Once upon a long time ago, there was a little girl who liked to watch an old sitcom called Happy Days.  And in one of those episodes, there was a character named Kathmandu (I seem to remember she was one of The Fonz’s love interests). That was the first I’d ever heard the word and it stuck with me. As I grew older, I discovered that Kathmandu was a city in Nepal and I was enchanted. Even today, the name evokes a shiver of excitement in me that few destinations can match.

So when I had the opportunity to visit Nepal, I jumped at the chance. And I wasn’t disappointed.  Unfortunately, I only had four days there, and I was with my mother, so was unable to discover all the wonders of this ancient and culturally rich city. I don’t think two weeks would be enough time to discover all its charms, especially considering there are several  nearby cities that all blend into one large metropolis.

There are amazing buildings and monuments to explore, unique crafts and markets, impressive temples with colourful prayer flags and cultural icons to make even a jaded traveler ooh and ahh.  And the people are beautiful, friendly and helpful and we never had a problem understanding or being understood.  They’ve adapted to modern society without ever losing their heritage.

Alas, our trip was limited to the area of Kathmandu and the main touristy bits of the surrounding cities and we didn’t have the opportunity to visit any of the countryside. Others in our group were heading off to an animal sanctuary and towards the famed mount Everest.

If I ever get the chance, I’d love to go back to this fascinating city, and indeed, compelling country, hopefully for more than four days.  Have you been?