Kathmandu, round 2. May 7

Never thought I would think or even dare say this, but it is so good to be back in Kathmandu. When we left here the city seemed grungy, overly crowded, and like it was making a full out attack on our sensory systems. In the month that has passed, plants have grown leaves and many are now in bloom. Nightly rains help to clear up the air pollution, allowing somewhat better views and less city funk stink. As we are nearing the monsoon season, tourist crowds have downsized greatly. Either the change is dramatic or we've adjusted to life here. Probably a bit of both. We are both relaxed and enjoying the commotion of the city...much better than I'd ever imagined.

We sat on top of an 8 story building for breakfast. From this height, we could see neighboring buildings and their roof top gardens. We peered down at the streets, watching shop owners opening their businesses for the day. "We still operate on an entirely different time than he rest of this country," Kevin noted. I couldn't have put it better. The city was unusually quiet, which at 7:30 seemed like a late start to us.

We searched the city scape for familiar landmarks. To the west, Swayambunath -the monkey temple- was visible on top of a small hill. We discussed our plans for the next few weeks. Canyoning, trekking, a handful of bus days, visiting Swayambunath and other temples. That's pretty much all that our time here will allow us.

The day was more fun than expected. We shopped cruised Thamel (oh the people watching!), read and visited the Garden of Dreams. The Garden was different than we'd pictured. Freshly manicured lawn, huge pool complete with lily pads and statues, teens making out, and child toting foreigners seeking a minute to relax. We went, we saw, we left. Preparations still needed to be made. In the morning we will hop in a van headed to Borderlands Resort. This is an activity resort way up by the Tibetan border. Kevin and I will get to try out two days of canyoning. It will entail navigating through and down canyons using several techniques like rappelling down waterfalls, cliff jumping, zip lining from one area to another, sliding down rocks and finally swimming. We are hoping to learn enough to be able to do it back home.