Bhutan – November, 2018 – Part 3

The next day brought something we had been anxiously anticipating… a small local religious festival. Bhutan has many and they are worth scheduling your trip around.

In addition to sacred costumes and dances, we were treated to gambling (I won!), archery (the national sport), darts, and traditional carnival food.

Participation was a wonderful window into local culture. What can I say? I’m a sucker for the children, old people, and monks.

Although the sight of a young monk “loading” his toy gun threw me off a bit, as did the monk walking down the road chatting on his cell phone.

I had also brought reading glasses as gifts for older people. They were a big hit… I will bet that this lovely character sleeps in his, he loved them so much.

Another roadside picnic lunch, shopping, and walking the ‘hood rounded out our day. Even condos and semis are cool.

The next day, we visited Ogyencholing Palace, a historic “manor” that operated under the feudal system, which was abolished by the third king as part of his land reform. It has been preserved as a museum and it was a fascinating glimpse of preserved history.

Stamps for making prayer flags

We then visited a nunnery and more temples.

We flew back to Paro, where we began our journey, having traveled east by land. Now to gear up for the cherry on this dessert… hiking to Tiger’s Nest monastery.

As a child, I had seen a photo of this iconic monastery, perched on a sheer cliffside, and had vowed that I would visit someday. That dream was sidelined when, in 2012, I lost the use of my legs and one arm, was told I wouldn’t walk again, and that I would be dead within weeks. Hah! I showed them! It took me 6 hours round trip, but I did it (thank goodness for my ipod shuffle and our intrepid guides who helped me… look at them… sweet AND handsome)! Click here to watch my “I’m gonna live until I die!” rap, recorded at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.