Rug shopping in Kathmandu, for heaven's sake
You know how when you travel sometimes it suddenly strikes you that you’re not in Kansas anymore?
One indication is when you look out the rearview mirror of your taxi and see this.
Are you kidding me?
An elephant literally just passed us
After our trek in the Khumbu region, we returned to Kathmandu for a couple of leisurely shopping and sightseeing days before heading home by way of a short stopover in Bangkok.
And this was by far the best shopping day I have ever known in my life.
Rug shopping. Hand-dyed wool and beautiful designs laid out before you, piled against the walls, and under your feet. Everywhere you looked - rugs. For anyone at all interested in home décor, this ought to make you renew your passport.
The rust colored one in front of me? We bought it - filled with bats in the design
Now try to decide.
We spent hours here. At least I think we did. Time stood still. Each one was unfurled before us like an offering, tempting us into a buying frenzy that forgot to ask the question, "How do you ship rugs home from Nepal?" Is that a thing?
You betcha.
You know how? DHL, though we managed to slip a few into our duffels to make things easier, because why not?
In the end, I had a whole new appreciation for the art of rug making. The workmanship that goes in to each one, the vegetable dyes used, the artistry, the hand knotting. Unbelievable! After seeing how much time and effort it takes to weave these heirlooms for your feet, I promise you will never look at rugs in Target the same way. And I'll tell you this for sure - the rugs you get in Nepal will last far longer than the ones you can buy at Target. I don't know about you, but I like beautiful things collected from exotic trips to use in my house. The price was right. Now had we tried to purchase rugs like this here in the States? Not possibly affordable. So there you have it.
Here is a Tibetan saddle blanket we picked up. What attention to detail went into this functional piece of "wearable" art! I keep it in my studio for inspiration.
Next time I will talk about our trek on the road to Everest Base Camp.
My wife has an addiction to rugs. She would never leave that store! Or if she did, we'd be leaving with a heavy investment in rugs...
I'd love to visit Kathmandu some day. Is the elephant in the road a pretty common thing there?
Although I have no desire to actually reach the summit of Everest, I think it would be interesting to visit Base Camp. Looking forward to your post about that one!
@stoner19, I feel for you. Rug addiction is a problem and very real! I'm sure we would be friends -
I had never seen an elephant in the street before or since that day. That's why it was so bizarre. I'm sure it's not that rare. No one seemed to notice but us!
Believe me, the summit will never be in the cards for me. But the trip was out of this world. Thank you for reading-
Hi. Please support us on this if you think it is a good idea.
https://steemit.com/steemit/@fogspam/first-advertising-campaign-of-steemit-in-romania-the-best-way-to-make-steemit-viral-just-follow-my-example-more-users-investors
Isn't Nepal exotic? I have lived there for 20 years myself. Such a mesmerising place. I hope you get to have a lot more uniquely awesome experiences! :)
so much, @sauravrungta. Someday I hope to get back and hang out for a while. It's a fast for the senses, all of it. Where do you live in Nepal?
I used to live in Kathmandu. But now I am in India. But my parents still live there so I visit from time to time :)
These rugs are beautiful. Although memories of the rugs that I have are only related to my grandmother's house in the village. In Russia this theme with rugs hanging on the walls were very common several years ago. Now in most apartments there's a furniture from IKEA. But on the wall of my grandmother's house is still hanging the rug of my childhood.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, @fairytalelife :)
Thank you, @omfedor. My father's side of the family is Dutch - I remember using rugs on tops of tables as well as tapestry displays on walls. Your grandmother's rug sounds like it brings back may happy memories for you.
Exactly. It was a wonderful time. Childhood is another life and another world. And that world was beautiful and filled with magic. And your rugs really reminded me of that time. Happy memories. Thank you.
Kathmandu is amazing.
Upvote,if you're interested in convert SBD to cc
see this:
https://steemit.com/money/@emmarokt/hwkko-anonymous-credit-card-rechargeable-with-bitcoins-sbd-to-cc-atm-withdrawal
This is a jaw dropping post. With out hesitation it took me and didn't let go. The rugs are beautiful work and my grandmother of 85 would jealous that she does not have them. Thank you for posting @fairytalelife Following for future amazing-ness;)
Wow, thanks, @kellywin21. I wish I could go back in time myself and do it all again. Is your grandmother a rug fanatic too?
Did you try flying? :)
I'm also curious to know whether you were lucky enough to get a window seat for the landing on your flight in - the approach coming into Kathmandu airport can get intense! It's an unnervingly short runway, and it's completely surrounded by mountains. And sometimes fog. And wind. But the raw natural beauty of the scenery below (and the corresponding adrenaline rush) is totally worth it.
Also, great pics! I liked the elephant, and those rugs are seriously works of art! I bet they were even more impressive to see (and touch) in person. Each one looks so intricate and unique - I hope you were able to find the perfect one to commemorate your trip, and bring the beauty and inspiration from your travels into your home. :)
@relocait, thank you. Kathmandu airport, though hairy, is nothing compared to Lukla's. That story is coming!
Crazier than Kathandu?! Looking forward to it. :)
I was grounded by the bliss, @timsaid! :)
awesome carpet art :)
Wow! @fairytalelife you always have the best reads. The rugs were beautiful and if I were to see an elephant past me by on the road I would be surprised! I've followed your blog! (I have some interesting things on mine too hehe)
Hi @bitcoiner. Thank you for the compliment - I will have a look at yours for sure.
That reminds me of a carpet shop in Marrakesh, Morocco when I was there in 2005. It was floor to ceiling...not just wall to wall. Very interesting.
Omg looks like very fun with elephant :D
Always wondered how the elephant bears these facilities. In such a strong elephant tail? It is simply skip rope through the tail?
Thank you for your story!
Nice to see this just remembered many past memories good to cherish some good things which you have experienced :)
👍amazing post
I am glad that you had a great time here in Nepal. I wish you had mentioned your travel date so that people who want to visit Nepal by seeing your post won't get any misconception of seeing Elephant on street. It doesn't happen anymore.. :) If i am not wrong then it must be more than 20 years ago..
Have a great Blogging...
1998, in fact - what changed regarding elephants?
Nice story.. i like traveling ..
upvote to u ^^
I love anything which is hand made is making you think what is the story behind. Love your passion for travelling and I love the way you writing. @fairytalelife it is beautiful :)
@margot, thank you so much. I truly appreciate the compliment
You are Welcome :)
Beautiful carpet
Amazing post, see more the next time
What an adventurous trip, these photos tells it all with a clear and perfect view of events. Thanks for making this experience known.
Hi. Please support us on this if you think it is a good idea.
https://steemit.com/steemit/@fogspam/first-advertising-campaign-of-steemit-in-romania-the-best-way-to-make-steemit-viral-just-follow-my-example-more-users-investors