Everything in Kathmandu is very cheap price-wise relatively speaking. This is a destination for tourists that will result in your monies going a long way. The stereotype of young backpackers with dreadlocks and tie-dyed tee shirts is completely true. There are many wandering the streets. Plus, some older hippy like people. There are quite a number of tourists as the Thamel area caters to tourists. No surprise there. It is chaotic, but full of energy. The people seem very genuine and happy. Their living conditions would not be up to North American or European standards though. You need a good map to navigate, but I doubt these maps exist.
The locals wear some beautifully coloured clothing. The shop owners have colourful signs so it is a city that represents its culture.
As you can see below the occasional intersection might have a large Nepalese stupa. There isn't much greenery though so this picture is unusual.
OK, I have to catalogue some of the bad with this area. There are places where garbage is just left to accumulate in the street. Not good news, but I think is evident of a country trying to come to grips with modernization. There are many requests by taxis and others for payment. There are beggars, but not too many. For certain, there is a police presence and they are beautifully attired in some nice blue outfits. Both male and female officers.
The picture below is a common sight in Kathmandu. There will be a central point where thousands of wires are connected to. Apparently, in Kathmandu the power goes out at random times. When I see this all around Thamel - no wonder.
Thamel is a cacophony of noise! You won't get more than 10 seconds of relative quiet. Cars, small trucks, small buses, small motorcycles are all blowing their horns. Even the bicycles are using their ringers. Quite simply, the streets are so narrow and there are no sidewalks so you need to keep everyone aware of your presence. As mentioned previously, they inherited driving on the opposite side to North Americans. There are no street signs or addresses.
In some cases, you can negotiate or bargain down in price. Many tourists and locals are wearing masks over their mouths due to the pollution. As indicated before you are constantly approached wondering if you need a ride. As well, there are wandering people who want to see you "tiger balm." Many of the locals spit. I first found this irritating habit in China. Both women and men do it.
In terms of businesses in Thamel neighbourhood, this is only a small summary: Music shops, bookstores, restaurants, spas, money exchangers, clothing, jewelry, tourist knick knacks, trekking clothes and equipment, travel businesses, carpets, cloths, hotels, many guest houses, knives and swords, pashmina sweaters, woollens, cashmere, handicrafts, knitwear, incense, teahouses etc.
Wolfgang's observation was this is much like neighbourhoods in Bangkok, Thailand some parts of South America in terms of noise and chaos. Same level of energy as well. Some of the streets are not maintained. There are no public toilets to be found.
All in all though it really is an adventure being here in Kathmandu. Plus, we have more to explore and will be doing that Wednesday, March 18th with Wolfgang.
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