This week’s Travelsonabike2 bicycle touring on this day post comes from the 8th-November-2016, and I’m in Nepal, shocked by all the damage.
Monday, 8th November 2016. Kathmandu.
I had a case of culture shock today. But in reverse, I’ve been so used to not seeing any Westerners over the past month and being the only Westerner in a town. It was a bit of a shock to be confronted by a load of Western tourists. Even though I know I’m one myself. I preferred it when I was in more remote places.
I went to Durbar Square this morning to look around the Unesco World Heritage Site, which sadly was severely damaged in the earthquake of 2015. Although there is still a lot of it standing. And a lot that shouldn’t be standing but is.
I didn’t realise how badly everything was damaged until I looked online and saw pictures of it before the earthquake. The buildings that are still standing are propped up by wooden posts. You can still see the intricate wood carvings on the buildings that are left. And apparently, they are going to rebuild it all again. Let’s hope so.
Bloody Touts
It was all very stressful, and I was constantly hassled by street traders either wanting to sell me something or be my guide. I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve not visited any real tourist areas recently. But I found the touts a nightmare. Even worse than Istanbul or Marrakesh. And those places are bad enough for being hassled!
Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where photographs from all my tours are.
If you want to find out if Garry’s away touring at the moment and check his location, visit the Where’s Garry web page.