We did see some beautiful scenery, but it rained everyday helping us to transition to the rain at home. In fact, one night we returned to our place with a phone message from the county to move to higher ground due to expected flash flooding.
Nepal
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Home again
We did see some beautiful scenery, but it rained everyday helping us to transition to the rain at home. In fact, one night we returned to our place with a phone message from the county to move to higher ground due to expected flash flooding.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Seoul, Korea
We had a long layover at Incheon Airport so we tried something new. We contacted a local guide through toursbylocals.com and booked a walking tour. The logistics worked very well since it was easy to catch an airport bus into Seoul (took a little over an hour) and meet BongWoo Nam at the Anguk subway station. We saw a lot of interesting things in a short day, and managed the language barrier fairly well (we had expected the guide to speak better English than he did). But, hey, he spoke much better English than we spoke Korean!
We were intrigued by Seoul - a very large (10 m), extremely clean and visitor-friendly city. We loved the public art and the re-creation of a stream that had historically flowed through the city but had been covered up by highways.
The area around city hall was celebrating the fact that 67 allies had supported South Korean during the Korean War. All of their flags were represented, along with a placque that indicated that number of allies in a war was a world record.
Changing of the guard at Deoksu Palace |
We also visited Deoksu Palace, one of the five main palace compounds established by the Joseon dynasties (1392 - 1910).
Eating a biscuit |
We would definitely return for longer and are confident that we could make our way around without a guide.
Patan
Boudha Stupa
Tihar - KTM
We returned to KTM and were able to see some of the big city celebration of Tihar.
And we finally realized why we saw marigolds growing everywhere!
Festival of Lights in KTM
We saw mandalas throughout KTM - using all kinds of mediums (sand, chalk, seeds and beans). Mandala is Sanskrit for circle and they have spiritual and ritual significance in both the Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Offerings left in front of residence |
Bardia National Park
Bardia was a relaxing time after the trek. We rode elephants and rafted the Karnuli River.
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