General strike

This is a photograph from my wanderings a couple of weeks ago during a Nepal bandh. This is when the Maoists call a nationwide, general strike. On these days there are no shops open, no transport running and very few services. Government offices remain open. I find it incredible that the Maoists have the power to bring the whole country to a standstill. A friend of mine had a flight booked for that day and had to walk to the airport.
I was therefore confined to the local vicinity so took the opportunity for a stroll. It was amazing being out and about. The roads were empty - the photo above is of a main road which would normally be packed with vehicles zipping up and down and honking their horns. (I have been meaning to write about crossing the road here which is obviously a risky undertaking. Imagine if you will a real life game of Froggit. There is no chance of getting across even one half of the road in one go so you just have to keep your cool and walk confidently across as cars speed in front and behind you. My top tip is to hide next to somebody else trying to get across - and then swap sides with them in the middle to avoid being the one directly in the line of traffic!). The traffic free city was wonderful to walk around. I found this lovely temple near to Patan Durbar Square and pottered around the back streets. There actually were plenty of small shops open but these were in the back alleys. I understand that if the Maoists come along the shutters are quickly pulled down.
The calling of Bandhs is now more regular although they have also been called off at the last minute too. The one that started today is due to last until Tuesday which will be very frustrating as I am due to go out and about for work tomorrow.
The torch rally's also remain frequent. I watched one from a restaurant window and then we ran into a further one today.