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A happy decision to visit Bhutan
Hi Sonam,
As I wrote you before, I am very happy with my decision to travel to Bhutan. It did not disappoint. And I am very happy with my decision to book my tour through your company, Druk Asia.
I have done an extensive amount of traveling; I have spent more than five years abroad working and traveling. I must say that Bhutan is truly at the top in terms of how really amazing of an experience I had there. I cannot say which part was my favorite. Initially, I went to Bhutan because I am an amateur photographer and I wanted to capture scenes from the festivals in Bumthang. However, each place held an incredible enchantment for its own reasons.
The trek with my guide, Pema 'A', up to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) was definitely amazing. We also made a trek to the raise prayer flags at Chele La. We spent most of the days making a short trek amongst temples, villages, and other points of interest. Each time, we spoke about our lives, our families, and pretty much everything. My solo tour allowed me to get to know both Pema and my driver, Dawa, fairly well. Both are consummate professionals, who also possess a great senses of humors. And that last part was important as the extensive road work in Bhutan made for longer than normal drives as I understand.
There was no part of the journey that was a disappointment with the exception that the festivals in Bumthang were pushed back one day. As far as I could tell, that affected every tour group I encountered in that dzongkhag. Nevertheless, Pema filled my first day in Bumthang with a trek taking in several temples, the Jakar Dzong, and other sites. We even had some time to do some gift-shopping for my family members (now my Christmas shopping is done!!!) in town.
We did a homestay on the final night in Bumthang (before my return to Paro). I really enjoyed spending time with the family, playing and drawing with their three boys (one of which is named Pema and another Sonam!). I was invited to a consecration of a new home built next to the one I spent the night in. That was incredible event and provided a very intimate experience of Bhutanese life.
I cannot say enough about how welcoming and generous the Bhutanese I encountered were. This definitely includes Pema and Dawa.
Let me take some time to speak about each. Pema, though young at 29 years old, provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the history, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism in Bhutan. Every day, I learned many new things from him. I am definitely an introverted person and can sometimes feel overwhelmed when interacting with people over a long period of time. I must say that Pema never made me feel overwhelmed. Not even once. He was not pushy. He was always ready to share a story, history, knowledge, whatever. But he was also very accommodating when I just wanted to take in the scenery and not talk. Pema often shared stories about his family and his life. I shared stories, too. My wife and I are expecting our first child. While in Bhutan, she told me that the doctor informed her that our child is a girl. I told Pema about this. I think he was as excited as me! We raised prayer flags for our families, as well as all sentient beings, at Chele La and near Taktsang. I also bought some prayer flags at lhakhang, founded by Pema Lingpa's son, to be raised in my backyard amongst the trees. These are the kinds of experiences I wasn't necessarily expecting when I was planning my trip to Bhutan but I know that my experience was all the richer for it.
I know that Pema will be a wonderful, engaged, and educational guide for any tourist whether solo or in a group.
Dawa, the driver, provided safe transport for all three of us throughout my tour. I never felt scared with his driving. We never had any close calls. Given how much construction is ongoing to widen the road between Thimphu and eastern Bhutan, there were certainly plenty of chances for disaster. Dawa's very careful and professional driving provided that we would not meet with disaster. Dawa would pull over for me to take photographs of the scenery whenever I requested - something I did quite a bit of!
I have attached some photos I took during the trip. And thank you for providing a gho for me to wear. I did so during one of the festival days in Bumthang. Everyone complimented me on it, many people saying that I was the sharpest dressed tourist in the crowd!
Please let me know if you want any specific explanation for the photographs. Please note that in the third photograph below, there is a sticker with the writing "HAPPY" on it. This was designed by an artist from near where I live. His name is Leonard Zimmerman although he goes by the nickname "Porkchop". He created the HAPPY logo as a way of promoting happiness in and around the city of Augusta, Georgia. It seemed almost at home in Bhutan, with its philosophy of GNH. Certainly, I felt nothing but happiness throughout my time in your home country.
Take care,
Colin
