Sandal-craft on labour day

On the backstreets through Thamel - some cobbled, some dirt track and some bathed in a layer of water thrown down by locals in an attempt to scold the street for being so parched and dry - my budget no-name brand TK maxx sandals gave way. The insole, to which the sandal straps are attached, detached from the main tread of the sandal leaving me with no defence against the rugged roads. I stopped at a local shop, asked where I could have them repaired and was directed to one of the beggars on the street who I had previously walked past and paid no attention, as is the custom in the streets of London.

The shoe repair craftsman then set about work making holes in the sole of my sandal with an old screwdriver and winding thread between the sole and the straps. His discussed with me how he would go about fixing the sandal, although my side of the discussion involved smiling, nodding and occasionally saying "good, good" in Nepali. After a few minutes work, the sandals which I would normally have abandoned were as good as new.

In a sure footed stride, I walked on to the hospital only to discover that today is the national holiday, Labour day (Majdur Diwas). So I headed back to the hotel and walked alongside the sporadic marches that happen across the city.