Exploring Patan

Today was great! I'm having an attitude change and it's better!

I don't even know where to start! So this morning we met with a Shiva again- guys hiring a man for. Full day for $25 was the best thing that ever happened. You, I, we, need to do something like this in every city. It makes it was easier and you learn SO MUCH! Problem is I learned too much that I can't remember. So we first got in a taxi and headed to Patan.

This is a royal city. I believe a king used to live here. You have to pay fees to get into these massive areas and some are unesco sites. Ok so we head into one of the squares and start to learn about this big festival where they sacrifice 54 bulls and 54 goats. He said it turns into a bloody mess and the blood stays in the square for a long time since they don't clean it up.

That happens in here with all these beautiful carvings.

The king used to sit where I'm standing and do an offering in here.

Many of the temples were destroyed in the earthquake and many more are undergoing reconstruction.

As we explore I'm still gathering information on schools and water supply. This is a local tap below is a well. Kids go to school here 6 days a week so we saw many a children out today, Sunday. Those in uniforms are going to private school. In the last 20 years the government made public achool
free but many in the villages have p walk an hour each way to school. In the villages still many children do not attend because they have to help provide for the family. The city schools get a month off inbetween sept and oct but do have school in summer.

This is a water hole that they blocked the plug and during a festival the men swim in it- it's holy water I believe or something like that.

Religious service going on. There is so much rich culture and religion. Everything is intertwined in religion. It's incredible.

A taxi ride to Bhaktapur.

Another royal palace. So many temples. We are more
momo from a rooftop with a gorgeous view:

As we walked around we learned that this city is known for its pottery. We saw how they layer the pots and then burn them for 24 hours.

Then we saw someone making a pot and he let us try.

There was a goat chillin on the temple steps/

Women getting water from a well:

Then we got to go see papermaking. It was awesome!

They make it from this bark and then lay it out to dry.

And then came the rain. SO much rain!

So we had our first experience on a public bus which cost .20 to go the same distance it was for an $8 taxi. Either way- so cheap!

Oh I forgot we also got to see a wood working studio and see the crazy intriquite wood carvings. Then saw some from the 12th century. It's amazing the detail that goes into all this.