Bhaktapur I imagine is like those old fort towns in India that people continue to live in. Its so quiant that its hard to imagine people stay in that place. Its a little buit like a showcase city / doll house. The town square is a cluster of buuldings on display but in use. Most of it comes alive in the festive season. There is also a temple that seems to be under renovation for the upcoming festival season. Till then its cordoned off to visitors.

I spent a few hours in Bhaktapur today. Lets see if the pictures below tell a good tale.

The town square as soon as you enter with the pagoda like building to the right

The main square begins here on with a cluster of buildings - houses, temples, out buildings - now converted to restaurants, hotels, a museum etc

The juxtaposition of the old and the new? 400 year old temple entrance and a pretty new motobike

The temple area begins. I thought the lions guarding the buuildings were pretty striking and replicated in metal / stone all over

Metal lion at the temple

They call this the Golden Gate. 1. made me think of how I still want to see the Golden Gate in SF 2. awesome woodwork in the area inside

Trying to get a better look at the woodworl

My coffee place almost at the entrance of the town square

Wooden ties anyone?

Monasteruy! I climbed up the stairs and they were building a Buddha statue. Sweet chat with the owner and worker there, how do they come across as so humble?

I met two ducks on the way...

Still amazed that they live here

A tiny lane between buildings. The extent of woodwork is stellar though it has been redone multiple times yes

The temple at the furthest square for tourists in town

Guardian of the temple steps. Distinct Indian / Hindu influences

Walked onto this thanka shop in a bylane on my way to the potters area of the town

Two old men and a game of chess - btw I bought myself one of these hats. Super Nepali convert

A corner of the potters area

And I could not resist taking one of the old man staring out in deep thought of this wondow

To the White Monastery early tomorrow morning at 0630 I go. Time to wind up today :)