At the urging of my tutor, and because I agreed and thought it to be a good idea, I traveled to the city of Kathmandu in Nepal to have some time away to hone the finer points of my abilities. It was a wonderful trip, despite how much of the beauty of the city has been ravaged by earthquakes - but much of it has also been maintained as well, and I especially enjoyed the maze of narrow streets and alleyways. The tourist district is lively but still maintains an old-world feel, which I appreciate.

I think I picked up far too many books, too much jewelry, and a paper lantern or two that wasn't necessary but too pretty to pass up.

But I have returned and I missed all this.