Last week:  MCLEOD GANJ

I spent my last week in India visiting with friends in Mcleod Ganj.  I arrived was greeted with love by Wangchuk, Phillippa and Rigsel.   Unfortunately after two days, they had emergency medical and had to rush off to Delhi.  So there I was with a five days to spare before my flight out.  What to do? 

 

Rigsel, Wangchuk, and Phillippa

I spent a lot of time photographing the town and surrounding area. I went to Dharamkot, a small village up the mountain about a mile from Mcleod Ganj.  During previously visits I had never visited this village. Mainly because I enjoy walking to these little villages, and in the past, I had often been told I might meet a pack of rabid dogs on the way.  But this trip I decided to take an auto rickshaw up the mountain to Dharamkot and I am glad I did.   

 I also spent some time with my friend, who with her husband owns the Pema Thang hotel located on a quiet hill directly above the HH Dalai Lama’s Temple. She is also a famous Tibetan Opera singer, who until recently preformed in concerts throughout the world.  Daily I also chatted with my friend who owns the local Book Store, located on the same hill as the Pema Thang.  All in all, it was a wonderful week.

    Because you have already read about Mcleod Ganj in previous blog entries, below you will find photos of the area I have not previously shown, and get a bit of commentary about the new activities I have experienced. Enjoy.

 Mcleod Ganj street scenes: 

 

Two nuns on their way back to their Nunnery.

The Man on the street who repairs my shoes.

Lunching on the street.

Two locals taking a walk

 

Tibetan ladies dressed in traditional Tibetan clothes chatting outside
their shop.

Out for their daily walk

Street crowd

The man in his shop, who wraps parcels for mailing.

My wrapped package ready for mailing

A great salon

Typical Mcleod Ganj traffic jam. 

An afternoon in Dharamkott:

Viewing Dharamkot from the hillside

Main Street Dharamkot

Signs on the fence in Dharamkot.  Most of the visitors to this village are young people who are former  Isreally soldiers.
It's a village that caters to youth.  It also has it's own rabbi.

Some photos of Pema Thang Hotel and the view from my favorite room.

My favorite Pema Thang Room with its own baloncy and a view of the hillside.

The His Holliness the Dalai Lama's temple as well as housing for many monks.

A little bird that greeted me every morning

The hillside home of the His Holliness the Dalai Lama, who lives there with
his cat.

  

Back to Delhi

               DELHI: TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS (the dentist) AUGUST 2015

It’s the monsoon season, rain is supposed to be coming down in droves.  But wait, I was in Delhi for five days taking care of business, and except for one really nasty late afternoon deluge, during my whole visit, there was only an occasional short burst of afternoon or evening rain daily.  But it was still HOT!        

Over the entry to the hotel 

I decided after my last visit to the Cottage Yes Please that it was becoming too shabby, and I needed a different abode to rest my weary bones.  As I have always enjoyed good service at CYP, I decided to try their new hotel, the NATRAJ, which is located at the opposite end of the same street.  The new hotel is very pleasant, priced right, clean and tidy with the same kind of staff.  I had a lovely room with a window and other then prayer time it was much quieter (note: If you want a room with a window, which I do, you must request it in you reservation).

Front office to Natraj Hotel

This hotel has room service just like the CYP and also a breakfast room.  Unfortunately, they do not have a breakfast service or a morning menu to my taste. 

Although it is not directly across from the Malhotra Restaurant where I have enjoyed many cheap, yet very good Indian meals, I sacrificed myself to walk the few yards down the block to get my morning ‘fix’. It’s still one of the best meal deals in all of Paharganj and Delhi. 

NATRAJ’S location my not be right across from the Malhotra restaurant, but it is situated far enough down the street to make the walk to the metro shorter and less congested. The NATRAJ is now my new home away from home during my next visits to Delhi.

