leaving the airport I was met by a representative of the "hotel" I'm staying at, but was still mobbed by six men wanting to help carry my things. I was very careful to refuse, and then keep a close eye on my bag as it went into the boot of the car.
The trip through the city was likewise hair-raising. There are no street lights, no road-markings, and everyone drives as they will. One comfort: Insofar as they have "sides" to their roads, they drive on the left. The civilised side.
After settling into my dirt cheap, dingy, comfortable, dark, cool, noisy hotel room (it definitely has character), I met a fellow traveller, went for a wander through the streets, where I took these pictures:
Before returning to the hotel, sitting out on the restaurant balcony, and enjoying a cool Everest brew. It's good beer, and at only 255 Rupees, almost, wait, almost more expensive than the room...
Today's plan: Visit a tour company to confirm my Tibet trip and talk about trekking the Annapurnas. Then off to the Monkey Temple! Walking Tour of Thamel! Nepalese food?
Right now, it's time for breakfast. Man, this jetlag thing has never hit me before, now all of a sudden my body thinks it's middle afternoon, and I slept all of 5 hours. Ach.
More updates to come, stay tuned.
