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Kali Temple (1000 Steps)

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 Saturday, March 18, 2023 My friend Karl has been looking forward to the 1000 steps since he got here in November. I was all in until I realized I need to see a pulmonologist when I get home. My lung capacity is CRAP! But...I promised I would go. I sillily assumed we would take a taxi to the trailhead. WRONG! We hiked two miles from the lodge to the trailhead before beginning the 1000 steps to Buddha. Lordy! The hike through the villages was interesting. Lots of markets and living quarters.  The start of the 1000 steps: Door to nowhere.... There were many side temples on the way up. We finally reached the Buddha. We were asked to remove our shoes and walk around.  The Hindu temple was another 100 steps and less impressive. The most exciting part of this hike was a little girl who came up to me and asked where I was from. She had lots of questions about the US. She was 10.  Her mother and aunts were with her and all wanted my picture because I was a "blonde American"....
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Kailashnath Mahadev Statue

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Friday, March 17, 2023 At 143 feet tall, this Shiva statue is the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. It is made of copper, zinc, concrete, and steel. The statue overlooks Kathmandu.  The walk to the Shiva statue instilled major anxiety in me. But...this is a time to conquer my fear of height.  The suspension bridge is only a year or so old. It was surprisingly sturdy with only a minimal amount of sway. (Until crazy kids starting jumping on it!) I made it across with very little nausea and sweating.  The statue was beautiful to behold and many Hindus were there saying prayers. The return trip I was much more confident and walked without any concern.  The successful trek deserved a Ghorka Super! Dinner was relaxing with a view of Dhulikhel. The food has been interesting and I have embraced the cuisine. Very little stomach distress thanks to daily Pepto Bismol.  Unfortunately, I am having trouble embracing the toilet facilities......Rule #1 always travel wit...
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Maternity Ward Visit

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 Thursday, March 16, 2023 Today was spent visiting the maternity hospital in Dhulikhel.  After what I've seen I can honestly say that I wouldn't have any children here. The maternity hospital houses a pregnancy center, birthing center, and post-natal ward. They are in the process of building a NICU. The birthing center is comprised of several rooms housing 5-8 women in one room with a bathroom. The actual labor room houses two beds as shown in the picture. Privacy is an unknown word here.  While I was there a woman was in the midwife room. She was young and having her second child.  No pain medications or epidurals are given here. All natural childbirth.  After the babies are born the family is responsible for taking care of the baby while the mother recovers. A natural birth allows for a 24 hour stay. The cost is 300.00 USD. The family takes the newborn out to the balcony and massages them with mustard oil. They stay out in the sun for hours.  Only cloth d...
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Temple Tour Kathmandu

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 Wednesday, March 15, 2023 Today was about cultural learning and respect for other religions, primarily Hindu and Buddhist.  Our first visit was to Swayambhu or Monkey Temple. The stupa (shrine) is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It is primary Buddhist but is also frequented by Hindus. Monkeys are considered holy by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The picture of the monkeys on monuments is where the former Dalai Lamas are buried. There were 13 of them.  Second stop....Patan Durbar Square. Located in Lalitpur Nepal it is one of the three squares in the Kathmandu Valley that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is made up of multiple temples and is both Buddhist and Hindu. The most famous and historic temple is Krishna Temple. Most of the square had to be rebuilt after the earthquake in 2015.  Third stop....Pashupatinath. This stop was very uncomfortable to see. I felt as if I was intruding on people's privacy.  This is the holy site for cremation. Th...
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