February 14, 2024
Time for an adventure. I’m up for it and prepared! Being a good girl guide I took many, many screen shots, to lead my way. Onward I go winding my way through the streets. This is a hike. I soon arrive at the bridge. Screenshots are my saving grace! What I wouldn’t do for some fresh air. The pollution is beyond anything I have experienced before, the few trees in this area are a grey brown, coated with dust, etc. I thought India was bad. No comparison.
I take my life in my hands as I cross the busy road to the bridge. Little tip for crossing crazy roads,.wait for a local and tag along beside them. Hope they have it right. Lol. Or, just pray! Safe again now up the hill I go. Getting close. It’s pretty self straight forward, as winding roads go, as the temple is on top of the hill.
I stop for a quick cappucino, and a carrot cake. Happy Valentines Day to me. It was delicious.
After a short rest inside to clear my lungs, I contiune on.
I arrive to the foot of the 365 stairs, one for each day of the year. One foot in front of the other I ascend to the Swayanbhunath Temple. Rather steep, whew a good workout, with a severe lack of oxygen in this thick air!
Swayanbhunath means “sublime trees” The complex has a large stupa and a variety of shrines and temples. Dating back to the beginning of the Fifth Century! It is also known as the Monkey Temple, as it is the home to hundreds of monkeys.
I happened to arrive on a special puja holiday, seems to be the way I roll:) Today, was a holiday for students and many were there to pray to Saraswati for success in their studies. It was a great experience. I had a “tour guide” approach me and paid him some rupees to show me the sights. He explained the significance of the temples and the stupa.
The view from the top of the hill was incredible. I had NO idea how vast Kathmandu! It was layered with thick smog. Eek.
Time to head back to my room and rest, it was a long journey back. But I knew the way…kinda. The roads were challenging in spots. But I made it in one piece.
Tomorrow is the big day! My E Visa arrived. I am approved. I am excited and relieved to be on my way. Flight is booked. I fly at 10 am. First flight to Delhi (unfortunately) then onto Bangalore, last flight to Thiruvananthapuram….then a 1.45 hr taxi ride to Varkala. A long journey which I will be happy to see the other side of. Get me to the beach!!!
