Many streets were only wide enough for pedestrian traffic, or maybe a rickshaw or bicycle.

Medieval construction is layered with more modern concrete and rebar. Plastic Buddhas and statellite dishes crouch among lotus flower offerings to centuries-old gargoyles.

The marketplaces and alleyways never felt threatening. As we explored different passageways, our group divided and merged many times, but somehow we never lost each other in the crowds and corridors.

Photo by Catherine Ley