Beautiful Bhutan. Seventy percent of the country is green space, with a population of a mere 700,000 citizens, almost all of which are Buddhists who farm the land.
Bhutan possesses southern Himalayan ice-capped mountains, ragging rivers that create hydroelectric power for export and a present day culture reflective of a time and pace long since forgotten in our busy western society.
From Thimpu to Punaka and then to Paro we traveled and explored fortresses with both novice and learned monks and government administration… a unique cohabitation. Speaking of unique, we wouldn’t want to forget our one phallic mention. The Buddhist rational for which is? It’s strategic. To help ward off unsavory spirits of destruction, such as thunder—a shy spirit all the while powerful and destructive. Homes painted with phallic symbols embarrass/offend the spirit into leaving homes untouched by disaster… good to know. ☺
Hiking through small villages, farmer’s fields and yards we visit a young monk who rapidly dresses to receive us and abandons his making of a butter cake offering for his modest monastery. High above the valley we bask in the sunshine, watch the villagers fall trees for their new road and realize we are amongst friends with no pretense or tourist infrastructure—Little Tigers Nest is a special place nestled in the rocky cliffs and important in Buddhist history. And, if you look closely, beneath the murky muddy waters of a small teeny tiny crack in the rocks you might even spot the footprint of Guruda.
Our ode to Madonna… What?! It was bound to happen at some point, Ha! ‘Like a virgin, touched for the very first time…’ Bhutan trustingly invites you to explore its natural and cultural riches. Invitingly you mingle amongst young monks practicing their lessons in scripture and music at the Devout Mad Man’s Temple of Fertility, where Alexandra received a blessing from the temple monk…time will confirm… hee hee!
During our last days in Bhutan we enjoy a ‘modern moment’ drinks at the oasis of Paro’s new five star Resort, Uma with Claudia (a German woman and new friend also exploring Bhutan). For the finale, we arrive at Tigers Nest after a winding and rigorous three hours climb. Past the mountain waterfall are nothing but rewarding vistas. What an enchanting destination—feel those quads burn!
Tigers Nest lies 9000 feet above the Paro valley—we proudly participated in the pilgrimage. Buddhists are expected to make the journey once within their lifetime. On our way down the mountain we saw a young mother with her grandmother and newborn baby who were slowly but surely pacing themselves for a multi-generational memory.
It isn’t until you leave Bhutan that you truly begin to absorb finding a young fresh pearl in the global oyster. Alex used the expression ‘medieval’, we did watch the Queen and entourage drive by as we crossed a mountain road…amongst her subjects rural life continues and the untouched landscape of Bhutan in Paro and Thimpu are speckled with development, process and murmurings of capitalism…careful what you wish for… On to Mysterious Myanmar (Burma).
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