Lunch at a local farmhouse

After visiting the temples we ventured through the muck and mud to a fly ridden farmhouse for local fare.  It consisted of tea that was sopped in corn flakes (floating in the bottom) then a baked rice (floating on the top).  Interestingly enough... it was good!

The walk, talk and meeting the local host was worth the slush.  :)

Note the recycled bottles used as fencing.

Prayer flags dot the landscape everywhere.  The white ones are to commemorate the dead and the colored ones honor the 5 elements (including white). The prayer that's wood blocked onto each is the one of compassion.

Guru Rinpoche's Bhutan Temple

A bit of a luxury getting off at 9:30am but a full day lay ahead.

This beautiful country which boasts, with out boasting, zero carbon pollution is beginning to wake up.  The doves that live in the eaves above our room are cooing and the sleeping dogs have yet to bark.  Upon opening the balcony door which looks out and onto the quickly running Bumthang Chuu River and the city of Jakar in the province of Bumthang the waft of AN UNBELIEVABLE FRAGRANCE pounds the senses.  Tashi revealed it's Juniper and Hemlock incense that's burned at dawn throughout the country to appease the Gods.  By 10am the smoke is full force looking like fires or clouds or thick fog blanketing the lowest parts of the valley.  Poundingly delicious!

The hotel is situated on the side of a mountain and the views are panoramic.  Getting there is mind scrambling with muddy potholes that are so deep, I swear the bottom of the car is scraping while our brains are battered around like the inside of a two year old's favorite rattle!

Our first 'moment' was to the temples in the surrounding Bumpthang area.  The second of the series was to Kurjey Lhakhang.  Located above Jambay Lhakhang, it consists of 3 temples.  The first (and below) was built in 1652 and is the location where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. 

The second is built on the holy site where Guru's meditation was so strong, his image was emblazoned onto stone.

The 3rd was constructed by the Royal Queen Mother in honor of her spiritual guide who is karmically destined to become a spiritual leader.

Entrance gate to the 3 temples: Kurjey Lhakhang

108 stupas or chortens (a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation) encircle the temples symboloize the 108 joints of the human body. 

Tashi leads the way!

Naturally, photos aren't allowed inside, but WE were!

I love this shot of Teshi at the entrance steps.

Paro, Bhutan

 
Landing in Bhutan was exhilarating...  Tears came along with the rest of the passengers as they amassed on the tarmac, seemingly in a trance.

Paro's terminal

First stroll with guide, Tashi, above the Ta Dzong.

Along our simple road hike above Paro we encountered school students. Some young boys were singing and playing their guitar while strolling uphill.  We asked if they could sing us a song and they just giggled and shyed away.  So, Jeanne proceeded to perform a rounding version of Petula Clark's DOWNTOWN, much to their entertainment and Tashi's delight.  Tashi pulled out his phone and started filming all the while laughing with us in glee!  Not to be outdone, I laid into a chorus of Elvis Presely's HOUND DOG.  Such a simple, spontaneous and joyful treasure.  :)

Young school girls now wandered up the path giggling the whole way trying to balance their backpacks on a long stick laying across their shoulders.  The untethered happiness was infectious.

Dinner then breakfast, soon to be off to Bhumthang.

Novotel, Bangkok

Our short stay at Novotel was pleasant, easy to find and get to.  We had a tastey dinner before a short rest.  Loved the honey comb self serve and the Lotus atop the entrance wall.

Bangkok arrival and "Praise to Buddha"!

Doha to Bangkok

Beginning the 7 hour flight to Bangkok.  We weren't able to make a connecting flight to Bhutan, so the few hours in Bangkok was necessary and the decision to leave the airport, go through customs, get to the hotel, leave at 2am, re-enter, for the 4:30am flight, was made.  It was the correct decision, too, as there's no place that's comfortable in this airport.  

 Arabian breakfast of falafel, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, pita, feta and fresh breads was on the menu... perhaps a Mimosa as well.  :)

Speaks for itself.

LOL

Doha, Qatar Airport Art

For those of you who ride the NYC subways and know the 14th Street stop.... does this character look familiar? 

Flight to Doha and roaming the airport

13 hours to Doha, Qatar and a transfer/layover for 2 hours or so... A beautiful mix of nationalities and no issue what so ever of two American women travelling.  Wandering around we saw the familiar shopping haunts: Coach, Bulgari, Victoria Secret (gentrification in Qatar??!).  But, also stepping aside Starbucks for the local coffee and pastry hub.  The Qahwa Arabiya Saffron and Cardamon single shot was sweet, fresh, aromatic and did the trick! YUM. :)