It’s been a difficult return to Seattle for me and I’ve struggled to plant myself at my laptop to share my stories about Bhutan.
After spending 12 days traversing the mountains of the Himalayas, hiking switchbacks up mountaintops to see spectacular views of valleys below and snow-covered mountains, life in Seattle seems trivial. Facebook, Twitter, blogging, swine flu… I lived without them (for the most part) for 3 weeks, why not continue the trend and, instead, marvel at my garden, the sunrise, blossoms that are exploding throughout my neighborhood AND plan a return trip to the Kingdom of Bhutan in the fall?
Alas, as I browse through my images, I’m compelled to share the visual beauty and perhaps, if the words can flow, stories about this recent adventure that I enjoyed with 14 amazing and fun women, 2 very dear Bhutanese guides and 2 highly skilled drivers.
The adventure begins in Paro (where the country’s one airport is located) and Thimphu, the country’s capital.
Paro itself has a small but thriving downtown area that serves both tourists (with numerous souvenir shops) and locals (with small grocery and all-purpose stores). The National Museum, which houses a tremendous number of items providing an overview of Bhutan’s history and Paro Dzong (the town’s main monastery, pictured above) sit on a hillside just above the town and were the first sites we visited on Day 1.
We were fortunate to have arrived on a Saturday because the next morning we had the chance to visit the bustling Sunday market in Paro. Fresh vegetables, chilli peppers and fruits were outshone only by the brightly colored national dress worn by the women and men who were both selling and buying.
Fiddlehead Ferns – a local delicacy
A short distance away from the market was an archery tournament. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and even the hobbyists are quite skilled. They shoot at targets 450 feet away and chide each other by dancing and singing each time an arrow is launched. One song for hitting the target and a mocking song from the opposing team when the arrow lands in the dirt (but rarely far from the target).
Archers dancing and singing after a missed shot.
Every day throughout the trip brought a special serendipitous event, including the honor of being able to see (and donate to) a pilgrim who was prostrating his way to Thimphu along the country’s one main road.
On our second evening in the country, we watched a special dance performance as part of our group’s welcome dinner. The following day, we observed residents in prayer as they circumnambulated the National Chorten – acquiring merit for each walk around the large monument.
Check back for additional updates as I continue my journey across Bhutan.
In the fall, I’ll be leading a co-ed Buddhism-focused tour and Brenda Tharp will be leading a photography tour. Please join us on one of these adventures!
Travel Well,
Beth
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Related links:
Bhutan Tour – Buddhism-focused co-ed trip
Bhutan Tour – Photography trip with Brenda Tharp
Beth’s Bhutan Photo Gallery
Perceptive Traveler says
“Facebook, Twitter, blogging, swine flu… I lived without them (for the most part) for 3 weeks, why not continue the trend?”
Good for you! It’s amazing how superfluous all that noise seems when you’re in a quiet place away from it all.
michelle says
I agree. Traveled to New Zealand recently for 2-3 weeks. No cell phone, Twitter, Facebook, gossip, 24-hour news, etc. Definitely opened my eyes and allowed me to reconnect with the world.
I’ve heard amazing things about Bhutan. It tops my list for places to visit, especially after reading “Beyond the Sky & Earth: A Journey into Bhutan” a few years ago (now my favorite travel memoir).
Look forward to reading more of your travels in the magical country!
Lorraine says
Understandably it’s an adjustment coming back to a daily routine. But from this first set of photos alone, I think that you’ll have readers excitedly anticipating more posts. Traveling like this, and being able to relive it later, are two wonderful gifts. I know I’ll be checking in on you in a few days for more great stories of this trip! Thanks for sharing.
Beth Shepherd says
So lovely! Makes me ache to be back in that region. You are so fortunate to be able to visit and revisit!
Beth says
@ Perceptive Travel – indeed all of this “stuff” IS noise!
@ Lorraine – indeed sharing is an important aspect but it’s nothing like being there 🙂
nomadicmatt says
Bhutan is in my top 5 places in the world I want to visit. I’m envious of your trip there.
anjeeta says
What amazing images. I would love to go to Bhutan someday.