We spent the day exploring Kathmandu and doing some shopping.
Our first stop was the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath (aka 'Monkey Temple')
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\Buddha
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Chortens
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More Chortens
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Monkey around the Chortens
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Hindu Deity
Even though it is supposedly a Buddhist temple, I felt that it has a strong element of Hinduism, which is quite different from Buddhism even though there are some similarities. It is a common sight in Nepal, where Hindus believed that Buddha is the reincarnation of one of the Hindu Deities.
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Boon & Milan @ Swayambhunath
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Pilgrim
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Pigeons & White-washed Chorten
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After visiting Swayambhunath, we went to Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu Shrine in Nepal. The entrance fee for tourist was 500NRps (S$10), and we were not allowed into the temple & other religious compound. We could only view it from outside.
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Puppets
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Colourful
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This was the burning Ghat, where the deceased (wrapped in yellow) was cremated.
It was pretty small-scale compared to the one I saw in Varanasi, India
Hence, I did not experience any culture shock.
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Boys scavenging for jewellery or other expensive items
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Pashupatinath
The holiest Hindu Shrine in Nepal
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One of the Deities was housed inside this structure
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Om..
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We saw lotsa Sadhus (Holy Hindu Man), but we did not take photo of them, as they would ask for money.
We could pay, but we just didn't feel like taking photo of them.
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Colourful Nepal
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Female Sadhus
(Picture taken from a Distance, hence don't need to pay a single cent)
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After that, we went to Bodhnath Stupa (built in 600AD),
Bodhnath Stupa
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Maitreya Buddha in one of the monasteries beside the Stupa
(Future Buddha)
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Buddha Eyes
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India Trios
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Thangka (Tibetan painting) of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva
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After visiting the touristy sites, we visited the charity that AY's father supported:
Center for Promotion & Welfare of the Disabled (C.P.W.D)
Address: Gangabu VDC ward No.5 Ganesthan, Kathmandu, Nepal
Contact Number: (+977) 98510 67207
Facebook Profile: http://af-za.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51280408971
Without proper funding, how can they maintain a website?
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"CPWD is a non-profit, social welfare organization to care for disabled orphans, abandoned, extremely poor, and helpless people of Nepal."
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The place was located at the outskirt of the city, and even with our local guide, we had difficulties finding the place. It does not even have a sign board etc...
Roof Top of the building
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Care-taker & Small Child with disabilities
(The Care-taker has mild disability, however, the way she cares for the bedridden Kid is touching)
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We asked what will happen to the epiletptic Kids when they grew up.
Accordingly to the founder (Mrs Mina Bhandari), they will take care of the kids all the way. Normally, they have a life span of only 25 years. Very sad...
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Nepal is one of the poorest country in the world.
Being in a disadvantage position (like those disabled kids) in poor country would mean that there is almost no help available. Being in the position to take care of these kids will be extremely challenging.
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Acute Kid
He is an Orphan, but I could see that he is happy. =)
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Drawing...
Ray of Hope?
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Founder (Mrs Mina Bhandari) & a new Orphan
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If you are in Kathmandu, please visit them and provide assistance if you are in a position to help.
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We went back to the main city for our lunch and we read the local newspaper for the first time.
Maoists was planning an organised riot.
The schedule was published in the newspaper.
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The Stock Exchange also caught my attention.
There are 62 companies listed on the exchange (80-90% are financial institutions).
Market Capitalization: 5.8 billion USD
Total Traded Amt: 1.2 million USD
No. of trades: 877
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Average Trade is only US$1,368
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Basically, there is limited liquidity in the market.
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Saying bye to Milan.
He is a good guide, if you are interested, his email is
milan_rai_476(at)hotmail.com
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There was rationing of Electricity.
There will be no electricity in the city everyday for a few hours.
Shops (like the one above) will have to switch on their own generators.
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It makes Nepal uncompetitive.
That's why all the factories closed in Nepal.
There are limited investments in the country as well.
Corrupted and Useless Government!!
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