Punaka

We checked into our lovely hotel the RKPO, Green Resort.  The letters reflect the owners of the hotel and green is only because the roof is green.  LOL

This ornate lobby is typical of the craftsmanship through this country.  The artists are trained (by the gov) in art institutes then are gainfully employed crafting interior and exteriors.  The work is ornate and detailed. Such eye-popping yet everyday visuals are around each corner for the lucky Bhutanese who call this amazing country HOME. 

Our very quiet and incredibly respectful driver, Kinley.

Every morning the countryside is smoking with incense burners. The combination of jasmine, cypress and hemlock fill the air with sweetness.  The purpose is to repeal the wrathful and appease the gods.

Also, along paths, buildings, bridges, random locations... prayer wheels pop up everywhere.  This display at the parking area at the RKPO has the incense burner as well as sustainable prayer wheels.  Note they are made of recycled water bottles and painted in their traditional colors.

Punakha or bust!

Taking our time to dodge the potholes, we stumbled upon an indigenous nomad.  He was kind of heart and full of a toothless grin.  He even invited us to his 'place' to join him in his home made moonshine!  What an experience THAT would've been!

We made a short 'pit stop' at a lovely spot tucked into the highway and hanging onto the side of a mountain.  Clean, colorful and friendly.  I bought a globule there.  I still have yet to experience it.  It's a small ball about the size of a pea, reddish in color and composed of ash, herbs and the blood of a highly spiritual 'one'.  I'm not sure what it's suppose to do, but apparently, it's practiced and appreciated.  I'll do a bit more research on this one before I ingest!

Preparing tea and coffee for us.  The King, Queen and Prince adorn every restaurant, hotel, home, etc!

Continuing the drive to Punakha

Driving along a fairly dry and smooth road, we came upon a family of Grey Langurs nesting in trees.  Being the only car as far as the eye could see, we stopped and slowly approached them.  They watched us as we watched them.  They were eating, playing, grooming, watching and just generally hanging out.  They had no sense of fear or need to defend. How refreshing!

Moving on we had a check point in crossing a bridge which was ablaze with prayer flags.

Driving to Punakha but first the textiles!

Tashi had a weaver and shop owner he wanted us to see.  They had looms and dying apparatus behind the retail store which housed the goods they made.  Sounds like the perfect stop, to me!

 The exterior of the shop...

Once inside it was a feast of patterns, prints, kiras, jackets, scarves, etc!

Jeanne doing her best 'Martha' pose!

Jeanne's MAJOR purchase!

After a bit of shopping, Sonam invited us to sit and have some tea and cookies.  Tashi interpreted for us and it was one of the most memorable moments yet...

Lovely, warm people who share willingly with calm sweetness.  It's going to be hard to go back to the craziness of the US

Gangtey and the Black Necked Crane Center

Morning came to a beyond beautiful valley!  Low lying mist over lime and emerald green terraced hillside was a real eye-opener!  We were originally suppose to visit the Crane Center yesterday but due to our delay, we decided to go early this morning so we could get a head start on the road and rain issue.

The one crane was in captivity and being nurtured.  He'd been attacked by a dog and lost his right wing to amputation.  His left wing was badly damaged which left him unable to function.  This sanctuary took him in.   I feel so bad that he's there and has no one....

Their migration point is expansive and trails are available to hike amongst them.  A wonderfully produced video accompanies the center. 

Driving to Gangtey

All in all, we were excited about getting on the road and heading to Gangtey where the Black Necked Cranes reside during their migration.  The only thing is, the migration had yet to begin.  So, the drive will basically be an overnight in Gangtey.

Our first problem was sighted with clouds and mist. IF it was raining or beginning to rain, the National Highway would be a problem.  A huge problem!  It's under major construction with bulldozers, ditch digging and excavation of boulders along an unknown number of miles along the way.

Well, Tashi heard from another guide that a large mudslide and boulder had stopped traffic on both sides.  With that news, we stopped in Trongsa for lunch and wait to see if we could continue.

Tashi was visibly concerned while he waited with another guide...

The word came that the boulder was moved and traffic was allowed to flow so we pressed on...

Gridlock was impossible and the road was extremely dangerous with the constant threat of boulders falling on us or us falling off the side of the road into a ravine hundreds of feet below.  The road was beyond bumpy and it took us 9 hours to get to Gangtey.  It was not pleasant yet this was the ONLY route to the West.  Tough travels but we prevailed and made it!

Once we got to Gangtey we were beyond tired and annoyed as heck with the perpetual BOUNCING AROUND!  Almost to the hotel!  YaY!  Then, a flat tire.  Ouch.  Tashi called the hotel and had a car come pick us up.  We had no idea what the surrounding landscape or hotel looked like.  All we wanted was a bed, not even a bath... just a quiet and still bed! The staff asked if we'd like a fire as there was no heat other than a cast iron stove. So, he came in and got us a crackling fire going, we jumped into bed and fell asleep while the fire toasted up the room. Ahhhhhhhh.  :)