Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is about 13 km east of KTM and home to about 65,000 people.  We found it full of life but much more peaceful than KTM.  Bhaktapur literally means 'city of devotees' and we were surprised how passionate its residents (young and older)  were about the city as we talked with them.  Some referred to it as 'magical' but all saw it as a very special place..

The shrines serve multiple purposes.

   The temples are set in a city with a strong agricultural base with fields within the city limits and evidence of farming all around.

Ajaya had suggested we visit the Peacock Paper Factory.  One of his relatives (never did quite understand exactly how they were related) owned it and he was sure we would get a good tour.  The owner showed us throughout the 6 or 7 floors and we got some amazing views from the roof. 



Rooftop view from the Peacock Paper Factory



We ate at a rooftop cafe and saw the tradition of kite-flying during festival.  The waiter who talked with us spoke about change - before they were poor and happy with lots of people flying kites, and lots of swings during festival;  now they are much busier and not so happy.  People are more interested in gambling instead of kite-flying now, he said.

Gambling is legal, but only during festival.



  





 



  

Maureen at the Peacock Cafe, overlooking Dattatreya Square