Paharganj street scene

It is time for another visit to Max Private Specialty Hospital, this time to have my ears checked, my teeth cleaned and as usual, to pick up some medications.  After my visit to Max’s dentist, who felt I needed at least two fillings replaced (although she did not want to do the work). I was still concerned about at least one tooth.  Ajee, my friend and favorite auto rickshaw driver took me to a splendid dentist down the block and around the corner from my hotel.  Dr. (Major) Vikrant Walia, EX-Army Dental Surgeon, whose rather primitive office, with equipment left over from e 1930s.  He had acquired the practice of the now deceased, Dr. Chang whose office ads and address are still on the Internet.  Not only did Dr. Walia do a thorough examination of my teeth he also took an x-ray, which cost only 400 Rupees (63 to 65 rupees to a US dollar).  Would I go back again of course.  He really seemed to know his dentistry. But I’ll wait till I get home for a full exam by my wonderful dentist Dr. Terry Max in Boca Raton, Florida.

I also treated my self to a visit to the Infinity Salon, where three delightful young men divided the jobs of a shampoo and hair styling, a pedicure and manicure, all of which together cost a whopping $25 dollars and a $5 tip. My ‘bank’ was still in tact and boy did I feel wonderful. 

the fabulous staff at INFINITY SALON

Now that I had my ‘meds;’ the real reason for this Delhi stop (prescriptions are much cheaper than in the “States” even with drug insurance), I was really to go Mcleod Ganj for a last visit with my friends Phillippa, Wangchuk and little Rigsel before heading off to England.

 

Inside a shopping center near Max Hospital

Members of the political Gandi family surrounding the image of "Gandi the father of modern India" who is no relation to this family of the same name.

NOTES:

1)    When I go to Delhi I use the Metro, which I find a good transportation option.  Instead of buying a tourist card or cuing for single tickets, I go to the kiosk and buy a ‘TRAVEL CARD.  The initial cost is 200 rupees and I can get at least three days of Metro travel for my money with little none of the hassle or expense of the other two options.

2)    Three great shopping venues:  THE SHOP, 10 Regal Building, Parliament Street Connaught Place, Delhi; FABINDIA and INOKI both at Kahn Market.  All sell great clothes, linens, and sundry other items, which can be great gifts.  All shops also have other locations around the city and the country.

3)    Ajay (Aji) wonderful auto rickshaw driver.  Phone number 07836827612 or in front of the Cottage Yes Please, generally after 10 AM.

PART THREE: LIFE GOES ON!
SIGHTSEEING, TREKKING, AND MORE

The cars and motorcycles still play ‘chicken’ on the roadways with the bicycles, rickshaws, pedestrians, porters, and each other. As always, Kathmandu has scores of porters moving everything from davenports, small refrigerators, carpets, to all asundry goods here and there through out the valley.  Some things about the city never change.

A cart bicycler going past earthquake rubble

I have just spent 25 days in Kathmandu. The earthquake has caused major damage to four out of five of the main Kathmandu Valley tourist attractions: Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and the Monkey Temple.  However the government has reopened all of the Squares as well as the beautiful Boudhanath Stupa.

View of earthquake rubble through a
doorway at the Patan Palace.

Surviving Bhaktapur temple

Many temples and Naweri buildings at the Bhaktapur, The World Heritage site, are in excellent condition.  The other ‘Valley’ Durbar squares also have antique buildings, and temples still standing, beautiful and just waiting for your visit.  Both the Patan and Bhaktapur Museums are also open, lovely as ever.  In Patan there is a new attraction, the former royals’ local palace next to the Patan museum, although devoid of furniture, it can also be visited as part of the general museum admission.  During all my visits to Patan, this was the first time I found this palace open. It is an addition to the splendid little Patan Museum, available for public viewing, and I was delighted.  Shopkeepers are open for business as well, waiting for you to come.

A temple doorway

Beautiful Naweri carved doorways

                    Courtyard of Baber Mahal (palace) converted to
shops and restaurants

               



Patan is considered the workshop of Kathmandu Valley and parts of Northern India. Over the years, many artisans fled Tibet and settled in here, restarting their little workshops. Some can be found behind shops, where these creative individuals are plying their artistic trades.  Look in the nooks and crannies of this beautiful town and you might just find that magical piece you didn’t know you were seeking.

 For the adventurous shopper, as well as the collector, Patan can be a gold mine if you are patient. There is also an authentic little Newari Inn where one can stay and enjoy, while you are ‘shopping ‘til you drop.’

