Long over due greetings everyone!
Please note that our next few entries will be arriving late as we had little access to high-speed internet during our journey and as you know we always like to include photos with our blogs. However, we are safe and sound and have lots to share.
First things first...we finally made it to Bhutan!!
Bhutan is so beautiful! No exceptions, it is definitely a sight to see. Tucked in the valleys of rolling hills and mountains it is really a lovely sight. On arrival, our dear friend, Tharchean, greeted us at the airport. What a delight to see a face we could recognize. That's one thing you miss while away - is the friendly faces that you do know, never mind all of the new friendly faces that you get to know. In any case, Tharchean was there with a warm welcome. He and two brother-in-laws - Sithar (a Major in the army and the head of Paro airport security) and Nawang (who was our driver/tour guide during our stay).
Over our 2 week stay we met up with almost all of Tharchean's family as we spent a great deal of time enjoying the comforts of family time from one home to another; we shared in the delights of several Bhutanese home-cooked meals and Norm and I even cooked a few meals to share with them; we played cards, jump rope, and hop scotch with the kids; and just sat around chatting about all sorts of things. It was nice to feel like part of a family again. That is something that we truly miss.
In Bhutan we began our stay with a quick visit to the hospital as I had managed to get a touch of tonsillitis while in Chiang Mai (Thailand) just before we arrived. No big deal, but the doctor recommended day of rest, some medication, and tender loving care - all of which helped me heal in no time at all.
I must say that Norm and I were very fortunate to have been in the country during this time as we managed to see one of Bhutan's wonderful festivals in Paro, as well we were present to witness their first ever election. The election was won over with an overwhelming landslide - which, for the most part was a bit of a shock to many, however, it was who the majority of people wanted. Unfortunately, there was little (only 2 of 47 districts) in terms of opposition so the 2 individuals who won actually decided to step down as they thought it would be a lost hope to ever try and stand up to the other 45 in the house.
The festival in Paro was wonderful. It was really our first interaction with many of the locals who came dressed up in their finest traditional clothing to share in the event. The highlight was definitely the cultural dances that were put on. The photos included will hopefully express the rhythms and movements that were enjoyed by all. I wandered around the grounds where the festival took place and met up with several smiling faces that were more than willing to smile for my camera. Everyone was so pleasant. Many of the younger people could speak English so I was able to communicate with them, however the elderly just simply smiled and enjoyed the conversations that were taking place around them.
During our 2-week stay we saw so many sites and enjoyed each and everyone one of them. One of the most prominent was our trek up to what is called the Tiger's Nest. As you can see from the photos this place is situated on a mountain side. It was so awesome. Our trek up was a bit of a challenge, but was well worth it when we got to the top as we enjoyed a tea and lunch with the head Lama of the temple. Fortunately for us, Sithar provided one of his young army men to carry up our lunch and thank goodness for that as the lunch that was prepared was more like a buffet! Most of the time we felt like VIPs as we were really spoiled with so much attention.
Some of the other sites we visited were the National Museum, Punaka Dzong, a few NGOs to see what assistance is given to those Bhutanese in need, Royal Botanical Gardens, we watched archery (their national sport), went to the zoo to see the Takin (their national animal), we went to Tango Goemba, the communications tower, national stadium, we went to Tharchean's daughters classes and read a story and played with puppets, we shopped for fresh vegetables at their central market, went to the Textile Museum, Art School (where the youth are taught numerous cultural skills like wood carving, painting, weaving, etc.), the Heritage Museum, and the Chelela Pass. Everything was so interesting, but far too much to share in just one blog.
We were only in Bhutan for a few weeks, but the family made us feel like we had been there forever. Everyone was so hospitable, the children were so cute, and even grandma learned to say a few words in English. We had a great time with everyone, but miss them dearly. Enjoy the photos - they will hopefully say a lot more than this blog will.
By the way, Tharchean passes a big 'HELLO' to all who know him!!
From here we headed to Kathmandu, Nepal. See you there!
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