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It was a big first day out. We walked a total of six miles visiting important sites all over the city. Our journey started at the hotel with a walk through the neighborhood down to the river where we met our awaiting bus.
First stop was the Monkey Temple. There our guide Prakass gave us a nice talk on the history of the site.
Our tour company sent along a special photographer to document our journey.
The monkey were everywhere jumping from the railings into the ponds below.
At the top of the mound sat the giant stupa and numerous temples. Music and incense filled the air.
Down the hill we drove into the city center to visit Durbar Square, the center of ancient government and the royal palaces. Our first stop was to view one of the many public springs where water was obtained. Many are still operating today and being used.
The square is full of magnificant temples and palaces. Many that were damaged severly in the great quake of 2015. Reconstruction is a long process.
The window of the "living goddess|" a fgour year old girl who has been selected to perform the role until she is replaced at age 13 by another. She viewed our group from the window above.
The royal palace under reconstruction.
The parliment building built in the mid 1800's.
We strolled through the main square with its many vendors...all selling the same thing.
We then toured the interiors of the palace.
Serpent spring in the middle courtyard.
Before and after the quake.
There are many of these odd painted men taking photos and asking for money. Really odd. Apparently not religious in nature...just a silly way to make a living.
This fellow stole our hearts with his art. Notice his handicap.
We left the square and headed to the nearby city of Patan. A nice walk through the streets brought us to a lovely rooftop restaurant where we enjoyed lunch.
Afterward we enjoyed a singing bowl presentation. It got interesting.
Reconstruction was taking place here as well and we toured many of the most significant structures.
Our day ended at the Garden of Dreams and a lovely upscale dinner by candlelight.
It was a grand first day out and everyone was exhausted.
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