Posted 8:20 AM by MelanieandSteve
Namaste from Nepal (the old Yoga classes have now payed off in language skills).

LAST DAYS OF BANGKOK: We had to spend a day in the Backpacker's mecca of Bangkok, Khoa San Road. On our way there, this man told us that it was a government declared Buddhist holiday and tourists could ride the tuk tuks (taxis) for extra cheap, like nothing, and the government would supplement the cost. So we got cheauffered around town to various Bhuddist temples, factories, jewelry outlets, and at last, the original destination of Khao San Road. Lots of fun. An overpriced mecca for shopping, but great for Western and hippy style people watching.

I'M GOING TO KATHMANDU: (Mel jogged past the ASON square where Kat Stevens wrote that song.) After finishing up with the business side of Bangkok (Getting Visas in order, shopping, and a little looking around) we headed a couple days ahead of schedule on a standby flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. It's great here. We've had a few days to plan and prepare for our impending trek in the Himalayas. Preparation here is great - it's like REI wonderland - a dream come true for people like Mel who loves to shop at REI but gets depressed at the prices. Here, they've got the goods, - all up and down the entire town - and we can afford them. The only problem is stopping ourselves.

THE A"MAZE"ING THAMAL TOWN: We spent a few days in the Thamal Area - where all the backpackers stay. It's lots of fun and has good energy. We shared our hotel/guesthouse with a group of Russians the days before they left to summit Everest. We slept very little on their last night in town because they partied like there was no tomorrow. We're thinking of them. Soon we'll be trekking behind them as high as base camp. The streets in Thamal are curved and twisted and remind us of the old Medina's (old towns) in Morocco where it was so easy to get lost. Mel got lost on her first morning jog. The good news is, everyone here speaks English, and everyone is concerned and friendly. You can't look at a map for more than 10 seconds before someone offers you assistance - so 'lost' doesn't last very long.

PERMO: Steve got another perm. The last one fell out in a day. This one has already beat that record and looks super fun but he thinks it's too frizzy. Mel likes it.

CULTURE AND EATS: Great food. Mel is loving the vegetarian options thanks to the Hindu and Bhuddis influence. We've attended two dinner/cultural shows - one was free and takes place nightly at our guesthouse. We were the only caucasians there. Locals come to listen, clap, laugh at the apparently hilarious "Durian" folky lyracs, and even to dance and sing along using the mic. It's so jovial. The other was a paid cultural show for tourists which we attended with our trekking group and we enjoyed the most fantastic Nepaly Thali food and a fabulous dance show. The girls are so beautiful and seem to glide across the floor. New foods tried in Nepal have included: Momo, paneer, chutney, peanut sauce, Thali, Dahl, Salted Soy Beans, Shahi Korma, Paneer Makhani, and Sop. All are lots of fun, and most are very good. The only food bad news here is they don't have M & M's in this country. Of all countries, Mel expected to find them here - this is the land of trekking - of gorp, -- of trail mix. It should go "hand in hand" with the candy that doesn't melt in your hands. Will Mel survive the High Everest Passes without them? . . . to be continued. . .

Happy Birthday to Ashton F, Greg C, Meg S, Stefan W and Kara W.