Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal

One of the last places that we visited during our time in Kathmandu was to Swayambhunath Stupa, which is located on the hillside overlooking the city. It is commonly referred to as “monkey temple” due to the abundance of monkeys that live in the trees that surround the temple grounds. Although there are plenty of monkeys and, as always, you need to be careful around them as they will steel anything that they can get their hands on, we found the nickname to be somewhat derogatory. The temple grounds and the large stupa at the top of the grounds are definitely worth visiting and it is quite busy because it is located on the edge of the city and is a short drive from most of the hotels.

Buddha Statue at the Entrance
Temple Next to the Stupa
Colorful Buddha Greets You as You Start to Climb Up the Hill
First View of the Swayambhunath Stupa
Some of the Many Monkeys that Give the Stupa It’s Nickname
Looking Up at the Architecture of the Stupa

The shape of the Swayambhunath Stupa has very specific meaning as the white, round dome base represents the earth and the 13 golden tiers on the tower of the stupa represent the 13 stages to nirvana. Also, the face of Buddha on the four sides of the tower each face in the directions of west, north, east, and south. There is much more to the temple grounds than just the stupa as there are many different temples and statues surrounding the stupa. There are also the famous prayer wheels that wrap around the base of the stupa and faithful will spin each wheel as they walk around the stupa.

Prayer Wheels and People Walking Around the Stupa
Tiered Temple
Unique Artwork and the Iconic Prayer Flags
Buddha Inside of One of the Temples
Monkey at the Temple Door
Hazy Vie2w

It was the most crowded location of all of the places that we visited while in Kathmandu other than perhaps the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. You will also find plenty of vendors selling goods around the temple grounds and we actually purchased a set of the famous prayer flags before leaving to go back to our hotel. In addition to the stunning architecture, there are also wonderful views of the city from the top of the hill, but it was a little cloudy on the day that we visited, so the views weren’t as dramatic as they might be on a clear day. Especially considering how close it is to the heart of Kathmandu, it is certainly worth taking a couple of hours to visit the Swayambhunath Stupa.

Interesting Features Around Every Corner
Items for Sale
These Prayer Displays Were Located Around the Stupa
Golden Artwork
Looking Across to the Other Hillside
Double Stupas
Another View of One of the Temples
Prayer Bell

The City of Devotees, Bhaktapur, in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

During our first full day in Kathmandu, we took a tour just outside of the city to visit the temples of Bhaktapur. Like many of the locations that we visited throughout the Kathmandu Valley, there was evidence of the devastating earthquake of 2015. There has been a lot of work done to restore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites back to their original states. Bhaktapur is one of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley and is home to many of the Newar people, which is one of the oldest cultures in Nepal and also give the city its name as the city of the devotees.

Pagoda Style Temple
Hindu Relief
Dramatic Shikhara Style Temple
View of the Durbar from the Temple Stairs
Ornate Entryway

There are three styles of temple roofs in Nepal and can be found in the Bhaktapur square, the pagoda style that can be found throughout Asia, the Shikhara style that resembles a mountain peak, and the Stupa style with its dome top. Neapal was made up of many different small kingdoms and each of these palaces had their own squares called a durbar where people gathered, worshipped, and most likely sold goods. The architecture of Bhaktapur is quite stunning, but the effects of the earthquake are quite visible as many of the buildings are being supported by posts to keep them from toppling over until they can be fully repaired.

Buildings Supported by Posts
Another Shikhara Style Temple in the Durbar
Amazing Architecture
Detailed Carvings on the Door
Temple Under Reconstruction

Bhaktapur is also known for the clay pots and bricks that are produced in the region and as you drive towards Bhaktapur, you can see the chimneys of the brick factories with plumes of smoke rising towards the sky. In the square, you will find clay pots being painted by the local artisans and awaiting for their time in the kiln to be fired. We spent about two hours in Bhaktapur walking amongst the temples and enjoying the atmosphere. Visiting Bhaktapur is definitely a must for anyone spending time in the Kathmandu Valley.

Pagoda Style Temple Roof
Dragon Protecting the Doorway
Another Temple
Entrance to the Durbar
Snake Fountain
Another Statue Guarding the Temple
More Construction
Items for Sale

The Amazing Ruins at Aphrodisias in Turkey

One of the day trips that we took from Kusadasi in western Turkey was to see the Greek ruins at Aphrodisias. Of all of the ruins that we visited, Aphrodisias was actually our favorite even though it is not as excavated as the ones at Ephesus. The cruise ships don’t typically do tours to Aphrodisias, so you will not be surrounded by crowds and will be able to get up close to all of the different sites within the area. The ancient city gets its name from the Temple of Aphrodite that is located at the site, but one of things that makes Aphrodisias so unique is that was the location of the school where artists learned to carve statues, so there is a museum featuring many statues that the students had created.

Memorial Gateway, Tetrapylon
Amphitheater or Bouleuterion
Columns of the Temple
Classical Bust Done by a Student
Very Large Stadium for Chariot Races
Walking the Grounds
View of the Agora from an Overlook

As with many ancient Greek cities, it was later occupied by the Romans who built a large stadium for chariot races as well as Bouleuterion or amphitheater for the leaders to give speeches as well as to hold performances. Unfortunately, because the site doesn’t attract as many tourists, it hasn’t been as restored as other more famous locations. It has also suffered from several catastrophic earthquakes throughout its history, but what has been restored is truly quite stunning.

A Soldier’s Remains in the Museum
Another View of the Tetrapylon
Interesting Architecture
Many Statues
Reliefs on a Wall Near the Museum
Seats in the Stadium
Statue Amongst the Ruins

We would highly recommend visiting Aprhodisias when staying in either Kusadasi or Izmir as it is definitely worth taking time to see. From the monumental gateway, tetrapylon, the Temple of Aphrodite, the stadium, and the museum, there is enough to see to take at least a couple of hours walking amongst the ruins. As with any historical location, it is also a good idea to have a guide who can explain the history and culture of the city. Even in its current condition, one can certainly imagine what it would have looked like during the times of the Greeks and Romans who originally built it.

Looking Up at the Gateway Arch
One of the Many Carvings
Temple of Aphrodite
Wall Full of Carvings in the Museum
Pomegranate Tree
View of the Amphitheater
Getting a Sense of the Scale of Aphrodisias
Interesting Carving of a Family
Looking Up at the Columns of the Temple