March 24 - Katha - Rented Bicycles for the day in hopes of getting into the country side. We figure the town is small enough to see in its entirety in one day. The bikes are typical of Asia. Falling apart and single gear. As soon as town disappear the mountains came into view through the farm smoke. In no way would we make it with our bikes up the hills. We turned back and stopped at a local sandal makers shop. Several families on one street have set up a cottage industry taking old truck tires and cutting them up into sandals. Only 25 cents for a pair!

Noticed all the horse drawn carriages still in use. Got invited to a Buddhist temple for a ceremony. Met up with the guy who rented us bikes. He seemed friendly enough. Got to talking and sound out he is retired military. Said he was a "judge, jury and lawyer". Only foreigners in town at the time. Everyone seems to know we are around.