Harry Potter Fever Grips Ridge Valley School by its Theatrical Roots. Online Dating Service Scams. By early morning, 25 th of July, evidence of strange wizardry was visible all over Ridge Valley. Train times, fares & how to buy tickets for train travel in China, including trains from Beijing to Xian, Beijing to Hong Kong and Beijing to Guangzhou, also the.

The Forgotten Streams of New York – Narratively. My analyst and I grew more intimately connected each week of treatment..

Archaeological excavations in parts of Kathmandu have found evidence of ancient civilizations. The oldest of these findings is a statue, found in Maligaon, that was. In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was situated in east of Kapilavastu and southwest Devadaha of Shakya kingdom. It was there, that the Buddha was born.

I never saw this indecent proposal coming. It’s the waning moments of my fourth session with a new therapist.

Once thought to be the fabled and. Pashupatinath, or Pashupati, is a Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River in Deopatan, a village 3 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to a.

I’m holding back — and she knows it. My entire body feels tense, not ideal for the setting. I try to relax, but the plush leather couch crumples under me when I shift, making the movements extraordinary.

I’ve barely looked into my therapist’s blue eyes at all, and yet I think the hour has gone very well. On the surface, when the patient has been highly selective of the discussion topics, therapy always resembles a friendly get- together.“Well,” my therapist, Lori, says, the millisecond after I become certain our time is up and I might be in the clear.

My eyelids tighten, my mouth puckers to the left, and my head tilts, as though I’m asking her to clarify.“When you said you’re attracted to me,” she continues.“Oh, yeah,” I say. Within the confines of my family, I’ve always been the biggest target of ridicule. We all throw verbal darts around as though we’re engaged in a massive, drunken tournament at a bar, but the most poisonous ones seem to hit me the most often, admittedly somewhat a consequence of my own sensitivity. I’ve been told it was historically all part of an effort to toughen me up, but instead I was filled with towering doubts about my own worth. And since 2. 01. 2, when I gave up a stable, tenured teaching career for the wildly inconsistent life of a freelance writer, I’ve had great difficulty trusting my own instincts and capabilities. I told Lori that I wish I was better at dealing with life’s daily struggles instead of constantly wondering if I’ll be able to wade through the thick. She quickly and convincingly pointed out that I work rather hard and am, ultimately, paying my bills on time, that I have friends, an appreciation for arts and culture, and so on.

In short, I am, in fact, strong, responsible and “pretty good at life.”Then Lori heightened the discussion a bit. I was too insecure and too single to handle such a compliment from a beautiful woman.“Why are you reacting that way?” Lori asked. I shrugged my shoulders, only half looking up.“Is it because you’re attracted to me?”I laughed a little, uncomfortably. She jogs often, I’d come to find out, which explains her petite figure and ability to probably pull off just about any outfit of her choosing.

I still can’t speak, so she takes over.“Do you think you’re the first client that’s been attracted to their therapist?” she asks rhetorically. Do you bend me over and take me from behind?”Nailed it.“If that’s what you’re thinking, it’s OK,” she goes on, earnestly, explaining that she’s discussed sexual scenarios with her clients before so as to “normalize” the behavior and not have them feel their own thoughts are unnatural. By showing the patient a level of acceptance, she hopes to facilitate a more comfortable atmosphere for “the work” — her painfully accurate pseudonym for psychotherapy. I take a second to let the red flow out of my face, and ponder what she said. I’m a little unsure about this whole technique, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.

So I go home, incredibly turned on and completely unashamed.* * *One of the great breakthroughs I’ve had in the thirteen months since I began seeing Lori (who agreed to participate in this article, but requested that her full name not be published) is a new ability to accept the existence of dualities in life. For instance, I’ve always had a tremendous sense of pride that, if it doesn’t straddle the line of arrogance, certainly dives into that hemisphere from time to time.

I’m great at seeing flaws in others and propping myself up above them by smugly observing my character strengths. I’ve never liked that about myself, but the harder concept to grasp is the fact that I can be so egotistical while also stricken with such vast quantities of insecurity. In treatment I came to realize that all people have contradictions to their personalities. There’s the insanely smart guy who can’t remotely begin to navigate a common social situation, the charitable girl who devotes all her time to helping strangers, but won’t confront issues in her own personal relationships. In my case, my extreme sensitivity can make me feel fabulous about the aspects of myself that I somehow know are good (my artistic tastes) and cause deep hatred of those traits I happen to loathe (the thirty pounds I could stand to lose).

