It was beginning to get dark. We walked down more side streets and in
one I found a charming musical instrument shop. The drums were superb,
but unfortunately far too bulky to carry home. I tried a quaint looking
reed instrument but could make no sound. No one could get a sound out
of it. I left without buying anything.
We went back to Aunt Jane's for our meal. It was nothing special and
they didn't have the puddings we wanted so we left and headed back to
Durbar Square. We passed a coffee and pie shop. It was tempting. We
went in and pigged ourselves. We were eating far too much food. Why
this contrast with India where we had eaten almost nothing? What would
it be like when we returned?
Between the restaurant and the pie shop Jane and Ben has taken more
photos (for their project). It was dark, pitch black, and they snapped
(should I say that about student photographers?) multi coloured lights
adorning the shops. I knew my film would not be up to it so, sorry no
photos here.
While they were busy with their cameras I was pestered (am I using that
word a lot?) by a young boy who asked how much my coat had cost. I
wouldn't tell him and he kept grabbing my arm and following me. He was
telling me of places to visit. He wanted money. Later I found the side
pocket on my money pouch was undone - but nothing missing.
After the pie shop, tired it was time to retire to our room. We headed
back across Durbar Square. Power cut. Sudden blackness, common here,
and soon candles and oil lamps twinkled to life. Sudden panic. Jane had
left her camera in the pie shop. We ran back. A Frenchman who had sat
at our table as we left had found it. All was well. Camera retrieved.
She was lucky and relieved.
Now 8:00pm. We called to collect Jane's sandals from the cobbler. He
was still crouching at his work - by candle light. Rs20/- for the
excellent repairs. Maybe English cobblers could learn a few things from
him.
Return to room and rest.