Bhutan is a tiny and remote kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbours, India and China. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions.
Fun facts:
Bhutan only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s.
Television did not come to Bhutan until 1999.
Radio broadcasting began in 1973 and the internet arrived in 1999. For years, the country cut itself off, fearing that outside influences would undermine its monarchy and culture.
About 700,000 people live in Bhutan. The people and government of Bhutan are proud of their culture which is based on Tibetan Buddhism. 97% of Bhutan’s people are Buddhist.
It costs an official US$250 per day per person to visit Bhutan. It’s the government’s way of keeping the country from being overrun by mass tourism.
Archery is the #1 sport in Bhutan. Paul became an expert.
Feeling victorious after our successful climb to Tigers Nest Monastery, which you can see in the background. The monastery was 10,000ft above sea level so we were quite winded.Paul hanging prayer flags at the birthplace of a famous monk (pictured). This was on the way up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.Hanging prayer flags on the way up to the monastery.Victoria & I almost at the monastery.Taking a hike with the hotel dog in Paro.
Cooking class in Paro. Learning to make momos, which are Bhutanese dumplings.Hiking in Paro.Made it to the monastery. Hiking is rough at high altitude.Spinning the prayer wheel.Hanging out in the rice fields in Punakha.Yes that is a cow right outside our hotel room. They ran the place. This was in the Punakha Valley. Looking good in our Bhutanese dress. The mens’ outfit is the “Kho” and womens’ is the “Kira”.The future king and queen of Bhutan.Hiking in the Phobjikha ValleySoccer at 9,000ft. Brutal!Traffic jam in PobjikhaThe largest sitting Buddha statue in the world here in Thimpu.
Hanging out with monks-in-training in Thimpu.
Nepal
Mount Everest! We were flying at about 33,000ft and Everest is 29,000ft. So we were almost at eye level with it. So cool.
Shopping in Kathmandu
I would hate to be the cable guy here in Kathmandu.
Not sure I should try this guy’s street food, but it smells good.
