63.01 Nepal: Kathmandu: Swayambhu Temple, a walk through town and up a hill.
A view of Kathmandu from the temple. Like most views, increase the distance and/or height and the subject becomes more attractive. Should a person wish to undertake a luxury trip to Nepal then we would submit that such person is missing the point of visiting this unique country. On the other hand, many countries of the world can offer a similar rugged, no-frills experience as does the land of the Himalayas. Another proviso is that while we seldom take luxurious trips, actually cannot think of any undertaken, the real experience reaches a crescendo once a person lives like the locals or at least, gives up western luxuries. A side benefit of foregoing a typically comfortable lifestyle is that one develops a new-found appreciation of the basics and as for the luxuries, when they arise, make a person feel deliciously spoiled-rotten. A true benefit of this ‘sacrifice’ is that the basics become better enjoyed and more importantly, appreciated, while the luxuries less desirable. Of c...