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I talk often enough about fourwheel vehicles. Or more specifically, taxis. Even more specifically, their drivers. But what about bikes? First off, I still get confused when I hear the word bike. Where I come from, a bike is what children get for Christmas. Yes, what is termed a ‘cycle’ here in Nepal. To me then, a motorised ‘bike’ is a motorbike. And, while on the topic, a scooter is a scooter, not a scooty (however it is spelt). Who came up with that word anyway, it’s hardly an abbreviation worth bothering about?

Anyway, back to bikes (of the motor persuasion). They are everywhere. Parked on the pavement, triple parked in designated spots, driving on the pavement, suddenly appearing from narrow lanes not big enough to swing a cat; you know it! But in case you don’t know—bikes are supposed to follow the same rules as cars. That is, not being two abreast so you can chat to your friend. Not four abreast just because you can. And definitely not weaving in and out, and tearing around the wrong side of a vehicle making it a real danger for pedestrians.

I still get confused when I hear the word bike. Where I come from, a bike is what children get for Christmas

 I realize, monetary constraints aside, the majority of people have bikes as they are easier to handle and faster to navigate through the congestion. That said, what is not on is bikes making the congestion worse by not waiting their turn at a junction and by filling every available gap. Really no one is going any faster if you act in this haphazard manner. A few months ago I wrote about the art of shopping in Nepal. Where the shop keeper serves six people at one time. He gets through the customers equally as quickly on his clock but the least pushy customer may find himself taking five times as long while others are served ahead of him. That’s how it is with bikes. The more bikes that push and squeeze their way to the top of the queue the more time every other vehicle takes to get across the junction. So you Mr Macho get home 30 seconds quicker but the rest of us have to spend another five minutes in the line while 20 bikes sail ahead.

 And it’s not just the men. Female bike riders (or ‘scooty’ riders), if not equally as aggressive, are equally as dangerous. Probably more so. Like the college-aged bike riders who are extremely gung-ho with their devilmay- care attitude, female riders seem oblivious to other road users. Is it because they ride less frequently or is it because they feel they have an ‘Equal Right’ to the road? Or is it just because they are more bitchy to other road users, especially female pedestrians? I often get the feeling it is the latter. Because whereas there are a few gentlemen on the road, there are not any gentle-women! There are just hard-core feminists making their point.

Getting back to bad road habits— why do cars and bikes heading the same direction across a junction go two different ways? I mean when there is a police box in the middle of the junction or some other obstacle, the traffic streams to both the left and the right. I’m from Britain where we have an excellent system to control the flow of traffic at a junction. A round-about. Similar to those round police boxes in the middle of the chowk, but bigger. Sometimes the size of Maitighar. Or as small as my desk (if it was round). These ensure the flow of traffic runs smoothly, one way around the crossing. Even if you are riding a bike. Imagine— traffic running smoothly and predictably. And we all get home so much sooner!

Café Tara at Maharajgunj (exact opposite of the American Embassy) is one good looking joint to hang out. Elegantly decorated with ample natural light to lift one’s soggy mood, Café Tara is popular for its freshly brewed coffee, delicious cakes and bakes, and a minimalistic yet filling food menu. What more? Next door is the Tara Ktm clothing store (same owner) with a huge selection of fashionable outfits. Unfortunately for the gentlemen, this is a ladies-only store. But you can still take your wife or girlfriend shopping and spend the excruciatingly long waiting hours chilling out at the café, can’t you now? Or if you’re single, who knows? You might just find your flame trying out a dress next door. You need not worry about parking too. There’s a big enough space right next to the premise.

THE MENU

Chef’s Special:

-Ichiraku Ramen

-Nutella waffle

-Mint lemonade

Opening hours: 8 am-8 pm

Location: Maharajgunj

Cards: Accepted

Meal for 2: Rs 1500

Reservations: 9813574544

“A normal day now begins with a schedule. Some chores, some talking, and ‘letting out’ sessions with professional treatment. It was very tough initially, the withdrawal phase: The sleepless nights, the craving, the detoxing and what not. My friends and family helped me a lot but they still have trust issues, which is natural. I have relapsed before. But I have been clean for a year now and I am looking forward to facing the world. I feel healthy.”

 Addiction doesn’t always last a lifetime. Many people recover, mostly on their own. Old habits die hard, and forming a new one can be challenging. What these residential rehabilitation centers do is build up a routine, a new habit. The intense program of support and care for the sufferers inside is aimed at creating for them a healthier community and an optimistic future.

 The recovery journeys are common, as all are essentially on the same boat. The vices may differ, but the acts of ‘cleaning up’ and ‘new beginnings’ are the same, as they together build up courage.

Michael Grills, as much as the name sounds foreign, is a joint where you can savor typical Nepali food. Located at Old Baneshwor on the lane next to the APEX College (one that goes towards Maitidevi), Michael Grills is mainly famous for its sekuwas (marinated barbecue meat).

 Given its low prices and delicious offerings, youngsters looking to grab a quiet bite, and maybe a chilled beer to go with it, are always to be found at Michael’s. It currently can seat around 50-60 customers. But as its customer base grows, it is thinking of expanding to a nearby location.

THE MENU

Chef’s Special:

- Sekuwa

- Jhol momo

- Biryani

Opening hours: 11 am-10 pm

Location: Old Baneshwor

Cards: Accepted

Meal for 2: Rs 800

Reservations: 9851151508