Good-Bye Kathmandu

The city I am leaving tomorrow is a bit different from the city I found almost 3 months ago.

The sky back then was milky or grey. Blue sky greets you now every morning.

Back then it was raining or pouring almost all day whereas now the sun shines without hesitation.

The streets and lanes that were muddy and full of potholes now are dry and dusty. I've seen one street being paved. Another one is following these days.

Fuel lines have disappeared; traffic is a lot worse.

Thamel, the tourist area, was more spacious, you could breathe. It is extremely crowded now. At every corner you can see some confused tourists looking around for reference points.

The trekking agencies were hungry for clients back in August. Now, past the peak of the season and with the season coming slowly to an end everybody is looking for a break. Guides and porters are looking forward to the break and returning to their families and homes.

The stupa nearby and its surrounding plaza looked somewhat neglected before. It all received a new facelift these days. New painting, new prayer flags. It all looks bright and very much alive.

The city has changed, but am I still the same?

I am better at saying no.
I have slightly improved in bargaining.
I'm fighting something that according to my sister - based on the symptoms - is possibly a light pneumonia.
And last, but not least, I feel much richer than before. Spiritually, emotionally.
I have done something I never thought I'd be capable of: travel far away by myself. It does give my self-confidence a little boost.