Today was planned for a long time and this blog might have some things in it you dont want to hear. Dakshinkali is a Hindu temple just outside the Kathmandu valley near the town of Pharping. The temple is dedicated to Kali the bloodthursty consort of Shiva and on Sat and Tues they come for the live animal sacrifice. Wellllllllll where do I start. When you get there there is a long road down to the temple where you can buy your goat or chook to sacrifice. They only sacrifice male uncastrated animals. There is also the people selling baskets of fruit and flowers for the offerings, and then cos there are so many tourists there is the trinket sellers. The faithfull buy there animal and join in the long cue. As part of the ceremony they wash their feet in the river and those of the animal. When it is their turn they go into the temple and the animal is despatched by the holi man. As non Hindu I couldnt go in but I knew I could see from behind the temple. To be honest I was a bit sickened by the way they were doing it. The Holi men would pull the head back as far as possible and hack away with a sawing motion and there didnt seem to be any empathy. It should not be called animal sacrifice it should be called cut the head off my lunch. After the "religeous ceremony" the animal is taken to the other end on the compound and cooked or at least cleaned up to take home for a picnic. The people in line seemed to be in almost a party atmosphere and all in all it was quite ordinary. Then to get out you have to climb up the steps past the cripples and beggars. Its not something I want to repeat in a hurry but also I am very glad I went and saw it. On the way back we went to Chobar to see a 400 year old Buddhist temple.  I took the taxi as far as I could but then had to trek up the last half a Km and that was a killer. I sounded like a broken down horse when I got there but it was well worth the effort and hopefully when I get the chance to put up some pics there will be some good ones. After Chobar we went to Kirtipur - I know Im going there on Monday but I didnt want to tell the guide not to go. Im glad we went today. I got a good feel for the lay of the land and it is a really special place. Kirtipur is on the valley rim and is one of the oldest towns in Nepal. The streets are too narrow for cars and the archetecture is to be seen to be believed. I also hope I got some good pics of this place. The vistas over the valley were incredible. The people were friendly and the whole town was amazing. I can see why Julianna lives there and cant wait to go back. Tomorrow Durbar sq KTM and Swayambunath