Only three days in Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu and already the pollution is so intoxicating to our lungs, we are literally gasping for some fresh mountain air. With an estimated population of 700,000, it has been quite surprising to Deep and I that a city surrounded by the Himalayas could be so smog infused.
Kathmandu was always just going to be our base for our trekking expedition to the Annapurna conservation area, in central Nepal, though I must admit through the murky haze there has been some specks of beauty. The town centre is lined with stores filled with a colourful array of scarves, woollen socks, hats and jewellery and I was definitely in my element here.
The Buddhist temples and hill top shrines are breathtakingly stunning, laced in gold and Tibetan prayer flags. Though the stand out of this city for me was the people, who would continually greet you with a smile, offer assistance at every corner and not seem to want anything in return (this was a completely foreign concept for us). It hasn’t just been the men, the women are just as friendly wanting to know everything about us including where Deep and I met and whether our relationship is a “love based relationship” or an “arranged relationship.” We couldn’t help but laugh when we were asked this question by our taxi driver.
Even though we both don’t practice the Buddhist philosophy, monks were more than happy to explain their way of life, their prayers and meditations. Despite the cloud of thick smoke surrounding this city, you don’t have to dig too deep to find the pure beauty of the people. Deep and I hope that this is a sign of times to come on our travels through Nepal.
We are now off on our trails through the hills of the Himalayas and will hopefully update you in a week.
By Kerryn Anker
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