From Silenced Kathmandu To Raging Kathmandu

The curfew that was imposed yesterday did not seem to be enforced for tourists, so I spent the day wandering around the city. The cops were strictly enforcing it for Nepalis but were letting us tourists go where we wanted. All of the shops and restaurants were closed so there wasn't much to do, but I did get a good sense of the layout of the city. The Nepalis are asking the tourists what the situation is like out there. When I arrived at the guest house hotel, the first thing the owner asked me was, "so what's it like outside?"

Later in the afternoon, a silenced Kathmandu turned into a raging Kathmandu. Demonstrations started cropping up all over the city. Ambulances were everywhere. I watched one stop in front of our guest house, bandaging up one injured demonstrator's head. Well into the night, I could hear the sound of chanting, protests, tear gas being fired. The same cops who that morning, when asked, cheerfully posed for a photograph, were, that afternoon, beating up demonstrators with their thick bamboo sticks.

This morning (Monday), the strike and curfew were supposed to be over. Right now (it's 8:00 AM) the city looks normal. But because of last night's violence, another curfew is being imposed today. The newspaper says that this time it will be a "real" curfew. From what I can gather, a "real" curfew is a shoot-to-kill curfew. I guess I won't be taking any pictures of the police dudes today! :o(

For those of you who are concerned - no worries! I feel pretty safe in the guest house I'm in. Although I can see what's going on if I step outside, the house itself is up a little hill and is not in the line of fire. There are a number of other tourists here.

And yeah Dale, I would feel much better if I was up in the mountains also. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed, but right now, it's not looking good for my trek to start tomorrow.

Comments

[shannon clubb]

I was listening to the radio today and believe it or not- Kathmandu came on - remember that song???? Made me laugh.. I never knew until today there was a place.
concerned about you- you bet we are!

[DonnaK]

Thanks for the frequent updates. I really appreciate it. It prevents my imagination from running wild. A group of tourists on the hilltop??? Sitting ducks potential??

[Ramadas Shanmugam]

Take care Basia....hope you get out of Kathmandu...and on to Mt.Everest.
- Ramadas S

[Basia]

Update - hey everyone, I'm fine. Y'all are worried more than I am! Mostly, I'm bored, 'cause everything is shut down here, so I'm wasting the day cooped up in the hotel wishing I could be exploring the city instead. There is still a chance that I may be able to start my trek tomorrow, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[your birthday sister]

you know us Aries, we have to climb to feel alive (zeby koska nie skakala...)- so I would be right there with you if I could. I believe that you've had this past life-but that means you don't have to do it again!! thank you for the birthday wishes from Nepal.

[Dale B.]

OK, I won't worry anymore.

But regarding your comment, "the curfew that was imposed yesterday did not seem to be enforced for tourists," I'm wondering what dingbat, sitting-duck tourist first went out and showed that to be the case. Was that you, Basia?

Here's a line from cnn news: "The protests lack a charismatic leader or figurehead, with most of the country's ageing political leaders either detained or in hiding." How bored are you? I can see the headlines now: "Tall, white foreigner strides into town and assumes rally leadership."

[Basia]

Hey birthday sister,
Oh my gosh, I had forgotten that expression. Yes, it's very appropriate here! (For those of you who don't speak Polish, it's a Polish saying that translates to "If the little goat did not jump (meaning, get into mischief), she would have a very sad life")

[Basia]

Hey Shannon - I don't remember the Kathmandu song! How does it go?

[Basia]

Hey Ramadas - I sent an email to your yahoo account - I need a favor - can you check? Thanks!