Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we have come to notice a couple things:
1. Indian people LOVE their food, especially on flights. We were given so much food on the long-haul flight, and we're stuffed. Even on the short, 1-hour flight from Delhi to Kathmandu, full chicken curry meals with sides, bread, and dessert were passed out to each passenger. We can't believe we turned it down; SO MUCH INDIAN FOOD. The flight cabin had the major indian food stank. At least it's better than cigarette smoke or BO!
2. India's version of the TSA is intense. They are 'military-esque' in comparison to the US's TSA. Ethan was stopped and extensively searched each time, having his bags opened and peered through. Their security guys look ready to go to battle.
At the visa counter line in Kathmandu, Halie bent over to tie her shoe. A very grungy and sloppily-dressed female Westerner, right in front of her in line....let out the juciest, wettest, loud fart ever...right in Halie's face! Ethan looked at Halie in shock, like, did that just happen? We both started laughing in disbelief. The lady didn't even apologize and pretended as if it didn't even happen lol. Gross.
Our guide, Rahma, picked us up outside and was holding a sing saying 'Nepal Trekking Experts'. We finally made it!!!! What a travel day. He placed orange lei floweres on us to welcome. We jumped into the jeep and were greeted by another traveller, a solo female who also just got in from Vancouver, BC. Rahma sat with us three and gave us the rundown of Kathmandu as a separate driver drove us to the hotel.
Kathmandu is high on all the senses: it's extreme in every sense is the word. The food, the smells, the sights, and the lights. It was dark, but the city was alive. We maneuvered through a maze of narrow streets. I've never seen anything like this place. High buildings enclosing the narrow streets, you feel like a mouse in a tall maze. It is an experience to say the least. It is chaos, a beautiful chaos we prepared for, and one that we enjoy and welcome for what it is.
Our hotel was a beautiful juxtaposition to this madness - a tranquil getaway from the bustling streets. It has nice rooms with a garden courtyard where breakfast is served with extensive greenery, Buddhist shrines, and birds. Breakfast the next morning was phenomenal. Relaxing and cool - just what we needed after that previous day's travel where we were awake for a full 24-hours. The jet lag is real!