Fair Trade Handicraft shops of Kathmandu
Temples seemed to be on every corner of every street in central Kathmandu. These vary from small structures only a few square metres in size through to very large buildings. This was one of the modestly sized ones.
Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
If you click on the photo you will get an enlarged version. This will show up the sign in front of the temple which reads “Cottage Handicrafts Exhibition and Sales.” I didn’t visit this one but I did go to several others in different parts of the city. These are generally cooperatives selling handicrafts produced locally with a “fair trade” policy. I felt pleased to patronize several of these as the profits were going directly to local women in need. I’ll write more about that in another article.
Kathmandu Architecture
Looking at the many styles of architecture in central Kathmandu was a constant source of interest as I investigated the city. This varied from very modern buildings which would not have been out of place in any city anywhere through to ancient buildings many centuries old.
Many were beautiful and others were downright dowdy and run down. Some, like the one shown in the photo below, were decorated in ways we are not accustomed to here in Australia. I do not know the purpose of this building but the decorations suggest some religious connection.
Building in Kathmandu
Walking in Kathmandu
When I visited Kathmandu in January 2006 I spent many days just wandering the streets of this amazingly complex yet beautiful city. Taking the time to just literally ‘follow your nose’ leads one to some very interesting discoveries. And always with the camera at the ready.
Central Kathmandu is quite compact and one can see many intersting things in a short space of time and distance. A major feature of the older part of the city near Thamel is the huge range and variety of temples. They come in all shapes and sizes with differing decorations and embellishments.
The one shown in the photo below was a small one on a street corner. In contrast with some others, not many people seemed to be visiting this one.
Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
Buddhist Stupa in Central Kathmandu
Sometimes photography in Kathmandu can be a little frustrating. Take the example I’ve posted below. A beautiful and stunning Buddhist Stupa spoiled by all those ugly power and telephone cables strung up everywhere. In some places it was almost impossible to get a nice clear shot of a building. They do not seem to have any code about where things can go.
Mind you, I seem to remember a time not so long ago that the situation was similar here in Australia – and chaotic wiring is still the norm in too many places. There is no excuse here in Australia for that sort of thing. Without a doubt the economy in Nepal prevents such niceties as the undergrounding all utilities. With the political turmoil they were experiencing before, during and after my visit in 2006, they obviously had more important things to do than clean up the scenery for tourists with a penchant for photography. It’s all part of the charm that makes Kathmandu so fascinating.
Despite the ugly scar from all those cables, it is still a beautiful building.
Buddhist Stupa in central Kathmandu Nepal
Tailors in the streets of Kathmandu
Tailors on the streets of Kathmandu
There are many unusual sights in the streets, lanes and alleyways of Kathmandu. One that I found fascinating was the number of tailors (usually men) with their old treadle Singer sewing machines set up as street stalls. Of course there were a few specialty tailors in shops, complete with a wide range of materials to choose from and several resident tailors ready to make your suit, jacket, trousers or glamorous gown.
The street vendors, however, seemed to be waiting for the casual passers by to ask them to do some running repairs or alterations. Most that I saw were just sitting there not working. Trade must have been slow. I admire their patience.
The photo below shows the only specialty sewing machine shop I saw. Obviously the latest electronic, computerised, whizz-bang, all the bells and whistles Husqvana or Bernina sewing machines have not made it to Kathmandu. Perhaps they are far too expensive for the ordinary tailors. Of course, the old traditional treadle sewing machine is ideal for the street tailors. No electricity needed.
Royal Sewing Machine Company