Back in Kathmandu

It's wonderful to come back to a city that you already know and love. I'm looking forward to seeing familiar bizarre street scenes, eating delicious food at the small restaurant on Chhetrapatri, having one last beer with Krishna and Bishnu, and shopping for souvenirs, which I intentionally saved until the end.

Thanks to Antonella's connections, I'm fortunate to stay with Andreas from St. Gallen, who has been living and working in Kathmandu for 2 years. My Homestay 2.0 turns out to be a great surprise, as Andreas has a large living room, kitchen, hallway, bathroom, and 2 bedrooms. The location is central and relatively quiet on a small footpath. So I get to know another neighborhood in Kathmandu a little better with Dhalko. I immediately notice that there are relatively many butchers here.

I also need a new sleeping bag. In search of a suitable model, I walk all over the city. I'm thrilled that I no longer get lost and can now navigate well. I also need a new charging cable for my iPad, so I go to Durbar Marg. At 6 p.m., we are invited to dinner and celebration at Andreas' landlord's place. I'm allowed to come early to watch, help, and learn while cooking. But when I climb the 2 floors, I'm quickly transported to the terrace with a cold drink and snacks. Her daughter and granddaughter join us, and then I am thoroughly questioned. Haha. Apparently, Nepali women are curious too. Later, her other children and the two Japanese women who live in the apartment below Andreas also join us. It becomes a very colorful, fun, and delicious evening. We speak Japanese, English, Nepali, and German all mixed up. The food is delicious and the plate is constantly refilled. I learn a lot about the cultural differences between Nepalis and Japanese, as well as about the lives of the hosts. Happy, tired, and slightly tipsy, I fall into bed. What a joyful evening.