Kathmandu sight seeing - finally

I finally managed to get out of Thamel this morning (Sunday, 10 December) and go see some of the sights. After breakfast I took a taxi to Patan - a city just across the river from Kathmandu and if you didn't know any better you'd think you were still in Kathmandu since it is one continuous mess of buildings the whole way - to see the Patan Durbar Square (Temple Square). Lots of old brick and wood temples crammed into a small area. Cool architecture and interesting back streets. Then I walked over to Kathmandu's 'Old Town' and its Durbar Square. Definitely more tourists - and therefore touts - there and not as peaceful. Then I walked back to Thamel. So there was lots of walking around in the smog today!

I needed to get back to Thamel by 4 pm so that I could meet someone who was buying my down jacket. Sold! So my load is slightly lighter now since I won't be needing that down jacket in Thailand!! I paid $80 for it in Tibet and sold it for $50 so I didn't loose too much money on it and I really got some good use out of it. Beats shipping it home to further add to my collection of gear..... My load will really lighten up in Bangkok when I can send my tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad home.