Patan: Hidden courtyards and the Golden Temple

 For our last few days in Nepal we are staying in Patan, 5 km southwest of Kathmandu. Patan is less hectic than Kathmandu and we are staying in a quiet neighborhood not far from the main square. At our hotel the owner, Mohandas offered to take us on a private tour, which we gladly accepted. We began in the courtyard behind our hotel, which led into another courtyard, and yet another. Each courtyard contained shrines, temples and local common spaces. We continued down several streets ducking under low doorways into narrow alleys which led to more inner courtyards, unseen from the road and each with a unique story. As we continued our exploration, Mohandas shared his family history as we passed important landmarks. Eventually we were led into his Buddhist temple, and were told of his time as a monk caretaker, a role all of the temple members share. Entering the Golden Temple we were astonished at the elaborate decorations and the level of community activity. Since the Temple was the end of our tour we took the opportunity to sit in the monastery and appreciate the moment