cold air and curious corners
the air is crisp enough to make your nose tingle, and the light feels like it's holding its breath. i'm not sure if it's the 18°c or the fact that i've been walking for hours, but everything feels sharper. the kind of sharpness that makes you notice the cracks in the pavement and the way the wind slips through your jacket. i just checked and it's 18.19°c there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
i started the day in a tiny cafe that smelled like burnt coffee and old books. the barista had a tattoo of a compass on her wrist, and i asked her if she'd ever used it. she laughed and said, 'only to find the nearest bakery.' classic. if you get bored, kathmandu and pokhara are just a short drive away, and both are worth the trip if you're into mountains or chaos.
i wandered into a market that felt like it had been there forever. someone told me that the spices here are the best in the region, but i couldn't tell if they were being serious or just trying to sell me something. either way, i bought a bag of cardamom and now my bag smells like a chai shop.
later, i found myself in a square where the pigeons outnumbered the people. i sat on a bench and watched a group of kids chase each other around a statue. one of them kept yelling, 'i'm the king of the world!' and i couldn't help but think, same, kid. same.
i've been trying to find a good spot to take photos, but the light keeps changing. one minute it's golden and soft, the next it's harsh and unforgiving. i heard that the sunrise here is something else, but i'm not sure i'm willing to wake up that early. maybe tomorrow.
if you're planning a trip, check out the reviews on TripAdvisor for the best places to eat. and if you're into history, the local tourism board has some great info on the temples and ruins around here.
i'm not sure where i'm going next, but i know i'll find it. that's the thing about wandering-you never really know where you'll end up, but somehow, it always feels right.
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