We'd heard rumors of a strike yesterday but weren't sure what it would all entail. We had been assured there would be less traffic and that shops would be closed, so Krissy and I came up with the plan of walking the 4km to Patan. Normally this route would take us 
through some of the more traffic clogged areas of Kathmandu but with a strike engaged, who could predict what would happen?
Patan is an ancient city that was once separate from Kathmandu. Due to city sprawl the two are now connected and Patan is more of a neighborhood in Kathmandu. Though it remains fascinating with much of it's old architecture still in existence that results in a maze of streets, alleys and squares. The primary attraction is Durbar Square. Confusingly, it's different than the Durbar Square in Kathmandu which similarly houses impressive religious structures in one location.
On the morning of the strike day, we found out right away that there weren't many shops open at all. It took a little bit of searching to find a place to eat breakfast. After our meal we hit the streets. There was a remarkable difference. The occasional taxi, tourist bus or motorcycle would barrel past us but other than that, pedestrians, rickshaws, bicyclists and brazen street dogs were
free to roam where they pleased.
This made out journey to Patan much more pleasant than it would have otherwise been. Crossing the streets was safer and easier, there wasn't all the irritating honking and the air was breathable. It was a little unsettling to see the military armed with riot shields, batons and M-16's at every major intersection. As we approached the first group, a number of them were staring at us blankly as we approached. Krissy broke the tension by offering a namaste. They smiled and merrily greeted her too. Only in Nepal.
We passed through the city gates of Patan amidst a sea of school children dressed in identical uniforms. After paying our entrance fee we began to follow another Lonely Planet walking tour. Just like the Durbar Square day, we passed large and small shrines with
varying degrees of age, decay, color and intricacy. The most memorable one was a brightly colored 25 foot statue of Buddha.
We reached Durbar Square and found it to be very similar to Kathmandu's Durbar Square, minus the relentless guides and hordes of tourists. I think the strike may have had something to do with this. Another point for the strike!
I certainly admire all that has gone into the creation and maintenance of these buildings and that these sites are some of the holiest of the holy for Buddhists and Hindus but they tend to start looking the same after a while. Visiting these places has been interesting and I'm glad I've been lucky enough to visit them. Yet I think I appreciated the walk more than the destination. After all, walking was what I came to this country to do.
through some of the more traffic clogged areas of Kathmandu but with a strike engaged, who could predict what would happen?Patan is an ancient city that was once separate from Kathmandu. Due to city sprawl the two are now connected and Patan is more of a neighborhood in Kathmandu. Though it remains fascinating with much of it's old architecture still in existence that results in a maze of streets, alleys and squares. The primary attraction is Durbar Square. Confusingly, it's different than the Durbar Square in Kathmandu which similarly houses impressive religious structures in one location.
On the morning of the strike day, we found out right away that there weren't many shops open at all. It took a little bit of searching to find a place to eat breakfast. After our meal we hit the streets. There was a remarkable difference. The occasional taxi, tourist bus or motorcycle would barrel past us but other than that, pedestrians, rickshaws, bicyclists and brazen street dogs were
free to roam where they pleased.This made out journey to Patan much more pleasant than it would have otherwise been. Crossing the streets was safer and easier, there wasn't all the irritating honking and the air was breathable. It was a little unsettling to see the military armed with riot shields, batons and M-16's at every major intersection. As we approached the first group, a number of them were staring at us blankly as we approached. Krissy broke the tension by offering a namaste. They smiled and merrily greeted her too. Only in Nepal.
We passed through the city gates of Patan amidst a sea of school children dressed in identical uniforms. After paying our entrance fee we began to follow another Lonely Planet walking tour. Just like the Durbar Square day, we passed large and small shrines with
varying degrees of age, decay, color and intricacy. The most memorable one was a brightly colored 25 foot statue of Buddha.We reached Durbar Square and found it to be very similar to Kathmandu's Durbar Square, minus the relentless guides and hordes of tourists. I think the strike may have had something to do with this. Another point for the strike!
I certainly admire all that has gone into the creation and maintenance of these buildings and that these sites are some of the holiest of the holy for Buddhists and Hindus but they tend to start looking the same after a while. Visiting these places has been interesting and I'm glad I've been lucky enough to visit them. Yet I think I appreciated the walk more than the destination. After all, walking was what I came to this country to do.
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