Kathmandu

I've been in and out Kathmandu many times because it is such a hub for transportation and the rest of Nepal is difficult to reach because of the poor roads (political sabotage and nature washouts).

Protests and daily power outages for hours(many people have backup generators) are common occurrences.

The air pollution of Kathmandu could rate as some of the worst in the world, right up there with Beijing and Los Angeles. Many people walk around with masks on their faces to protect them from the blowing dust and smog. The traffic is unbearable, the roads terrible, and the horn beeping, annoying. I just started to wear ear plugs to protect my ears from the deafening street noise.

"You want taxi, rickshaw, tiger balm, hash; see my shop-no charge for looking." People want to constantly talk to you or somehow tell a good story to extract money from your pocket.

Mothers beg for baby formula. When tourist buy it directly for 400 rubies, the women return it to the shopkeepers for 300 rupies. Everyone makes money and most of the tourists are unaware of the scam. Children are purposely deformed by breaking a foot, arm, or leg so they look worse and get more money from begging. Teenage boys inhale glue or gasoline to dull their senses from the harsh realities of life(particularly, so they can pick through the trash for food). Many kids do not attend school and hang out on the streets.

Corruption is rampant in Nepal. Millions of dollars of foreign aid is personally pocketed and never makes it to help the infrastructure or people for food, clothing or housing. Nepal is rated 77th out of 94 of the poorest countries in the world. 82% of the people earn $2 per day or less.

The newly Maoist elected government has not delivered on their campaign promises during their first 100 days in office. The have adapted a wealthy lifestyle just like all the many other recent former governments. People complain there is no leadership for the country and they are disillusioned. Prices have doubled and tripled, electricity is turned off 45 hours a week, and people in the countryside are fearful for their lives with the para-military army set up by the present government so they flock to the cities.

Negotiations for fair prices is a daily battle. Usually, the opening price is double the real price.

The average lifespan here is 58. It's a little difficult to comprehend as I approach 60.

Finally, I had to check into a full day of relaxation($30) from the craziness of Kathmandu. After yoga, mediation, breathing exercises, holistic message, reiki, and dinner, I felt like a new man.