The Center of Bhutan

Ah, we've found Internet access in the center of Bhutan. And Karel's cell phone works better here than in the States, go figure.

We have been travelling for the past couple of days. During this time we received notice of Karel's mom passing peacefully in her sleep. She passed away on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45p. We have been putting up prayer flags to honor her passing so that they face the Himalayas.

We travelled all day yesterday to get to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The scenery was breath taking as were the narrow roads hugging the sides of the mountains. The main highway to this region is 10 feet wide and everyone has to use it including all the big trucks.

The night before, when we were in Punahka, we went to the main temple for the majority of the monks in the country. It was very beautiful. We also went to the fertility Temple via walking through the rice patties and farm land.

Today, we went to a special religious festival where there were special dances. It has become a tourist event as well as the locals festival. Unfortunately, the tourists were too pushy and rude so the group opted to leave after about an hour and explore the local temple and town. After lunch we took a walk to the original royal palace, no longer being used as a palace, but being kept up by the local monks.

Tomorrow, we will be taking a day tour of several other temples and historic sites.

Overall, the group that we are with are very nice and get along really well. Also we have been blessed with excellent weather.

Deb & Karel