The GREAT (fire)WALL of China

Kathmandu Guest House

 My apologies to those that have been checking my blog for new posts. (I hope someone has!) I knew that Facebook was blocked in China, but didn't even suspect that since the Beijing Olympics the following were blocked as well: blog spot/blogger (my blog), WordPress, twitter, even worldwide Google, though Hong Kong Google works. So for five days, I've had email through the Buckley server, but no access to my blog. Argh! Perhaps ironically that helped me enjoy Beijing more, being disconnected, than if I'd just blogged about it. More on my adventures there later.

Now at last in Kathmandu, I have access, though not easily and not a fast connection, meaning I will post fewer photos and will need to make them low resolution images or they will take too long to upload. It's my first morning in Nepal, I still have no local currency, but have got my first impressions: China and Nepal are like night and day (not necessarily in that order). All roads in Beijing are perfectly maintained, better than in Los Angeles. All roads in Kathmandu haven't been paved in decades.

And the taxi drivers have to dodge sacred cows in the narrow road. My driver last night was swerving, the cows couldn't care less, and he narrowly missed stray dogs, motorcycles and pedestrians who seemed oblivious. All this in a van that smelled of gasoline inside, with no shock absorbers, no seat belts, no street lights, and no apparent regard for mortality! I would have closed my eyes except for the fear of missing something! 

I just spoke to the director of the Peace Corps here, who also served in Tanzania, and she invited me to a breaking fast Ramadan party at a restaurant tonight! My adventures continue!

Please, anyone reading this, leave COMMENTS, so I know the world I left behind still exists.