Kathmandu day 3
Another day, another cafe in Kathmandu. We are thoroughly enjoying the easy pace of life right now. It's been good to have a few 'days off' to catch up on life admin, relax & consolidate our plans. After all we are on holiday. It feels strange to be living at an easier pace, we actually had to remind ourselves that this is how some people holiday. A nice hotel in a foreign country, cafes, cocktails, sleep in's, naps, reading till 4am, shopping etc!
We start at a cafe called La Baguette to order coffee & breakfast. Unfortunately breakfast isn't an option here so after our coffees we head to the next cafe on our list.
The cafe with no name, a cafe that give 100% of sale profits to local Nepal children organizations. The volunteers who work here were keen to tell us about their work & their was a large collection of photos on the wall featuring the children. We spent quite a few hours here enjoying the fantastic vegetarian food, coffee & music.
As we walked the streets ducking in & out of shops we found a side street that contained the shop & the knife Tom would buy! Tom had been looking into the many stores that sold the 'national weapon of Nepal' the Khukuri. There is a long service history with this particular knife in the Nepal army and specifically the Gurkhas. It's long and inwardly curved blade also makes it the tool of choice for farmers around Nepal. After entering many shops with poor quality products. It was a relief to finally stumble upon Khukuri House. Tom bought a traditional army issue model that was most commonly used in the World Wars. Along with a water buffalo scabbard and rosewood handle, this item is no replica to hang on a wall. And even with use will probably outlast the both of us!
Our next stop of the day was called Melrose Restaurant & bar. We arrived just after lunch & did not leave until 7pm. We spent the time here planning more of our India itinerary, drinking the local beer during happy hour, followed by coffee & pasta for dinner. All of the food & drink was amazing & cheap. We also got to know our waiter, a young girl from India, Darjeeling who moved to Nepal to travel & save money, working in restaurants.
When we left the restaurant, still feeling a little bit tipsy from the strong local beers we started to walk back to the hotel, weaving in & out of various stores containing art, clothing & jewellery. At a shop a few streets away from our hotel we find the jewellery shop & a piece of jewellery that jumps out at me. The shop is called Nirvana craft & art, & it's a silver bangle with a white and blue opaque stone, similar to an opal. We are both very happy with our special purchases & will cherish them for a life time.
Another great day in Kathmandu!
- Alli
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