Khatmandu

An ear operation without anaesthetic, some veg MOMOs, a hectic tuc-tuc journey with 4 chickens in the seat beside me and I arrive in Thamel, Khatmandu.

A funny place - full of two type of people: volunteers who think they're a reincarnation of Mother Theresa (saving the world through their NGO) and trekkers with polo-shirts, khaki shorts and over-sized bumbags who have that adventure streak in them.

In the narrow streets of Thamel you will nearly be knocked down every 10 minutes by taxi drivers who feel it is appropriate to drive right into you to check if you need a taxi "taxi?? taxi??"

Little old men with Nepali pastel-coloured fabric hats jumping from crevasses in the wall to sell you TIGER BALM for only 100rs which is claimed to treat any ailment.

And everywhere you walk the sing-song "NA-MA-STAE" being chirped at you from shop-doors.

At night covers of rock songs can be heard from the rooftops. It often sounds like Bob Dylan or some rock-star is playing, though under investigation it's a band of little Nepali teenagers barely touching 5-foot dressed head-to-toe in leather rocking out to "Play That Funky Music White Boy", "Wild World" and other classics.

Thamel is a funny place!!!