Kathmandu is a typical large Asian city. By western standards it is dirty and crowded, with crazy drivers blaring their horns, and shrouded in perpetual smog. On the plus side, the weather was perfect and there were many fascinating sights to see, good foods to eat and cool stuff to shop for.
Our guesthouse was located in a section of the city called Thamel, a world in itself, catering to tourists, the only place we have been where we saw as many white as dark faces. People had come from all over the world, primarily from France, Germany and other European countries, but also from the other Asian countries. 
If you have any hippie in you, Thamel is a place not to be missed. We spent days exploring it's dark narrow streets that are lined with shops full of unusual handmade clothes, nick nacs, jewelry, and eating at restaurants serving up everything from traditional Nepal Curries, to Mexican. Though I don't think I look the hippie any more, I was often a target for street peddlers (who I politely declined) offering hash and marijuana, which grows like a weed around the villages. 
The many colorful peddle rickshaws add to the ambiance around Thamel.
There is also some fascinating architecture around the city. Many of the buildings have elaborate entry doors, hand carved typically with Hindu deities. Other buildings have covered wooden porches that are supported by flying buttresses, all covered with ornate hand carvings. Sadly many of these centuries old buildings are in disrepair, and we can only hope they won't be knocked down to make way for a new shopping mall.
Many goods are carried through the city in the traditional style by porters who carry incredibly huge loads by means of a sling over their forehead.
Back at our guesthouse rooftop before a day of visiting some of the world heritage sites tomorrow.
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