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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Travel \\ Summer Vacation

India adventures continue to Kathmandu, Nepal

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Contributed by: Penny Sheltz on 5/6/2008

We arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal on April 10 which was the voting day and there was quite some unrest as the country had its first democratic election.
The land borders were closed but we were able to fly in not knowing what to expect.
We learned some history about the royal massacre seven years ago when a 31 yr old son of the beloved king killed his father the king, his mother the queen and all the family members except one brother who was not home at the time. The son then shot himself which was all over a girl he wanted to marry and not the choice of the King and Queen.
The remaining brother became King but not a good one so people were not happy for years and had a big revolt in 2005.

So this week was a monumental week in the history of Nepal when the King moves out of the palace and it becomes a National property
This was also a special week as Saturday April 12 was their New Years Eve and Sunday April 13th the day we left is their New Years Day celebrating 2065. So it seems they are 57 years older than the USA.
Another interesting fact is Nepal time is 15 minutes ahead of India which in on their southern border.

We walked down the main street in Katmandu valley at about 4,000 ft and saw monks in orange robes, a girl pumping water to wash her clothes, people carrying loads on their backs and cows wandering among traffic and people. We spotted a gate and walked through to be overwhelmed by a huge while dome monument called a Stupa which is like a little Tibet village in Nepal. People were circling the base 3 times in a clockwise walk, some spinning prayer wheels as they go. To walk in the opposite direction is considered sacreligious. Many chant "ohmanipadrehome"

There were colorful Tibetan prayer flags flying above it with eyes on 4 sides gazing out in 4 directions. Crowned at the top is a guilded copper spire with 13 circles and a metal umbrella. Stores with eager vendors surround the monument with souvenirs displayed on tables.
There is a small building at the entrance to the monument that contains 2 large spiritual prayer wheels attended by a midget and displays of Buddha on small shrines. Steps lead up to a platform where you can walk around the dome and view people and Buddist priest praying below, people shopping and good views of the complex. We visit several Buddhist art workshops and see their paintings and art.
Kathmandu Nepal has pretty flowers, interesting people and sites and will continue on next hub posting.

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