First stop

Perched on top of a hill, it was said that the hilltop was once an island left after a major volcanic eruption many years ago. The Kathmandu valley was what's left after this catastrophic seismic activity. Indeed, a valley that entraps the smog and creates a permanent haze all day long, like a veil. Incidentally, many have come to unveil this shroud to see the real essence of Nepal, but probably to the wrong part of her bossom.

The Swayambhunath or commonly known as Monkey Temple, is located 2km away from where I resided. And I'm glad I made the trip on foot the first morning. After braving the notorious Tridevi Marg, the journey was quite a pleasant one in comparison. Well except for the incessant dust churned up by cyclists, motorcyclists, rickshaws and cars along the way.

To the East of the hill is a flight of stairs that leads to the temple ground, comprising of a total of 365 steps with grounds near the central temple angling 45deg up-slope. The magnificent Stupa immediately came into view and around it encirle hordes of camera touting tourists behaving like hawks eyeing a piece of the structure for that perfect shot. I am one of them unfortunately. Evident in the image, we can see some tiny shrines carved into the base of the Stupa, therein sits an Buddhist Idol. With a little donation, I had my tian zhu blessed by one of the idols.

The general rule is to circle the Stupa in clockwise direction, failing which the consequence will be borne by the perpetrator (pls dun quote me). U'll probably bring calamity to that city, a deed similar to turning the wheel of life in the counter clockwise direction.

But the Monkey temple is not just for the Stupa itself, tis for the faith of the general Buddhist population.

Smog

If smog is a form of art, then Kathmandu must be a well deserved place for artists. In a way, it is flooded with wave after wave of tourists all for a common goal- trekking. Beyond the boundary of this major city lies a sanctuary waiting to be explored.

Thamel is a self contained district that caters to all our taste buds- from japanese to Korean to Irish to Chinese and Indian cuisines, there's definitely one that can fit you. In particular, the Irish delight of lamb's stew was a delicacy with piping hot tender lamb meat in a fragrant soup mixed with plenty of potatoes and vegetables. Add a glass of red wine and Jeff is a happy man. Well, not that it come cheap, at 1000NRs that's like some S$25/-. But what must be fed must be delighted. Yam yamm.

Probably the next memorable thing in Kathmandu is the dreaded traffic order or lack of. Traffic light is not a common infrastructure and if you do come across a zebra crossing, just take it as non-existent. Interestingly, the cars and motorcycles can navigate around the pedestrians so precisely that a sheer off a specific direction or a sudden movement can land one in lethal position. The best thing to do is to follow the local crowd and be like them- squeeze in between vehicles and raise your eyes and ears far above the cacophony of the streets. The Tridevi Marg is definitely a devil in a cloak but if one can escape the devil's clutches in this street, then all must be safe for the rest of the trip, albeit less the relentless or overly eager self professed tour guides abound. Just be firm but kind to them. They are merely trying to make a living.

Smoking

On the note of death, this woman was smoking by the holy river Bagmati that flanked the Pashupatinath, a popular place for cremation in Kathmandu, Nepal. Perceptably, she was taking a break from her apparent chores (whatever it was!). To the right no far from where she stood lived a "holy" man who feeds on the remains of cremated cadaver he finds in the river. It was believed that eating these remains could heighten his spiritual attainment! Count me out ut no thanks.

One is lost that 4 can be found.

Remembering a friend

Stephan and rest who are lost to this world in a freak accident in Cambodia.

193nm

Fluidless.

Colored

Mother nature's wonders.

Strange vision

Jaws alert! Through the eye of a diffractive optics. Super-versatile, small and compact with long zoom range. I can already envision its use in Kath* and Bak*.

>> But where r the birdies? On second thought, this is probably the only time I felt a strong pull to visit Nepal. Even though I had to endure the green curry, red curry and strange smell and crowded streets. I know something is there waiting for me. I just have to be there. 2 more days...

>> Suddenly, I feel like returning to taiwan... dun know why...

My Fair Lady

Last check: Fleece in, ready for take off :) and a lonely planet in my bag. And perhaps a diary.

Tower 101

So near yet so far...

>> Just added a 90L backpack. Must concede it looks kinda huge. My poor porter gonna scream at me. Add a thermal fleece and I am ready to setoff.

Life out but not cold

The strange grey world of Naruwan in Autumn. While things may appear unappealing on the surface, look deeper and one will find sparks that exhilarate. This frame is one of them.

>> Business class @ S$1833...my heart just goes achie ache. The last of the ticket (s) on Silkair to fulfill my inspiration in the Annapurna Region. I must be crazy...

For a prayer

Was on my way home when it all fall into place. Taiwan's culture is built on the traditional values of Kong FuZi. That is why all will fall in line at the market, at the mrt, on the plane, practically everywhere w/o being told to do so. More civil than where I come from. They may be poorer, but apparently richer in their tradition. Materially, we are more well off but look deeper, we pretty much have nothing to fall back on if you take away the five pillars of our society.

All about night snack

If Cheewei stays in Taiwan, you will most probably see a fat Ooi Ooi when he returns. 5 days and 1kg to the tummy. Quite unprecedented. Tis food in and food out. Timsum this and mushroom super next. All about food. Mouth watering food.

宁静

Time has stopped
My heart has stopped
The clatter of the night market seemed to pause just for me
I see the neon light aflashing
I see the gesticulation of the passerby
Yet I hear no sound from their lips
For I have not turned deaf
My heart is at peace
The environment and myself is one
I have turned myself invisible again
The night personified into a cloak of invisibility
With that cloak I moved through the fair
Fleeting from one stall to another
Hearing nothing yet seeing all

Like a spirit

Being spirited away.

>> Bad news: No air tickets to Nepal!! :(

Naruwan

Painterly Taiwan. When did cheewei last enjoyed his vacation? He just eat, sleep and shop! And some photos to keep. Almost too perfect, thus reframe to crop off top of tree to allow more room for improvement :)