BHAKTAPUR

Puskar took us to Bhaktapur a mediaeval village in Kathmandu. What an experience. Peter who hates looking around markets said he could stay there for 2 days just roaming around. We all thought he had a fever!! This village dates back to the 13th century and it is an incredible feeling walking around almost thinking you will see someone like Oliver Twist or a mythical creature lurking around the next corner. There were lively fruit sellers, noisy motor bikes coming down every alley, happy kids wandering around and we saw a pottery display by a local potter. We finished the day off with a lovely meal in a tiny cosy upstairs restaurant in the centre square (by candlelight as they have power shedding in nepal at nights) then we drove back to our luxurious hotel only to see a dozen monks coming down from the 6th floor which is the most extravagant floor (the same one we stayed on). We wondered if they used that wad of 50 cent notes the poor people shoved into the bricks to fund their trip?? Oh Mani Pad Me Hum is a chant that the buddist and people chant as they twirl their little prayer wheels - Peter has re-vamped the wording to say "Oh Money give me more" which is what he says the monks chant!!