Probably nothing could have prepared me for Kathmandu. I had almost no idea of what it would be like. I guess I kind of thought it was a small town. It ain't! Its a teeming, vibrant, energetic city. Travel in Kathmandu is insane by any standards. I don't think there are highways and all the streets are narrow. Into these narrow streets cows, chickens, monkeys, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, cars, buses and trucks all cram themselves and travel both ways (in what should rightfully be one way, single lane roads) with no regard for stop signs (there are none), dividers, sidewalks, traffic lights (there are none...none that work at least) or each other. There are more motorcycles on the road then anything, because those are the only vehicles that can make good progress against this sea of humanity. By law all the motorcycle riders have to wear helmets, but none of the passengers do. And most of the motorcycles have between 1 and 4 passengers. Its not uncommon to see the entire family on one motorcycle. The strangest part is that in this never ending stream of beeping, swerving traffic regular daily chores occur. You can see people doing normal household chores. People live right on the street...or so close that they might as well set their barca-lounger right in traffic. You can peer into their open living rooms. In this insanity of travel I saw a woman bending over a bowl washing her hair. There were women sweeping their front stoop and men fixing their motorcycles. It would be like...and I'm not exaggerating now...brushing your teeth and combing your hair in the middle of 42nd Street and Broadway.
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