Bhutan

Up at 5AM. A quick shower. Pack up the last. Ready a bit early and off for a quick breakfast. 6:15 off to the airport. One last drive with Kinzang…

This was my last full day in Bhutan. Even today, writing this day from my journal makes me a bit sad. But like that day, I know as I write…

I get in just a quick bit of stretching & yoga in my room before off to breakfast. I run into M. again and share a bit more gab -…

I funny night of sleep. It was warmer, so ditched a layer of clothing and socks too at one point. Also, the room is so closed up to get some…

Forgot to mention shopping yesterday - a set of water colours in tubes for me with the missing colours. Paper & paints for Jamyang & Kinzang. Plein air painting today.…

(I am trying not to think about the number of remaining days, and attempt to stay away from just doing stuff. Am succeeding.) Up 6:15 - forget yoga on the…

A really lovely morning for yoga. I begin with light in the east, on the grass, and about 2 minutes before I will begin the Sun Salutation the sun comes…

I think the thought of the Tiger's Nest has me wanting to have a good walk. There is supposed to be a bike path along the river into town. So,…

A very restless sleep - a bit of worry about the bugs, and I also must get up early - 5 AM. And I am also saying "Goodbye" to eastern…

Up early to leave for Trashigang, as we want Kinzang to get an early start on his return drive, to meet us in Paro. Some of the weaving bought More…

A restless night - probably over excited by the card game! Still I wake at 6AM and I will go out for yoga. I forgot about the dew. But I…

We are off to Trashiyangtse. We'll spend 2 nights there. Breakfast - chat a bit more with 3 tourists from Moldova. They ask a bit about Merak - will they…

We are off today to Khaling to visit the National Hand Loom Weaving Centre. This operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan. (The weaving at this centre is from…

I decide I will ask if we can leave today. I am too tired to do this again tonight. Up at 5:15. A quick splash of water for my face…

We are off today high in the mountains to a rural area and farm stay in Merak. I pack up. I'll use just my small day pack at the home…

First stop - the bank. Weaving money required. I use the ATM. Second stop the Post Office. More stamps and mailing post cards. The post master speaks excellent English, though…

We drive to Trashigang today. But I begin the day with another cooking lesson! Fried rice and sauteed asparagus with onion. The lesson begins in the garden, pulling a small…

I just realize that I think yesterday was Thanksgiving in Canada. A holiday I quite enjoy! I sleep in 'til 7:30 as I am tired. Such a poor sleep and…

A reasonable sleep. Stretches and yoga - I really need it after yesterday! With the window open I can hear the prayer wheels and bells, the birds, and see thick…

I really don't know how to describe today - a total opposite to yesterday that's for sure! We drive from Jakar to Mongar. It' 190km and it took us 10…

I wake up just before 6AM - though still after sunrise. A quick wash. Earthing! It feels good, though my feet do get cold on the wet grass. I few…

Up just after the sun. My room has an entrance with a porch and the garden. So I finally do a little earthing. It takes my tired night right away.…

Up early - 6:15AM. A quick wash and ready to try milking a cow! Karma is up soon too and brings me masala tea. A bit of journal writing and…

My eye is responding to the drops. It has a way to go to be cleared up completely, but I do feel comfortable in leaving Punakha and heading into the…

kadrin che la - Thank-you kuzu zangpo la - welcome / hello We are going to the festival today. It's raining hard when I get up and Jamyang calls and…

Oops I forgot a most interesting sight from yesterday. On our way to the hotel we passed some women playing khuru, a dart game, in a small playing field by…

We are leaving Thimphu, making our way to Punakha. The highway is one tight curve after the other, steep drop offs, though on this road there are usually guard rails.…

I've met a most interesting woman at breakfast. She is here working from Japan on the regional development plan and is on the environmental team. She is actually from Mongolia.…

Today we are going to a festival. Sangay has arranged for me to wear traditional Bhutanese dress. I am a little leery, hoping the belt will stay put and I…

To continue - I really must get some sleep at night. The dogs! I really have to laugh - though if I can't sleep tonight I'll cry! I think they…

OK let's skip to the good part - but first a quick note - a goodbye to a great hotel The Bangkok Publishing Residence and a top notch concierge Parata…

I will refer to my #1 Team many times. They are left to right: Kinzang the driver, Jamyang the guide, me, and Sangay the tour designer and agent.

Well friends and family - I have returned from Bhutan. I did indeed have an amazing adventure. To continue my adventure I have decided to remain outside of my comfort…