prayer flags and prayer wheels - Swayambhunath, Kathmandu

Like the other stupas that I saw throughout Kathmandu, there were many prayer flags hanging on and around the stupa when I visited Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). There were also prayer wheels surrounding the stupa, which a person can push to rotate as he/she walks around the stupa.

Some of the prayer flags were strung along the outside of the stupa's plaza on top of the hill, as well as along the walk up to the stupa... the view of the city was wonderful!

Swayambhunath - Kathmandu

Swayambhunath is a large stupa set atop a large hill in Kathmandu. The stupa itself is great... and there are a number of other temples surrounding the stupa, as well as some shops and stands selling souvenirs, jewelry, Buddha statues, small prayer wheels, etc.

monkeys on the way dowwwwn! Swayambhunath, Kathmandu

More monkey photos taken at Swayambhunath - 'Monkey Temple' in Kathmandu.

Right next to the large stupa... searching through the trash:

This mother monkey was picking fleas (or something) out of the younger monkey's hair. 

She had a nice, strong hold on the younger monkey whenever s/he tried to move or get away!

Buddha monkeys!

monkeys on the way up! Swayambhunath, Kathmandu

Swayambhunath is also known as 'Monkey Temple'... and it sure is!!

I was warned to not have food with me or even in my purse when I went to the stupa.

There are monkeys all over... and sometimes not so nice. I, thankfully, had no problems and enjoyed watching the monkeys eat, play, sit, and scurry about.

"GOING UP!" - Swayambunath - Kathmandu

After visiting Sarah's school in Kathmandu with her, I took a short taxi ride to Swayambunath... also known as: Monkey Temple. And it surely is filled with monkeys! (monkey photos to come...)

I did not realize that this stupa was set atop a hiiiiiiiiiigh hill! Lots and lots of steps. ...definitely worth it though!

Let's go!

3x's around Boudha Stupa - Kathmandu

Some photos from taken during my walks around the Boudha Stupa.   : )

Monks making the walk around:

Mountains in the distance:

My view while writing postcards and having lunch!

I really enjoyed the fresh goat cheese in Kathmandu! (...Like in the salad below...)

There are so many goats... and it is so fresh... yes, please!

Like in Saigon, there are a number of really lovely restaurants and cafes in a city where a person might be afraid to eat the food or not know where to go. Sarah brought me to some great places with delicious food! I did, however, get sick halfway through the week... and remained so for the next two weeks. TWO WEEKS! Yikes.

After a few doctor visits and multiple tests... I found out that I had Salmonella. The good thing is that it went away on its own with time. Feeling better now!

Boudha's prayer wheels - Kathmandu

Along the outside of the Boudha Stupa, there are prayer wheels. 

The wheels are set on a spindle to twist and have Tibetan Buddhist prayers, mantras, written around the outside.

This lady was incredibly cute. I followed her a bit... as she walked around the large stupa and pushed each prayer wheel as she kept a steady pace.

prayer flags... and ...prayer wheels

One of my favorite purchases while in Kathmandu was a prayer wheel! I bought a small one to sit on a shelf or hang on the wall... my prayer wheel is red, teal, blue, and gold.

BOUDHA STUPA - Kathmandu

Sarah said that one of her favorite places in the city is the Boudha Stupa. I can see why!

This large stupa is directly set off of a busy street... but as soon as you walk down the little alley into the stupa's open plaza, the entire feeling and aura changes. There is a quiet peacefulness to the area and the large stupa in the center is quite powerful. I read in the Wikipedia article that this ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world!

I walked around the stupa three times for good luck.

There are shops and restaurants surrounding the outer ring of the stupa's plaza.

a stupa - Kathmandu

A stupa is a Buddhist shrine... originally housing cremated relics of Buddha. There are many, many stupas around Kathmandu - some main ones and then some smaller ones. I stumbled on a small stupa while walking around the Patan area...

The curly nose on the stupa is a symbolic number 'one'... as in that we are all 'one'... as well as a meaning for the absoluteness of Buddha.

...And another stupa in the area: