Kathmandu to Ithari

We spent the morning in Kathmandu, getting in one last shopping/sightseeing trip in before leaving the city.  We were flying out, just a short flight to Biratnagar and a couple hours on the bus arrive at Ithari, pronounced ‘ee-tar-ee’. We flew with Yeti airlines and the domestic terminal is really quite an experience.  There’s luggage x-rays and pat-downs waiting for you at the entrance.   I’m thankful to our tour company for their assistance with getting all 10 of us sorted out and there on time.  I was on the wrong side of the plane (Yeti Airlines – LOVE that name!) for a good look but there was a great view of the Himalayas.

We arrived at the airport and met Rajesh, our Nepali co-ordinator for Habitat.  The first thing you notice about Rajesh is his laugh, kind, infectious and care-free.  After introductions, we’re on our way.  Rajesh notice we were brandishing our cameras to take shots out the window and he told us in his happy way

‘Keep your hands and cameras inside the bus when you get to the highway, it’s very  dangerous.’

And he wasn’t kidding.  If Kathmandu traffic is like a river, then the highways must be the rapids, violent and chaotic, the roar of white water replaced by horns.  We got into Ithari, checked into our hotel, and headed over to the Habitat Headquarters for orientation.  We cover the basics, and cover them quickly.  Everybody goes back to the hotel to sleep.  The build starts in a day.