First impressions

The journey was an interesting one - not so many vehicles run over the border, the road is physically restricted to a one way bridge. In short the day consisted of: train, bus, bus, cycle rikshaw, jeep, horse cart, form filling, walking over the border, form filling, and then a shared tempo. As far as borders go it could be confused with the state borders elsewhere in India, not what I would imagine as secure.

So this is Nepal, perhaps a border town is not the most accurate representation. In short


People - as helpful as the best parts of rural India

Traffic - It's almost like people here take responsibility for their actions, sorry India. I've only witnessed a few people driving dangerously so far, most of the traffic is more cautious. Far more bicycles on the road

Vehicles - I witnessed a bus in such bad condition that after belching clouds of black smoke it gave up before it even managed to pull out of the bus station. Motorbikes mostly Indian brands. So unchanged

Police - Disturbingly numerous at night. Camo and fluorescent jackets, that's new (after India).

ATMs - not so kind to foreigners, and less reliable

Currency  - In a worse condition than Indian currency, if the pieces still form a rectangle its valid. ATM's don't want to give 100 NPR notes, so these are as bad as anything else. Everything seems expensive until you remember 1 INR (INdian Rupee) is 1.6 NPR (NePali Rupee)

Packaged milk - not available...

Bars - more common than general stores. Possibly the most common store here. Just in case you are more than 20m from the nearest bar, most restaurants and lodges also sell alcohol. Don't panic, alcohol shops are open by 7.30am, till late.