Monday, August 13, 2007

Bedazzling Bhutan

So, there IS internet in Bhutan...it came late.. in 1999...and there is BLOGGING allowed here (unlike China...), there is TV with CNN, and Indian TV stations, and it is fabulous.

The airport is quite small, and the architechture is Bhutaneese. They are only allowed to build buildings up to 5 stories tall, nothing can be built higher. The airport is located in Paro, around 60 km from Thimpu, the capital of the country. Small town, which we walked around in and had a fabulous lunch.

Chili peppers are their version of a vegetable, NOT a spice. I had chili with yak cheese, mushroom with cheese, red rice, and some veggie noodles. It was filling and fantastic. It was quite pleasant weather as well. The men wear traditional Dho's...and the women traditional dress. It is quite traditional, and fantastic to see it.

We then drove some of the worst roads (well the worst are in Arusha, Tanzania) which they are trying to improve by making it a 2 lane highway from the 1 way road on a mountain that it is. Most of the road workers are Indian. Bhutan has close ties to India, and the Bhutaneese dollar is equivalent to 1 Indian rupee (which makes my life much simpler).

I'm in a small hotel, nice, simple, and located in the heart of Thimpu. Life is quiet. Foreigners get stared at.... it's kind of funny. Today just resting, reading, and wandering--although the meandering is kind of muddled by the rain.

Tomorrow is sightseeing all around Thimpu....it's going to be fantastic.

Oh, and Bhutan filled it's maximum tourist visa numbers last year at 17,000. This year they may increase to 20,000--but it's still kept at close guard. They want to keep bagpackers away, and the 'weasly' sorts--per the tour guide, hence they keep it pricey, and keep the rugrats away.

It's 240 USD per day, which includes hotel, tour, and food. It's cheaper if you're in a group of 3 or more.

The year 2008 is the year for tourism. So Miss Annette, you're going to have a blast. The roads will be improved, and Bhutan will be coronating it's new king, along with celebrating 100 years of monarchy. Life is simple here. Family first, other things later.

Will try and upload some pictures. Be well!
-Krupali

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