Kathmandu

Late November and Early December Entry:

Oh my goodness all of Delhi and the Sikhs are out in full force today in Old Delhi, where I am staying overnight before heading to Kathmandu.
They are celebrating the birth of six of their gods, consecutively.

There were several hours of recorded chanting right outside my hotel window, followed by huge parades, plus loads of free food being given out. I'm stuffed!
There were displays of juggling, sword play, stick fights and other macho displays, that continued on until dawn.
 
 And the mess in the streets! But already they have started to clean up. Thank goodness, because it is downright hazardous walking down the street.
I've had to dodge vats of tea, rice and other stuff being dumped out onto the street. The dogs will feast tonight, as well!

On to Kathmandu - the roof of the world. 

What an incredible flight into Kathmandu, with marvelous views of the Gangetic Plain and the Himalayas. 

 

Currently, I am staying at Hotel Kathmandu Terrace. The sun seems much brighter here, and the pollution does not seem as bad (depending on which street you are traveling). Compared to Delhi, this is heavenly!

I hope to do some hiking and visit Chitwan Forest before heading to Lumbini, as well as sight-seeing around this city. 

I did go for a walk this evening, and there seemed to be at least two temples or shrines on every corner. There were marching bands, portable shrines, and dancers all flooding the streets. I'm told that all religions are celebrating the birth of at least one god...but did not understand which one.

I had a dream last night that I was at some kind of music festival and going to play and sing with some friends.