Stuck In an Alley

We woke up at 3am. I stayed up a while messing around in my phone then read and dozed some more off and on. Jonathan didnt get back to sleep, saying he is always up that early anyway. As I write he is fast asleep at 6:30pm.

It was a fun and very touristy day. We had the complimentary breakfast at our guesthouse in it's cute cafe 
Gopal and Jeewan came around 11am and then Ganaj came with his car to drive us around. Gopal went back home and the four of us went to Monkey Temple. We got off at the top and walked all around taking in the temples and sites and of course the monkeys. I sat down to pose with one and the baby came down and put it's hand on my arm.
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We walked down the mountain to leave, which wasn't quite as steep or long as I anticipated. Vendors lined the sides with jewelry and beads and metal bhuddas and other objects.

From there we headed for the Royal Palace. This was quite educational and interesting. I til very recently no one has been ever allowed in the palace without invitation. King Birendra, who was featured the most throughout and whose private residence we also saw, was coronated the year I was born. The whole family was massacred in 2001 by his son. We also saw where that happened, including gunshots. The main palace mainly was for receiving dignitaries and other guests. The private residence has so many cars, including a golden chariot from Queen Elizabeth and a Lufthansa from Hitler. No cameras allowed so this was all I got.
From there we went to eat. I'd been wanting thali, which we ended up getting for all of us. These sampler trays, with goat and fish to share, are so delicious and they even come around with refills like a buffet..I enjoyed a bottle of Ghorka beer, which turned out to be about 64 ounces
From there the plan was to go to the Patan Temple at Durbar Square. But Ganaj couldn't find parking. But we got some money changed and it's a great shopping area and Jonathan found a hat that fit and I found some sandals. Jeewan helped us both haggle.
Leaving, we got stuck in an alley where two cars could barely pass and masses of bikers were packing both directions. We literally couldn't move until the police came and managed some order. The driving here is impressive....

Now we need to pack up and get ready for a early 3-4  hour drive to Chitwan for the Ceremony that we came here for.

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