Thimpu Bhutan

September 28, 2007

This picture is Susan in her "candy store" and Chilies drying on a roof top. And Canada struck again.

We had a fun night in Kathmandu, This last year my friend Gracie introduced me to the life of Casinos. The Hotel Radisson is just beside our hotel, and they have a 24 hour casino. I Managed to drag Alan in to the casino where I proceeded to win time after time (k-ching k-ching k-ching) as My fortune piled up to a grand total after expenses of 300 INR (will let you figure that one out). But the real bonus was the complementary buffet available to all patrons. So Alan is now a more willing participant. Another fun time.

We flew yesterday from Kathmandu to Paro Bhutan. On route we took dozens of pictures of the Himalayas. The captain named the peaks as we flew by them. Even though we took many pics of Mt. Everest, other peaks were just as spectacular.

Bhutan is a huge constrast to both Nepal and India. Very little traffic, very clean and the people are quiet and considerate. ( no hassels) Many dress in their traditional clothing. In fact all business people wear traditional clothing much as we would wear a suit and a tie to work. The women are all dressed in their ethnic clothes.

Upon our arrival we were offered beetlenut to chew ( an addictive but traditional habit) makes ones mouth and teeth red and gives a feeling of euphoria. To us it would have given a headache and our guide suggested not to indulge.

Our trip from Paro to Thimpu the capital took @ 2 hours. No airport here because it is nestled in a valley too narrow to permit navigation.

Our guide is teaching us Bhutanese, and Alan is teaching him French. The blind leading the blind. He gave a great tour of Thimpu all the way from Traditional Herbal Medicine as I had an interest, craft school that included, wood carving, painting, metal work, embroidery and textiles, we also visited a 150 year old village museum.

We are having a little down time for a few hours as our guide has gone to make arrangements for our dinner at an authetic Bhutanese Restaurant. Food here is a little spicier, they love their chili, in fact the roofs of houses are covered with drying chilis. See picture.

Email in Bhutan May not be that plentiful so the next chapter of us will be resumed whenever.....Bye for now.