My next session with Lori is productive. We speak about relationships I’ve formed with friends and lovers, and how my family may have informed those interactions. One constant is that I put crudely high expectations on others, mirroring those thrown upon me as a kid. I’m angered when people don’t meet those expectations, and absolutely devastated when I don’t reach them. Lori points out that it must be “exhausting trying to be so perfect all the time.” I am much more comfortable than I was the week prior, and can feel myself being more candid. I’m relieved that the whole being- attracted- to- my- therapist thing doesn’t come up. Then, a week later, Lori mentions it, and I become tense again.“I thought I’d be able to move past it,” I say, adding, “We aired it out, and it’s fine.”As definitive as I’m trying to sound, Lori is just as defiant.“I’m glad you feel that way,” she begins, “but I think you owe yourself some kudos.

This kind of therapy,” she shares, “isn’t something just anyone can take on.” Such honest discussion doesn’t simply happen, it takes tremendous guts, and Lori can see that I am dealing with it relatively well, so I should praise my own efforts.“Shit, we both should be proud of ourselves,” she says. My treatment wouldn’t be happening if I weren’t enabling it. Then she says, “And don’t think it’s not nice for me to hear that a guy like you thinks I’m beautiful.”Crippled by the eroticism of the moment, and combined with the prevailing notion that no woman this stunning could ever be romantically interested in me, I flounder through words that resemble, “Wait.

Who knows?”I’m confused — Is she really attracted to me or is this some psychotherapeutic ruse? I’m frustrated — I told her I didn’t really want to talk about it.

Shouldn’t she be more sensitive to my wants here? I’m angry — Is she getting an ego boost out of this?

Most of all, I don’t know what the next step is — Am I about to experience the hottest thing that’s ever happened to a straight male since the vagina was invented? There were two ways to find out: 1) Discontinue the therapy, wait for her outside her office every day, follow her to a hypothetical happy hour and ask her out, or. Keep going to therapy.* * *A week later, I’m physically in the meeting room with Lori, but mentally I haven’t left the recesses of my mind.“Where are you today?” she asks, probably noticing my eyes roving around the room.“I don’t know.”“Are you still grappling with the sexual tension between us?”Here we go again.“Yes,” I say, with a bit of an edge in my voice, “and I don’t know what to do about it.”Lori, ever intently, peers into my eyes, wrinkles her mouth and slightly shakes her head.“Do you want to have sex with me?” she asks. We both know the answer to that question. All I can do is stare back.“Let’s have sex,” she announces. How do I know for sure that you won’t take me if I offer myself to you?”“I wouldn’t do that.”“That’s what I thought,” she says, and tension in the room decomposes. I’m awfully proud of myself, and it’s OK to be in this instance.

I’m gaining trust in myself, and confidence to boot. But, as the dualities of life dictate, I’m successfully doing “the work” with a daring therapist, while at the same time not entirely convinced she isn’t in need of an ethical scrubbing.* * *I don’t have another session with Lori for nearly three months, because she took a personal leave from her place of employment. When our sessions finally resumed, I could not wait to tell her about my budding relationship with Shauna. Ten minutes into my first date with Shauna — right about the time she got up from her bar stool and said she was “going to the can” — I knew she would, at the very least, be someone I was going to invest significant time in. She was as easy to talk to as any girl I’d ever been with, and I found myself at ease. Plans happened magically without anxiety- inducing, twenty- four- hour waits between texts. Her quick wit kept me entertained, and I could tell by the way she so seriously spoke about dancing, her chosen profession, that she is passionate about the art form and mighty talented too.

Shauna is beautiful, with flawless hazel eyes and straight dark hair, spunky bangs and a bob that matches her always- upbeat character. She is a snazzy dresser and enjoys a glass of whiskey with a side of fried pickles and good conversation as much as I do. Things escalated quickly, but very comfortably, and since we’d both been in our fair share of relationships, we knew the true power of honesty and openness. So upon the precipice of my return to therapy I told Shauna about Lori, and admitted to having mixed feelings about what I was getting back into.

