Tuesday in Bhaktapur

In the morning, we had a guide explain the ornate Bhuddist and Hindu temples that form the city of Bhaktapur. Some of the structures were built in the 1100s and in fact there is a replica of one of the temples in the Melbourne Museum. Apparently architects and engineers cannot work out how the Nepalese constructed the temple, so it is an example of an Asian architectural wonder!

In the afternoon, we visited the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital. The Head Doctor met us and showed us around the hospital. We met some of the young cancer patients and donated books and toys. They showed us a very expensive radiation machine that an American group donated, only they cannot use it as they are also in need of a calibration machine. Damien is going to consult some friends at the Peter Mac Hospital to see what is required. The Hospital is supported by five Rotary Clubs in Nepal, but is clearly in need of some additional help.

For dinner, we returned to the Women's Refuge for a traditional Newali meal and cultural performance. The women and children of the Centre had been stitching costumes and practicing dance routines in preparation for our visit. The men in our group were presented with Nepalese hats and the women scarves - a token of love. Unfortunately, as with most Nepalese activities, it didn't run on time, but never the less, it was worth the wait.