Bhutanese Cultural Immersion

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Atypical tour. It's not about tourist attractions, shopping, souvenir shops etc... It's all about the simplicity of life, the warmth of the people, the unspoilt nature and the colourful culture.

We were lucky to have a wonderful guide who included little "side programmes" to enhance our overall experience. It was like visiting friends' friends, feeling very relaxed and safe.

We visited the weekend market at Thimphu. There weren't any tourists around. The locals just got on to their own business, with absolutely no touting to us. They welcomed us to take all the photos we wanted. They'll smile willingly for us and we'll share the photos we took of them, like what we will do with our friends.

When we were in Phobjikha, our guide Sonam, brought us to a local store for a drink. It was opened by a small family and their house was just located behind the shop. Though we couldn't really communicate with them in English, but we could feel their sincere welcome and hospitality. We talked about their daily activities, talked about themselves, took photos with them. Amidst the coldness of the night, my heart was warmed by their kindness and contentment in life.

When we were on trek, Sonam was also busy talking to the villagers. And everyone would simply stop to chat for a while. We asked Sonam:"Do you know everyone here? What did you all chat about?" He replied:"No, we only asked if you are going up the mountain, and he asked if we're going down the mountain." We enjoyed stopping at houses to take photos of the children and talked to the school children who are on their way home from school. In our society, have we forgotten to slow down to care for people around us? Have we forgotten the humane side of us?

When we were back in Thimphu, Sonam brought us to his office to chat with his wife. If we were on other trips, we might have complained about wasting our time which we could use for more shopping. We went for lunch at Sonam's friend's place as his friend had arranged for a special religious ritual at home, hence Sonam wanted us to have a look. We didnt minded homecooked food at all. In fact we love this more than just a typical restaurant lunch. All these fine touches made so much difference to us.

Needless to say, one of the most unforgettable part was "bar-hopping". We hopped from a local nightclub where people go up to stage to sing and dance to Bhutanese songs, to a local KTV joint that were mainly English oldies, to a local club with updated English & Bhutanese songs. We experienced the daily activities which the locals enjoy. What touched us most was people we just got to know protected us from weird drunkards at the club. I feel so safe with these people around.

Bhutanese may not be rich in the material world, but they are certainly richer than us in terms of their family/ community bonds, beliefs in life and colourful culture. Convinced that they are certainly the happiest people on earth!

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Photos

Schools Kids
With a group of schools kids who are on their way home

Lunch place
Sonam's friend hosted us to homecooked lunch, despite him having an injured finger