Oct. 21, 2014. Off to Thamel for a Few Days.

From Wiki:

Thamel is the tourist place of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is a full Wi-fi zone in Nepal.^[1] Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades starting from the hippie movement when many artists came to Nepal and spent weeks in Thamel. Even though Thamel has been referred to as the "ghetto" by some, most low-budget travelers consider it a tourist heaven.

Thamel is distinguished by its narrow streets crowded with various shops and vendors. Commonly sold goods include food, pastries, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, and clothes. Travel agencies, budget hotels and restaurants also line the streets.

There are many restaurants in Thamel that serve traditional and continental cuisine, although prices tend to be significantly higher than in non-tourist areas. Food hygiene is generally better, despite the overall lack of sanitation in Nepal.

Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, pubs, clubs, and nightlife along with the numerous travel agents and guest houses. All in all, Thamel is home to a wide range of the Nepalese population for entertainment and employment purposes. On Wednesday, 28 September 2011, Thamel was declared a full Wi-fi zone in Kathmandu It is the first Wi-fi zone of [Nepal].^[2]

I was here a few days ago and just had to return to fully check the place out.   Did not get any room reservation, (a modus operandi of my travel life) but found a room - the first one I looked at - 50 feet from where I exited the taxi - for $10.00 a night.

It is now raining.  I bought a beer at a food store and am sitting in the upstairs lobby blogging. 

Was approached several times to buy some hash and some pot.  I replied "I do not use the stuff" and walked away, chuckling.

Booked my trip overland - over the Himalayas - to Lhasa, Tibet today.  More on that journey in the future as the departure approaches.

Toured a Budhist Stupa today, then wandered the streets and endless shops after a lunch of chicken wings.  Tasty.

Will have some yak cheese, crackers and an orange for dinner in my room.or I may go out and have almost anything imaginable to eat here in Thamel, full or tourists from all over the world.