Patan Temple

Patan Museum and palace

As for the Nepali Himalayas, all the major treks are available.  I met one couple that had just returned from the Annapurna Circle trek and found it safe and beautiful as ever.  The trek to Numch Bazaar  (last village before the Everest Base camp – it has a museum, temples and paths to other interesting villages - some where Sir Edmund Hillary would ‘hang’ out) is also opened and available.

 It was after I sent my trekking shoes back home with my friend, Jane, that I discovered Mustang was not only safe but also very much opened for business.  I was told many of the shops are closed, but the Mustang area has been a trekking goal of mine for many years.  Shopping for me in this area of Nepal has little appeal, rather interacting with the local people and enjoying the natural beauty of this mystical place is more to my taste.  This season would have been less crowded, more peaceful.  There are almost no tourists, and although it is the rainy season, the weather would be warmer than other times during the year.

 My first visit to Numch Bazaar was during the month of July.  As the guide and I trekked higher, the air became thinner, and the Himalayan weather, colder and colder by the time we reached our guesthouse; I was chilled to the bone.  I don’t do well in cold weather, so the monsoon season i.e. now is the best time for my Nepali trekking. I am so sorry I missed this opportunity, but who knows maybe another time.

                                     An excellent but rather pricey restaurant in Baber Mahal


Shops and restaurants are open in all the Kathmandu tourists’ haunts and their owners are eager for tourists.  Much of the jewelry made in Patan can also be purchased in Kathmandu. The Himalayas have an abundance of semiprecious stones, many you may never have heard of (If you’re a jewelry buff you might want to bone up on crystals and stones of Asia before you go). Gold is also at times a good buy in Kathmandu (check the current international and Kathmandu price before you head out to New Road on a gold shopping spree).  The Natraj Jewellers on New Road is a wonderful, small but tidy little shop to begin your quest.

Shopkeeper in Bhaktapur open for business

What ever you purchase, please bargain before you buy (except gold).  It’s expected.  The bargaining rule of thumb is ‘buy at a price lower than what was originally ask, but be sure when you walk away with the ‘goods’ both the buyer and seller are happy.

Market in Bhaktapur

A busy Thamel (Katmandu) street but with
only locals, very few tourists

Not only did I enjoy the historic sites throughout Kathmandu Valley, I spent time with friends, who took me to great restaurants, some of which, I never knew existed.

Near the end of Thamel near New Road is the Garden of Dreams.  This is a lovely respite from all the pollution, noise and traffic.  After paying a small fee, one can enter, enjoy the gardens, get a mat to lay on the grass and read, and after, have a delicious lunch or dinner a the Kiser Café.  All of which, I highly recommend.

                               Truly A GARDEN OF DREAMS located in the middle of Kathmandu.

Just beyond the entry to the Garden of Dreams on the corner is the entry to the Kiser Library.  If you are a history buff then the Kiser Library is a must.  The photo gallery which transverses the lifestyle and history of Nepal through pictures of its royal family gives a revelatory view of the country’s past.

Once out of the library, cross the street and walk along the high green fence to the entry of the royal palace of past, and the recently deposed king, which is now opened to the public. Although no cameras or cellphones are allowed, it is a very interesting experience culminating in the ruined area at the back of the palace where in 2001; most of that current royal family was assassinated.

Anju, Ine, andme, sstanding in front of the tree
at the entrance to the Kiser Library

Rinku, Anju, Maya, Ine, and me standing in fronting of the
Palace gate

 Maya, Ine, Ranku, Anju and I visited the very interesting royal palace in Kathmandu for the first time (one may not take photos inside).

Nepal had been a ‘kingdom’ for hundreds of years, then in 2001 the story told by one of the cooks and a military guard is that two persons, each wearing a facemask depicting the eldest son, assassinated the whole royal family, the crown prince included.   The official story is that the prince murdered his family at dinner then turned the gun on himself.  But in seeing the layout of the ruins of the former buildings, the visitor can see that the family was not dining at the time, but were gunned down in nearby rooms through out the area.  The crown prince, who it was said had earlier smoked some ‘pot’ and had a bit to drink, had supposedly gone to bed early.  Although he was accused of the killing his family, he was found with six bullet holes in his back and one in his head.

