Friday Oct.4th:

We arrive in Kathmandu

It was a very long trip. We had a five hour flight on Air Canada from Toronto to Los Angeles, a twenty hour flight on Thai Airways to Bangkok with a stop in Seoul, Korea. We had to disembark in Soeul for about an hour and then go through security again.
We spent the night in Bangkok and then we took a three and one half hour flight to Kathmandu, arriving around two in the afternoon to a warm rain.

We had no trouble at the Customs or Immigration. We changed some money to Nepalese Rupees at the exchange counter which was operated by two very pretty young Nepali women. We then made a reservation at the airport for the Potalla Guest House in Thamel, the touristy part of Kathmandu.
There are agents (toots) from many of the hotels waiting outside trying to convince you to come stay at their hotel. One guy in particular would not give up even after we had booked at the Potalla. Felt mean but this is a way of life here and you are expected to bargain.

Trying to get to the van that would take us to the hotel several people kept trying to carry our bags, almost snatching them out of your hands, of course they were looking for a tip. They even came and put there heads in the window of the van begging for money. Dana a seat partner on the plane also booked at the Potalla and shared the van with us.

The trip to the hotel was something else again. No seat belts, driving on the left side of the road or anywhere they could get through the traffic. The stretch of city leaving the airport appeared dirty, very run down and poor. It was raining and there didn't seem to be much of a drainage system if any. Cows wandering around the streets, considered holy and are allowed to roam at will, a few goats, chickens and a few scrawny dogs

The Potalla Guest House looked quite nice, friendly and helpful staff. The lobby has a huge mural of the Potalla in Tibet, hence the name. It is owned by a Tibetan. Beautiful carved wooden doors and woodwork. The room not fancy, beds and bathroom clean, quite acceptable $15.00 US/night. There are two big rooms, one being a sitting room with a bed, a bathroom and what looked to have been a kitchen, maybe an apartment at one time.

We are very tired after all the traveling. Not slept well. Pauline broke her glasses and we had to go out and find a pair for her. Kumar, 16 years old, drives the van to and from the airport and works for the hotel to help the guests, took us to a shop where they sold glasses. Walking on the narrow busy streets was more exciting then riding a motorcycle, ( I own a Harley) dodging bicycles and rain puddles, three wheeled little cars (Tempos) bicycle richshaws, people with umbrellas and an occasional car.

Lots of people on the street trying to sell you something. They particularly went after Pauline. She was trying nicely to say she didn't want anything but once you show any interest they have you. She finally bought some Tiger Balm and an imitation Swiss Army knife. Kumar showed us around, found the streets confusing, no signs and not straight.

Exchange rate
As of October 19th 2002
CDN $1.00 = 51 RPS
US $1.00 = 80 RPS
EURO €1.00 = 78 RPS