Nepal 97 Travelog : the medieval city of Bhaktapur, in the Kathmandu valley (9/24)

<BODY BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT = "#ABCBBE"> There are may other examples of the newar craftsmanship architecture and in Bhaktapur : so I won't list all temples, shrines, statues, bahals (monastery courtyards) or residences : any well done guide (as the Lonely Planet) will do that better than me. <BR> I will just tell more about clay craftsmanship. Indeed, Bhaktapur has a Potter's Square. Under the old Hindu caste system, someone born in a potter's family is destined to be a potter. And so will do his children. Here, pottery is made using methods since centuries : under shady verandas or tin-roofed sheds, Potters spin wheels made out of wood or automobiles tires, and clay is kneaded by hand or foot. In the square, literally thousands of finished pots sits drying in the sun.<BR> One final advice : do not hesitate to stay longer (than what you initially scheduled) in Bhaktapur : you won't regret it. Afterwards, I would have love spent more time here (and less in Kathmandu self)<BR> </BODY>