 The King’s brother was in Pakora at the time, but his wife and son were also present.  She received a bullet wound but survived and her son received minor injuries. The cook and the military guard, both of whom told the same story of the masked gunmen. After each suffered unfortunate fates; the cook died, and the military guard was put in jail for life for what some considered trumped up murder charges. The CIA, the Indian government, and the King's brother have all been accused of the murders, but the case of the Nepali royal family’s murder has never been solved.

The kings throne

View of the palace through the gates

 Eventually the brother became King Gyanendta and his son next in line for the throne.
During his reign, Gyanendra, the new king became extremely dictatorial (r. 2001-2008).  He even dissolved the parliament.  During the same time (2003-2006), there was a Maoists insurection in the country. Eventually the Maoist party’s leader became Prime Minister for a short period.  It was at this point; the Maoists insisted that the monarchy be dissolved.

The Legislative body agreed and Nepal is now no longer a monarchy.  Even though Nepal had a legislature for years and was ruled as a constitutional monarchy, the country had no written constitution.  I have been coming to Nepal since 2007 and now in 2015 the government finally has a written constitutional framework that was presented to the public for discussion.  They even had a holiday set aside so people would be free to meet, discuss, and consider the new constitutional draft.  My friend, Ine and I believe it will take a few more years to just to get the finished constitution voted on and ratified.

                                                   KATHMANDU MEDICAL

If during a visit to Nepal, you need some medical help, there are excellent medical services in Kathmandu.  Your hotel will be able to guide you.  Although I have been fortunate enough to not have had to use them, I understand the main hospital ever has suites.  Although expensive, they will work with your travel insurance to take care of the costs.  If you don't need major hospitalisation but do need medical assistance, the CIWEC CLINIC, hospital travel medicine center is a very good choice. For directions, their phone numbers are 4424111, 4435232 or 4413163.

NEED A TAILOR?

    There is always Krishna, my favorite, who although he has contracts with Italian companies, always has time to make wonderful clothing items for me. This year he made 15 pieces, everyting from linen blouses, a little black dress, and silk evening slacks.

Krishna, the tailor in his workshop

BEAUTY FOR LESS AT: MIGLIORE

Oh, and if you need to get your hair colored or any other beauty care, go to  Migliore, phone number 4650183 - address Maharajgunj, Chakrapath, if you wish to make a reservation. The five of us just walked in.  It costs five US dollars for a hair color( that includes the wash and blow-dry. It costs  8 US for a pedicure and manicure. Add a two dollar tip; you've spent15 US dollars, and you'll look 'so
fine'before your return home.

MAILING STUFF: PILGRIM'S BOOK HOUSE

If you need to mail anything, your best best is to go to Pilgrims Book House onJP Thamel road (on the 'main drag' in Thamel, the backpackers/tourist area.  Just take you 'stuff' in and the pack and ship for a fee.  I understand they are much more reliable than the local post office.  I have used them many times over the years and every item has arrived at my home in a timely manner.  Currently things are only being 'airmailed' out of Nepal because of the 'quakes, of course.

Nice job for three US dollars

 I did miss out on what would have been a great trek, but I had a wonderful holiday and SO CAN YOU.  If you even had a hankering to go to Nepal, GO! Now is a grand time as any, and beautiful Nepal, whose only industry is tourism desperately needs your help.  What better way to have a great vacation!
                                                           


                                                            RESTAURANT MONENTS

At the very American restaurant (what a US menu!)

across the street from the American Embassy.

 We missed Ine. Sob!

                          Typical Nepali restaurant - the whole gang is here.  Ine chose Nepali
                           food, as it was her last day with us.

Ine, Rinku, Maya and Anju 

They do love their co.ffee hot or cold.

All the shoes lined up outside of Maya's house
after a hard day at work, school and play.

My close friends are very fortunate. However, there are many people who are very poor, still living in tents (as I showed you in earlier posts), on the streets, barely making a living.  But everyone works hard. And it's our job to either take a holiday and spend a little, or donate to improve the living conditions of those who may not have housing after the earthquake. Read my pervious posts with suggestions,

                                    A mother with her two children sleeping on the street.

or please contact me for information of where you can help with your after earthquake donations.

If you have any Nepal earthquake experiences you would like to share, please email them to me. Thank you.