Truth

Truth.
Loaded word.
Lots of heavy meaning.
In this case it is referring to me trying to be truthful and holding true my feelings and allowing myself to feel for the first time since June. So in the spirit of truth, I must say I am feeling very alone in this experience. It is easy to become just another tourist or western traveller with shorts that reveal my knees and tank tops that flash the shoulder. Both of which are a cultural no-no here as you soon realize everyone is staring at you walking down the road. Could be the tattoos, the dreadlocks, the backpack but no, its the shoulders and knees. I am more prepared for rural Nepal wear sarongs and throws are more common place and expected wear for a woman in Nepal. In the hustle and bustle of this dusty, crowded place you can blend in a bit better than you would outside Kathmandu. I have just spent a day in Thamel region (south west area of Kathmandu) which is up there with one of the most bizarre and entertaining places on earth. It's like a circus of venders all selling the same stuff and everyone shouting at you as you walk by saying "Hey lady, I have best price for you." Rickshaw drivers, motorbikes, cars, cows, dogs, beggars, street kids, monks, nepali's, indians and tourists all crowding the streets to a point where if you stop walking you will get run over or run into by any number of the aforementioned things.
So back to truth. I am overwhelmed by where I am right now. I think it's because I am in a huge place with lots of activity and its on the other side of the world. I didn't allow myself to prepare whole-heartedly for this voyage and truth be told ... it was impossible for me to do so. I will speak about truth later ... I have to go.

Visited Swayambhunath Stupa yesterday.