I told her I was at least moderately uncertain if my mental health was Lori’s number- one concern since she always seemed to find the time to mention my attraction to her. The first two sessions of my therapeutic reboot had gone great. Lori appeared genuinely thrilled that I was dating Shauna and could see how happy I was. I wasn’t overwhelmed with sexual tension in the new meeting room, though it wasn’t actually spoken about, and in the back of my mind I knew it was just a matter of time before it would start to affect my ability to disclose my thoughts to Lori again. Then, while attempting to ingratiate myself with my new girlfriend’s cat by spooning food onto his tiny dish on the kitchen floor, I hear my phone ding from inside the living room.“You got a text, babe,” Shauna says.

Kathmandu - Wikitravel. Kathmandu. Kathmandu (. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri- La, Kathmandu is now a hub for independent travellers as well as a growing vacation spot catering to all budgets. Free Online Dating And Chatting Site India more.

As a result of considerable urban growth in recent decades, it is now part of one continuous urban area together with Patan to the south. The metropolitan city area is 5.

It is surrounded by four major mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. Kathmandu Valley is part of three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur), has the highest population density in the country, and is home to about a twelfth of Nepal's population. Until the 1. 5th century, Bhaktapur was its capital when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, were established.

During the Rana and Shah eras, British historians called the valley itself . Today, Kathmandu is not only the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, but also the headquarters of the Central Development Region of Nepal. The Central Region comprises three zones: Bagmati, Narayani, and Janakpur. Kathmandu is located in the Bagmati Zone. It is also the nerve center of the country's economy. It has the most advanced infrastructure of any urban area in Nepal, and its economy is focused on tourism, which accounted for 3.

Nepal's GDP in 1. Tourism in Kathmandu declined thereafter during a period of political unrest, but since then has improved. In 2. 01. 3, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top 1. Trip. Advisor,and ranked first in Asia. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Most of Kathmandu's people follow Hinduism and many others follow Buddhism.

There are people of other religious beliefs as well, giving Kathmandu a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in the city. English is understood by Kathmandu's educated residents. This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2,1.

Portions of the city with lower elevations have a humid subtropical climate, while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate. In the Kathmandu Valley the average summer temperature varies from 2. The average winter temperature is 1. Unpredictable weather is expected given temperatures can drop to 3 . During a 2. 01. 3 cold front, the winter temperatures of Kathmandu dropped to . Rainfall is mostly monsoon- based (about 6.

June to August), and decreases substantially (1. Nepal to western Nepal. Rainfall has been recorded at about 1,4. Kathmandu valley, and averages 1,4. Kathmandu. On average humidity is 7. Domestic flights take about an hour and cost USD1.

The primary domestic airlines are air viva, Yeti, Nepal Airlines, and Buddha Air. Domestic flight schedule are available at Nepal. Airflight. Prices for domestic flights are two tier. Nepalese citizens pay significantly less than foreign visitors. While flights can be booked online it is often cheaper to book them in Nepal through an agent. Do not keep anything of value in checked bags, and if you lock the bag, the zipper may be forced open and broken. There is little to no security for your bags.

You should also be aware that most luggage is treated quite poorly in Nepalese airports. It is recommended that all fragile and valuable items be kept in your carry on luggage. You will then be expected to pay a tip to this person. It's fine to pay the tip in foreign currency but make sure you have some small bills or coins on hand (even a dollar or two will be significant to Nepalis). Representatives will be standing outside the arrivals doors behind a barricade and will hold a sign identifying themselves. This form of transport is particularly helpful if you are a novice to Nepal, arriving late at night and unfamiliar with how things work in the country. Prepaid Taxis cost NPR 7.

Thamel. Don't give the receipt to the driver until you are at your destination and you are satisfied, as this serves as the driver's payment. If the driver asks for more money, don't give it. There is no culture of tipping taxi drivers. Regular Taxis are an easy way to get to the city but be prepared to negotiate the price beforehand, heavily. The cheapest rate that you can get to Thamel is NPR4. NPR2. 00- 3. 00, which is close to the standard meter rate.

Taxi drivers may try to extract some commission by showing you one or more hotels on the way. Update Nov 2. 01. Local buses pickup and drop- off at the airport gate, 0.

The buses generally do not have fixed schedules and are often crowded and painful but cost only NPR1. Ask the cashier about where the bus stops. To get from the airport to Katmandu, turn right when you get off of the terminal.

