Beautiful Monasteries

A couple observations about Bhutan. First, the women are beautiful. I think they are the most beautiful of any other Asian country that I have been to. Second, English is a very common language and taught from primary school on. Therefore, it is easy to get around. The kids are so cute; they all want to say hello and ask how I am doing.

Third, Bhutan royalty is honored everywhere. There are few rooms that don't have huge pictures of the King and Queen and the Royal Family. My guide wears a button on his Gho, the traditional dress for me, of the King and Queen. I have never seen anything like it. There are no pictures of the President or any other government official.

Last night was a real treat. There were some Australians working with Bhutan on the democratic election and they were being entertained with the traditional Bhutanese Dance. I was able to enjoy the dancing during dinner.

The hotel is very nice but on the runway... the first flight leaves at 6am.. am I glad I do not live anywhere near a runway path at home.

Today we started out on a 3 hour hike to the White Cliff, where there is a very old and beautiful monastery hanging over the cliff. It was a very strenuous hike uphill but worth the effort. I told Palden that I wanted to hike and he came through.

Everyone in town is getting ready for the festival. They are setting up booths and all the villagers are washing their clothes. I hope it is as exciting as I think. Apparently, most of the locals come on the last two days... I will be long gone by then... so I may get to see a bunch of tourists attending the festival.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting the Museum and Monastery in Paro. I am winding down to just two more days and off to India and to my dad's 90Th birthday party. I am anxious to see my family.

I finally found a real coffee shop and bought my guide and driver real coffee and peach cake. It was a very special occasion. Nescafe is really bad but I have been desperate.

Namaste, Paula