Sonam was our guide for two magical weeks in Bhutan as we traveled west to east, over 650 miles, from Paro to Samdrop at the Indian border. As we crossed the countryside Sonam taught us about the history and culture of Bhutan. He was also our spiritual guide, teaching us about Buddhism and the dieties and legends so important to the people of Bhutan. Our trip was a leisurely pace so that we could take in all the small villages, zhongs, rural temples, and natural beauty of the terrain. We learned about the food, such as ema datshi (chili peppers), we learned how to show respect and pray in the temples, and we learned that the Bhutanese are wonderful, kind people who graciously stop and greet a traveler like an old friend. Sonam insured that our experience met every expectation even if totally spontaneous. We stopped to watch birds, to visit homes, to visit a hospital, to watch artisans at their craft, to learn how ara (rice wine) is made and what it tastes like! Sonam, with his polite and sincere manner, was able to coax temple monks to allow us access to special altars in closed temples, to find bicycles for us to rent (in the middle of nowhere!), and even to have us invited into a family temple to experience the reverence paid during daily rituals. All these unique experiences were above and beyond the expected stops along the way; they made our trip feel so personal as Sonam insured we gained insight into the national happiness that one can only experience in Bhutan. Stephanie Khotso, Pula, Nala - Peace, Rain, Prosperity 7 Attachments [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image] [Image]
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:06:08 +0000
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