The Unique and the Shocking - Recent Photos

There are definitely unique, startling and wondrous moments here in Kathmandu.  Here are some favorite pictures from the last few days.

Dry roasted nut vendor. For 50 NPR (about $. 45) you get a paper cone with choice of roasted peanuts, peas, corn, chickpeas, etc. Or live dangerously and create your own mix! He is stirring some nuts in his roaster as he sells. 

A worker carries a full size piece of furniture on his back

This depiction of Shiva in his destructive form as KalaBhairav is in Durbar Square. In ancient times, people were brought before this statue to be sworn in to to tell the truth in any legal matter.

This incense burner is the size of a barrel. Pilgrims can purchase handfuls of aromatic woods, resins, herbs and pungent dried grasses for offering. The fragrance is delightful and I like to linger there.

This ancient tree has a pair of the guru's sandals inside the cavity formed by its roots.  Quite an unique temple!

Bicycle rickshaw driver takes 5 in the convenience of his vehicle. 

Some guards at the Durbar Square museum. Quite handsome in their uniforms.

I have many more photos to share but this is the limit I am getting for this blog post. More later....

Some sights here take me far out of my comfort zone. For example yesterday around Boudhanath stupa there were a number of extremely disabled people begging for alms. Clearly they are dropped off for a day of begging by a relative or perhaps someone who takes profit from their daily intake of coins and cash.