Ear problems and hot stone bath

Trip Start Jun 11, 2005

114

Trip End Dec 22, 2005

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Flag of Bhutan Paro, Bhutan
Friday, October 14, 2005

Probably due to the cold, wet conditions on the trek, Maggi had developed an ear infection that had blocked one of her ears and was causing her a lot of pain. We had stopped at a small hospital at Wangdue to get it checked out but they weren't able to cure it, so we had to visit the main hospital in Thimphu enroute to Paro. The health service in Bhutan is completely free for everyone, including tourists, and extremeley efficient as Maggi was given priority treatment. Now she could hear again, Jerry had to remember to watch what he said again!

In Thimphu we met up again with Sonam, the proprietor of Rainbow Tours who had looked after us so well, who gave us T-shirts to remember Bhutan by. Thanks for a great tour!

In the afternoon we visited a final couple of dzongs with the last proving to be the best in Bhutan

Bhutanese house with penis

. Phub had told us that hundreds of years ago a huge demon, covering Tibet and Bhutan had to be controlled. To do this temples were built at strategic points with the Jokang in Lhasa being at it's heart. Many of the temples have since been destroyed and to visit one of these temples is considered very auspicious. This temple was over the left foot. We were delighted to hear nuns signing and chanting when we arrived. Apparently they were doing this for the entire day and wouldn't speak or eat. The temple was very atmospheric, like the Jokang, and we spent quite some time soaking in the atmosphere. The big horns send shivers down your spine!!

We arrived back in Paro to our favourite hotel where we had a hot stone bath in the evening. Stones are heated in a bonfire before being placed at the end of a wooden trough which is filled up with water that heats up. Maggi loved it, Jerry found it OK, while Haze lasted about 5 minutes before feeling too faint as it was pretty hot!

We had our final dinner together and reflected on a unique two weeks in Bhutan. It really is a special place, nowhere else like it. However, there is no doubt that it is beginning to open up to the outside world - TV only started in 1996, Internet 1999 - and the Bollywood effect together with increasing tourists will exert ever-increasing pressure on the culture the King is wisely trying to preserve. We felt priviledged to have experienced such a vibrant and happy culture and people.

The next morning we caught the Druk Air flight together to Calcutta where Hazel left us to fly home to the UK and we continued on to Bangkok for our connecting flight to Australia.