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.