Growing up in Kathmandu

Being raised up in Kathmandu means having a myriad of mixed experiences. It is a demographic hub of people from many different cultures of Nepalese society. Being raised here means you get to know many things about communities scattered around different parts of the country. Part of living here also certifies that you are accustomed to getting your way through confusingly scattered roads as well as unusually large traffic and group of pedestrians.

Apart from its narrow roads and congested buildings, Kathmandu also retains seven of the UNESCO's "World Heritage Sites" within its area, all of which are symbols of our great past. "Boudhanath" and "Swayambhunath" are two Buddhist stupas that fall under the heritage list and are main focus for cultural enthusiasts and Buddhist spiritual seekers. Apart from that "Pasupatinath" and "Changunarayan" temples lie as nerve centers for Hindus as well as spiritual travelers from around the world. The remaining three being the three palace squares that are some centuries old. Being known as the "city of temples", Kathmandu has many other religious and historic structures to offer for seeing as well. For adventure seekers there is also an option for paragliding within the area.

Being in Kathmandu also implies you get to eat different Tibetan and Indian cuisines that have been brought from the neighbors India and China. One particular modified version of Chinese "Dumplings" being "MoMo" which is famous for its great spicy flavor. Then there is a dish called "lafing" (mainly found around Boudhanath stupa area) that also has Tibetan origins and is well known for stimulating the taste buds. "Panipuri"  and "Chatpate" (puffed rice with spices) are two snacks that has been influenced from Indian food. Apart from the Indian and Tibetan dishes that have been brought in and modified, there is also local "Newari" food that boasts hundreds of recipes with different variety such as "Choila" (buffalo meat with spices), "Chatamari” etc. Many of them are difficult to pronounce but  nevertheless having them for dinner or lunch is like having once in a lifetime experience.

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