Day 22, Bhaktapur, 10 k from Kathmandu

Bhaktapur I imagine is like those old fort towns in India that people continue to live in. Its so quiant that its hard to imagine people stay in that place. Its a little buit like a showcase city / doll house. The town square is a cluster of buuldings on display but in use. Most of it comes alive in the festive season. There is also a temple that seems to be under renovation for the upcoming festival season. Till then its cordoned off to visitors.

I spent a few hours in Bhaktapur today. Lets see if the pictures below tell a good tale.

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]The town square as soon as you enter with the pagoda like building to the right

[[posterous-content:pid___1]]The main square begins here on with a cluster of buildings - houses, temples, out buildings - now converted to restaurants, hotels, a museum etc

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The juxtaposition of the old and the new? 400 year old temple entrance and a pretty new motobike

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The temple area begins. I thought the lions guarding the buuildings were pretty striking and replicated in metal / stone all over

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Metal lion at the temple

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They call this the Golden Gate. 1. made me think of how I still want to see the Golden Gate in SF 2. awesome woodwork in the area inside

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Trying to get a better look at the woodworl

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My coffee place almost at the entrance of the town square

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Wooden ties anyone?

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Monasteruy! I climbed up the stairs and they were building a Buddha statue. Sweet chat with the owner and worker there, how do they come across as so humble?

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I met two ducks on the way...

[[posterous-content:pid___17]]Still amazed that they live here

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A tiny lane between buildings. The extent of woodwork is stellar though it has been redone multiple times yes[[posterous-content:pid___21]]

The temple at the furthest square for tourists in town

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Guardian of the temple steps. Distinct Indian / Hindu influences

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Walked onto this thanka shop in a bylane on my way to the potters area of the town

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Two old men and a game of chess - btw I bought myself one of these hats. Super Nepali convert

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A corner of the potters area

[[posterous-content:pid___31]]And I could not resist taking one of the old man staring out in deep thought of this wondow

To the White Monastery early tomorrow morning at 0630 I go. Time to wind up today :)

 

 

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