The Streets of Kathmandu

The sidewalks of Kathmandu are unlike anything you would see any place else. There are very many people on them, plus cows, and dogs, and sometimes goats. The animals just wander wherever they like, eat whatever they can find. They belong to no one, and no one pays any attention to them.

The streets themselves are a bustle of activity. There are cars and buses, many motorbikes, lots of three wheeled electric taxis, lots of regular but very small taxis, and gaily painted trucks. No one pays any attention to whatever traffic rules there may be. Crossing the street is a dangerous pursuit – 40% of the traffic fatalities in Kathmandu are pedestrians.

We met today with the director of surveys. He was not nearly as impressive as his boss. Had just been transferred to that job from the postal service, and probably felt out of his element. But he was so officious. As usual, when we arrived we were brought tea, and then shortly afterwards a guy came in to take away the cups, and this director fellow wanted him to pour him some water from a bottle behind his desk. Some of his staff were there, and they were very keen, very interested in the results of the project. All had good English.

Tonite I cooked buffalo meat for supper. In a nice tomatoey squashy sauce. It was terrible. I did not eat mine – way too tough. So we went back to the Chilean restaurant and had empanadas and chocolate mousse.

Tomorrow we are going to Paspatinath, where there is a very large Hindu Temple, and afterwards to Bouddha, where there is a wonderful Buddhist stupa ( temple). It will be good not to go into work for a change.