Discovering the kingdom of Bhutan

Hi Eve,

Kuzuzangpo la. We had a good trip. Thank you for the fine arrangements.

We like the Centenary Farmer's Market but that's just us. The Paro festival is quite quiet - must be like the people of Bhutan. Not very noisy but colourful nonetheless and there were plenty of people to watch. The kids are the most fun to be around. We visited a school for the deaf in Paro and found they are pretty well provided by the government. Seems they only lack more qualified teachers which we are unable to help.

Altitude sickness was fair at 3000m at Dochula Pass. We only made it half way to the cafe at Tiger Nest. Legs were fine but breathing was hard for me. Should have taken the mule but the guide felt we will be better blessed walking up ourselves.

Kisa Hotel is not much to shout about. The heater in the living room is not working but it's cool during our stay so we didn't complain. On the last day when we switched off a light, it tripped more lights. The beds were not made the next day though we had 2 nights' stay. We thought it could be Bhutan's way and we could live with it. Food is generally simple but adequate - like most of Bhutan I guess. Lunch was at about 2pm on arrival (add our 2 hours difference and it's 4pm - starved). Dogs barking at night is a norm. Husband thought we will be given double bed instead of twins throughout.

Hotel Lobesa is huge. The food is good. Mr Bassang, the proprietor, is very friendly, accommodating and kind. Vegetables are sweet and organic and they try to vary the food as they are aware it was our second night there. Local red wine is priced reasonably (USD20) but tastes rather sweet. Linens are clean and nice.

We had a kind, concerned, skillful and great driver (Mr Karma) - best we ever had on all our trips in other parts of the world. The roads were bumpy and there were road blocks for construction purposes. We left Punakha for Paro at 10 am and got stuck on the block as the King was on his way from Thimpu to Punakha. We arrived at the block at 10.40am but left only about 12.30pm. Lunch was at 2pm but no choice due to the King's convoy. Our car's windscreen wiper looks in a bad need for replacement and it had some spring issue. On arrival in Thimpu enroute to Paro, the car was sent for repair. In hindsight, if it'll take 2 hours' wait, we would have happily paid for a cab to get to Uma Paro earlier rather than hanging around Thimpu. We arrived Uma Paro at about 6pm. Not much can be done when we have to check out at 9am the next day.

Uma Paro's standard room is pretty tiny. Thankfully we decided to take an overnight bag and left the big luggage in our guide's care. For an estate with so much room outside, a little more space would have made it more comfortable considering I am not very big at 1.6m and weight 48kg. Food wise in Bukhari, it is good but we are spoiled for better choice here in Singapore. It's a good break after the usual fair. Service is good. Mains, appetizers and desserts makes a fairly large portion. Wines are quite dear at USD35 for 2 glasses of Australia red. Breakfast was good too. Only the vegetables there are stringy and the french beans tough.

Metta Spa is fine. We tried the hotstone bath. It was way too hot for me and the cold water tap ran dry after a while so I could hardly sit in. Dinner at a restaurant was good when the guide and driver took us out. An adequate packed breakfast was provided for our early morning check out.

Thanks again for a job well done.

Kadin-Chhey
Rina Tan