Let me begin by stating the obvious… every day we drive over at least one pass of differing elevation but usually over 3,000 metres.
Today I’m tired so I’ll just do some bullet points.
*I have been asked about the food, which is why I mention it from time to time. The range available depends on the accommodation but western breakfasts are usually provided. There is cereal and toast (the jam can be a bit dodgy; just food colouring & sugar), often there are baked beans, sometimes sausages and always eggs. I had the best ever omelette for breakfast this morning – cheese, tomato and chilli. It was a masterful omelette.
*Yesterday we passed a villager dressing wood by the side of the road. Big logs of 6x6” timber all beautifully smoothed and straightened, probably 8-10 feet long – all done by hand.
*You frequently see stupas in the middle of the road. Those at the top of a pass Karma (our brilliant driver) will go round in a circle. Clockwise of course!
*This has been a very cold spring. In a week or two the forests and hillsides will be a riot of colour as the wild rhododendrons bloom properly. The villages will also be full of blossom with apple, peach and pear trees.
*I am amazed at the size of rhododendrons – they are not the shrubs you find back home, but trees, many being very large trees.
*Before we left Trongsa this morning we visited the watch tower which has been turned into a museum. It was fantastic and is a must see for anyone coming here. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photographs which is a shame but totally understandable.
*We have reached Jakar, Bumthang (pronounced Boomtang) which is said to be the most spiritual place in Bhutan as it has so many temples and monasteries.
*We visited a temple dating back to the 5th century this afternoon. And also a monastery dating back to the 15th century which has never been renovated. Both of which have the patina of age and the reverence you would expect. There were several young monks learning scriptures at the monastery and we were able to engage and take some photographs. I try to be very sensitive when photographing people and am quite relaxed if people refuse permission.
*I was very amused to see that I have one of those mini bars of soap that you get in hotels down my loo. Not sure if it’s there to clean the loo…. One of those funny mysteries you can get in a foreign country.
*These dogs were sitting at the door of the bus asking if I had any biscuits to give them. I decided that a doggie bag of dinner left overs might come in handy.
*This is Karma and Chimmie wearing Bhutanese Nomad hats.
Today I’m tired so I’ll just do some bullet points.
*I have been asked about the food, which is why I mention it from time to time. The range available depends on the accommodation but western breakfasts are usually provided. There is cereal and toast (the jam can be a bit dodgy; just food colouring & sugar), often there are baked beans, sometimes sausages and always eggs. I had the best ever omelette for breakfast this morning – cheese, tomato and chilli. It was a masterful omelette.
*Yesterday we passed a villager dressing wood by the side of the road. Big logs of 6x6” timber all beautifully smoothed and straightened, probably 8-10 feet long – all done by hand.
*You frequently see stupas in the middle of the road. Those at the top of a pass Karma (our brilliant driver) will go round in a circle. Clockwise of course!
*This has been a very cold spring. In a week or two the forests and hillsides will be a riot of colour as the wild rhododendrons bloom properly. The villages will also be full of blossom with apple, peach and pear trees.
*I am amazed at the size of rhododendrons – they are not the shrubs you find back home, but trees, many being very large trees.
*Before we left Trongsa this morning we visited the watch tower which has been turned into a museum. It was fantastic and is a must see for anyone coming here. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take photographs which is a shame but totally understandable.
*We have reached Jakar, Bumthang (pronounced Boomtang) which is said to be the most spiritual place in Bhutan as it has so many temples and monasteries.
*We visited a temple dating back to the 5th century this afternoon. And also a monastery dating back to the 15th century which has never been renovated. Both of which have the patina of age and the reverence you would expect. There were several young monks learning scriptures at the monastery and we were able to engage and take some photographs. I try to be very sensitive when photographing people and am quite relaxed if people refuse permission.
*I was very amused to see that I have one of those mini bars of soap that you get in hotels down my loo. Not sure if it’s there to clean the loo…. One of those funny mysteries you can get in a foreign country.
*These dogs were sitting at the door of the bus asking if I had any biscuits to give them. I decided that a doggie bag of dinner left overs might come in handy.
*This is Karma and Chimmie wearing Bhutanese Nomad hats.
 Watch Tower of Trongsa |  Older folk don't often smile - they try to hide their red teeth from chewing betel |  |
 |  Karma & Chimi |
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