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NEPAL DAY 4 | Lalitpur

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NEPAL DAY 3 | Kathmandu

National Museum of Nepal

Monkey Temple

Kathmandu Valley

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NEPAL DAY 2 | The Crematoria, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudanath

Along the banks of Bagmati River is one of world's holiest Hindu pilgrimage site. Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Shiva, is home to temples, pagodas, and inscriptions. Found here is the The Crematoria where cremations are done.

The temple complex is open for everyone, but that temple across the river is only for Hindus.

The odorous, yet holy Bagmati River

The cremation is held in full view of the temple-goers. I got to watch a ceremony. No one was crying, I noticed. To the Hindus, the body is nothing. They burn it fast as soon as the person dies.

The Stupa located in Boudhanath is a major spiritual landmark seen as the embodiment of the enlightened mind of all the Buddhas.

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NEPAL DAY 2 | Kathmandu Durbar Square

Durbar or royal palace is an important historical and cultural site in Kathmandu. In the valley, there are three durbar squares, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Found here are palaces, temples, courtyards, and gardens. Among the three, my first stop was Kathmandu Durbar Square, located just about 2km from Thamel, the city center.

Left: first coffee shop to visit in Nepal

Right: Busy morning as I took a walk from the hotel to the square

Intricate wood carvings, beautiful Newar architecture

Everyone thought I was a Nepali. I made them guess, but none could tell where I was from. The guesses were Japan, China, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, and even France (?!) I think it's because a lot of tourists are from these countries, and they haven't met any Filipinos.

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NEPAL DAY 1 | Kathmandu

3.5 hour flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu, a challenging one due to mountainous terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions

Tribhuvan International Airport. Visa on arrival is required for Filipinos. The fee depends on the duration of stay. I paid 50 USD for a 30-day visa.

My backpacking bags. The big one carries all the clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The small one carries my laptop, and other valuables.

Thamel, the center of Kathmandu, where most travellers stay.

Aside from galleries, museums, coffee shops, and tap bars (for draft beer), bookshops are a must-visit when travelling.

Left: Dhal Bhat, a staple meal comprising lentil soup, steamed rice, pickles, vegetables, and/or meat served on a copper plate

Right: Momo, traditional Nepalese dumpling

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21 Days of Backpacking in Nepal

From Kathmandu to Patan to Pokhara to Lumbini to Dolakha to Bhaktapur

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Found a virgin beach in Chantaburi, Eastern Thailand

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It's that time of the year when migratory birds arrive, and stay for months in Bang Pu, Samut Prakan, on the outskirts of Bangkok.

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28 books in the past 7 months (2 books not in the photo), from April to October.

For the longest time, I had been trying to finish Matt Haig's The Midnight Library, recommended by a stranger I met at a coffee shop in Taipei December last year. Without hesitation, I opened myself up about the life crisis I was going through. Hence, the book recommendation. I just really couldn't finish it as I was so annoyed to the whiny protagonist (realizing eventually I was she). Though I know some books are not meant to be finished, I have a habit of pushing myself to finishing them, so I wouldn't carry the agony of not knowing what happened to the story. Even when there's a tower of books waiting to be read.

The frustration led me to hiatus. The first quarter was all cycling, coffee shop hopping, and contemplating. Then there's the month-long trip in Malaysia. But it all came to my senses that I had to stop doomscrolling, and limit myself from watching cute cats and dogs, and happy couples online. In a snap, I was back to 1 book a week, a lifelong tradition since college.

And here I am, 28 books after 7 months. I call it realistic reading. Even after many years of reading, I still find it dubious when people say they finish 10-15 books a month. I understand that there are fast readers, but like food I want to digest properly what I read. So far, Tara Westover's Educated is the best this year. It's a beautiful memoir about her life growing up in a conservative, and religiously-devoted family, and achieving the education she never thought she would have.

I'm looking forward to the next 2 months, and hoping to not fall for the sluggish air lingering soon.

P.S. I finished The Midnight Library 2 weeks ago.

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Met my Japanese friend Ken for some seafood soup, dessert, and craft beer.

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Wong Kar-wai vibes in Ba Hao, my favorite restaurant on Yaowarat Rd, Chinatown

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Run, and post-run

Benjakitti Park, BKK

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Khlong Saen Saep