This is what you read on the back of every rickshaw in the capital Kathmandu.
Even during the landing, I see the proximity to India in the bizarre hustle and bustle on the streets, a unique mix of rickshaws, loud honking motorcycles, and rundown taxis that squeeze through the smallest gaps in traffic and I am hit by a wall of humid heat as I step off the plane. Clusters of long-haired girls in school uniforms stroll along the streets, women in brightly colored saris, and men pushing bicycles in front of them, loudly advertising their fruit for sale.
The old town of Kathmandu is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, surrounded by dilapidated tall residential buildings that cast shadows over the narrow streets. Colorful Buddhist prayer flags printed with prayers flutter happily like long chains between the houses. Flanked by a tangle of cables. Behind every corner, you will find small and large temples and shrines, because in earlier times these residential blocks were Buddhist monasteries. It is worth just drifting along, watching the spectacle, and marveling at the many small temples. The streets are lined with "shops," open stalls where everything you can imagine is offered, saris, fake backpacks, glittering jewelry, clothing, Nepalese shoes, singing bowls, and so much more.Small "restaurants" offer momos, samosas, chowmein (fried noodles), and street vendors block the way with their flower garlands, fruit and vegetables, and self-woven stools. It is loud and bustling, yet there is a chill atmosphere that is difficult to describe. Nepal is like India, only better!Better because people here are relaxed and friendly. Better because I can move around freely here. All day long, I walk around with my camera and I don't feel uncomfortable or threatened even once. One photo opportunity presents itself after another. Like in India, you are also approached here with "Taxi, Madame?" or "Want a flute? Very cheap, 20 rupees." but in contrast, you are left alone here after assuring twice that you do not need a taxi or a flute.And the food is amazing! Really delicious and fortunately not as greasy as in India. Overall, it reminds me more of Sri Lanka. Yummy! I really can't understand the tourists who still eat pizza, burgers, or continental breakfast here.I could stroll around for hours or watch the crazy hustle and bustle while enjoying a milk tea. The population here has exploded, so Kathmandu suffers not only from a shortage of housing but also from nasty air pollution, earning it an infamous seventh place on the world's negativity list. A multitude of diesel-powered vehicles pollute the air unchecked. Above everything and everyone lies a layer of dust from the unpaved roads and exhaust fumes. Traders knock it off their goods with long bundles of twigs.Nevertheless, I am blown away by this bizarre and yet so friendly and chill city. My heart simply beats for the Indian subcontinent, and Nepal has the potential to surpass Sri Lanka and India to take first place. Namaste!
