Travel Nepal 1

I opened a new blog (zuraidaharahman.travellerspoint.com) with the intention of devoting solely on my travels in and outside the country. But I find it was such a hassle learning the new program on my own and I have been struggling to add new entries and uploading photos but failed to do so. So here I am, back to my old blog. 
My main aim going to Nepal was to see Mount Everest, even from far. This has been my dream. My friends, Indra, Sharifah and Jin planned and booked flights to Nepal for 3 times and each time something happened which forced us to cancel our trips. First attempt was aborted due to riots, the second time was due to Floods and third time was unrest due to the shooting of the King and his family by the crown prince. Since then Nepal was not in the list but I have never given up. So when Izan of DHIA Holidays Tours and Travel asked whether I was interested to join her inaugural trip, I jumped to the invitation which was made up of 7 senior ladies.
At the cost of RM 3599.00 for 6 days and 5 nights, Izan and her contacts in Nepal designed our itinerary. With 2 non-Muslim members, our food was halal or vegetarian. MAS flight to Katmandu was full with tourists and returning Nepalese.

Just arrived in Katmandu, Nepal and being garlanded graciously by the host company in the bus. 111012

Katmandu street with rows of high trishaws waiting for customers. 111012

 Arriving at Katmandu airport, we were met by Anisha, a pretty Nepalese travel agent and later joined by Badri Nepal, our guide throughout our stay.

This is the restaurant we had our lunch and dinner when we were in Katmandu.

Going to Anatolia restaurant but  being distracted by rows of shops.

The attractive costume jewelry displayed along the street.

Some of the shops in Katmandu

Roadside exhibition! table cloths, bedcovers etc for sale.

 It was a long walk a midst traffic jams to the halal restaurant, the Anatolia in Katmandu city. The food was good. I particularly liked the nan and chapatti which were soft and fluffy, unlike those I used to have in PJ and KL.

Swyambhunath shrine or Monkey Temple on a hill in Katmandu. It was almost  almost dark when we arrived there. 111012

It was getting dark at the hill to Swyambunath temple, overlooking Katmadu city.

The Swyambhunath shrine

Climbing the steps to Swyambhunath shrine almost dark. 

We checked in at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza and immediately left to tour the city. Unfortunately the day turned dark at 6 pm and by the time we arrived at the Swyambhunah temple or the Monkey Temple on a hill, there wasn't much to see. We left the temple when it was really dark. There are a lot of fat, thick coat monkeys. Some looked like Mok, my beloved dead cat. I still miss Mok!! White foreigners called this temple, the Monkey Temple.
In town, walking towards Anatolia restaurant, were distracted with the shops and were reminded to go to dinner first. But on the way back to the bus, some serious shopping was done with amicable bargaining. Most shopkeepers were delighted when they know we are Malaysians. So 'apa khabar' and  'Malaysia Truly Asia' as well as a few Malay words became the introduction greetings. Most wanted to talk, not minding if we didn't buy. We felt welcome. Many have worked in Malaysia, saved enough money to open shops in Katmandu. The shops were opened late till midnight with many tourists around shopping and looking around.
Back to the hotel, I fell asleep as soon as I hid the bed. My room-mate Ramlah slept later when I was already in dreamland. Tomorrow I got to get early at 4.30am for subuh prayer and get ready to get down to the lobby at 5.40am. I am going to see Mount Everest tomorrow, my dream will come true. After that, a long road drive to Pokhara, another authentic city in Nepal.
Sad to say, problem started on the first day. The two older ladies disregarded time and made us wait like their maids, everyday and every time. Izan, as a leader, had to call and reminded them every time. In the morning, when everybody was on time waiting in the bus, they were still chatting in the restaurant. We had to wait for some time before they were ready to join us. We were disgusted. For me, this is the first and the last time I would travel with them.