We spent over a week in the Kathmandu Valley where we visited the areas of Boudha, Patan, Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur. Our stay in Boudha, just outside Kathamandu was fairly layed back.  We visited some sights including one of the largest stupa's in the world called Boudhanath. The dome shaped monument represents the mind of the Buddha and is the primary pilgrimage destination for Tantric Buddhists of the Himalayas and a major draw for Tibetan Buddhists from all over the planet.

Pashupatinath, near the city centre, reminded us of Varanasi, India as it's the holiest place in Nepal. Situated along the shores of the Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is the most widely used place of cremation for deceased Hindus in Nepal. We sat mesmerized, staring at the rituals that were performed by Nepalis to prepare their loved ones bodies to be cremated. It reinforced in our minds how short and precious life it.

Kathmandu proper was nice.  A little chaotic outside of the central area, but the narrow streets of that area and the old buildings were impressive.  We ventured into the city centre from Boudha on a couple of days, but mostly tried to stay away from the hustle and bustle.  After a couple days in the Nepal capital we headed to a town called Bhaktapur. 

Thanks to Bruce Higgs, we were introduced to Rabindra Puri, his wife Mehindra, and there young daughter Sampada who live in Bhaktapur, (a beautiful ancient Newari town about an hour east of Kathmandu). The Puri's were very welcoming and gave us the luxury treatment by letting us stay in one of their beautifully restored traditional style Newari homes. We were very impressed by all the hard work Rabindra has put into restoring traditional architectural style homes in Bhaktapur and surrounding areas. It is his work, but also his passion.  Rabindra is also apart of the Rotary Club and has put an equal amount of devotion to projects in the area and the village of Phulbari.  Through his work and that of the Rotary Club Rosanna and I were able to arrange a week of volunteering at the school in Phulbari.