Thamel

OK I have 5 minutes online!

Yesterday G, a volunteer from Canada, took me to Thamel. The only economy in Nepal is tourism. This is the tourist trap of the country. It is a section of Kathmandu that is lined with shops. I was actually a little annoyed to see so many tourists. I was tempted to spend 100 dollars and buy everyone I know new outfits, masks, etc. It is incredibly inexpensive, but I worry about the conditions of where things were made. Daily I see little children working in construction, running the corner store... Just an example you can buy a woven skirt and shirt... hand made for 2-3 dollars. A cashmere sweater for $5 or so. I bought a handmade coin purse for about 80 cents because the Rupees are too big for the one I brought with me. Otherwise, I think all the souveniers I get will come from the villages.

I have to go to Kotesur to meet Milan and Tumala to buy supplies for my women's group tomorrow. I tried to write 3 times today, but the internet was not working, so hopefully I'll be back again and give more details.