Then take the exit and walk for 2min until the gate. Go on your left on the main Street to the bus station.

Ask the buses if they go to Ratna Park (1. Thank) or other destinations. You can place your bag on top (and sit there if you wish) and as it's the first stop you get the seat too. The buses wait till full before they go and cost 1. November 2. 01. 5). Allow plenty of time, as the ride may take 1h.

However, due to poor roads and frequent delays the buses are some of the slowest and least comfortable in South Asia. From there, there are 'mini buses' which criss cross the main roads of the city for about NPR2. Night buses are available, but the ride is painful. Greenline operates a convenient bus every morning between the popular tourist areas of Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara (USD2.

The road is winding and includes many switchbacks and offers wonderful views of hills and rural Nepalese lifestyle. The drivers will generally not drive too fast but some will calmly weave in and out of the stream of opposing traffic and slam on the brakes when a stop is required, making for a scary ride if you look out the front window. The 1. 23km journey takes 6+ hours and costs NPR5.

Buses depart until the early afternoon. Private jeeps (USD6. The first thing some visitors notice about Kathmandu is the general lack of street names except for major roads such as Tri Devi & Ring Road (loops around the city) & address numbers.

In most cases directions are given relative to the nearest chowk or tole (an intersection or square, often with a market) or a noteworthy location or building (such as a temple or restaurant). In the tourist district of Thamel, the Kathmandu Guest House & Hot Breads bakery are two main landmarks. If a driver uses his meter it is courteous to tip (up to one third is about the norm). Prices go up after dark (see above) and in less busy areas. Taxis are easy to find; they park near all major streets & have fare- meters. After 2. 2 it can be very difficult to find taxis away from central tourist areas or major hotels.

It should be possible to hire a taxi for 3. Patan & 8. 00- 1,2.

Bakhtapur from Thamel or the airport. For longer trips & to hire a taxi by the day negotiate with the driver. Haggle hard and you will easily find another driver if you are not satisfied. However it should be avoided if the driver suggest using it, as it is probably fixed and will overcharge you. After 1. 1PM, taxis can be harder to find outside Thamel. See below for tips on traveling outside of the valley. Riding the buses with the local people can be very pleasant & interesting but at the same time it is confusing as well as there are no proper signboards for navigating around.

The buses are typically very old and rough. Local people are usually very friendly and helpful in case you are confused during the excursion. Having 5 and 1. 0 rupee notes can be very helpful. From Thamel, it is about 1.

Ring Road, and you can take the bus for many of the main attractions, saving money of a taxi/rickshaw. One of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. There are 3. 50 steps to the top - the back route is less steep but the views on the way up are not as nice. Aside from the views over the city and the ancient carvings in every available space, it's crowded with monkeys mingling with the visitors. The base of the hill is a 3. Thamel (make sure you have a map as there are several confusing intersections along the way), or take a taxi or rickshaw. As with the Boudha Stupa, are plenty of Buddhist and Tibetan- inspired trinkets for sale.

There are also drinks for sale at the top, and at least one small restaurant selling momos. For those that have their own transport or have difficulty climbing stairs there is a parking lot at the back entrance that significantly reduces the number of stairs that need to be climbed to gain access to the main compound. This is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Foreigners: NPR7.

Boudha Stupa in Boudha (. One of the most sacred sites for Tibetan Buddhism. This huge stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is located to the north- east of Dwarikas' Hotel and just to the north of the airport area. This is another World Heritage Site. NPR2. 50. NPR2. 50.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum - This is the former Royal palace which was turned partly into a Museum and partly into the Foreign Ministry after the abolition of the monarchy in 2. Now you can visit the splendid Halls of the main building of the palace. Giant fruit bats hanging from the tall trees and 2. Foreigners: NPR5. Thamel Chowk - a tourist neighborhood with many restaurants and shops. Freak Street - Historic street where western hippies seeking enlightenment would stay.

Now just a few restaurants and hotels. Pashupatinath - An important Hindu temple to Shiva in the form of Lord of Animals. See monkeys, cremation, sadhus and meditation caves. Morning or sunset are great times to go. Rupess for foreigners, though you can sneak in through the park at the North side of the temple, as many locals do (beware of police though, who try to catch people doing exactly this).

No entry inside the main temple for foreigners, though you can peer inside from the doorway.