Mental Excursions

Bhutan Diary - 3 last Last Notes in a Himalayan Reverie Bhutanese fold dances The past two Saturdays, I dragged you along on the first two hectic days of our Bhutan trip. Day three was the birthday we had actually come for, a much more relaxed affair. Some of us made the most of the spa, others vanished into the worlds conjured by their books, while a few chose the noble pursuit of sleep like there was a medal to win. In the forenoon, a group went to a small Buddhist temple nearby to light lamps in prayers and gratitude, and look at everything from a close range. The hotel had been asked to arrange a picnic lunch and the cloudy afternoon was spent in the lap of nature, by the side of a rivulet. We were not alone; it seemed Sunday is the day of relaxing for others too. At several places men could be seen practising archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Photo taken with the group's permission We had a visitor in the evening, a Bhutanese astrologer. I shall refrain from comment...

Bhutan Diary-2 From Dochu La to Datshi- High Passes and Deep Flavours Dochu La pass Last Saturday, I shared the beginning of our recent trip to Bhutan, including a visit to Rinpung Dzong on our very first day. The next morning, our group split into two: the enthusiastic explorers, and those who preferred to take it slow. I joined the first lot, eager to soak it all in like blotting paper, and in the process, thoroughly tested the limits of my limbs. We began the day with a drive to Dochu La. (Incidentally, I’ve noticed that La , in all languages influenced by Tibetan, means pass .) It took us about half an hour to reach the pass located at an elevation of 3,100 metres. We were told that snow-clad Mt Masang Kang and Mt Gangkar Puensum, the mountain peaks of the Himalayas, can be seen to the east of the pass, but it was not to be. It was foggy and an occasional rain-drop would fall, so, we climbed up the few steps to the memorial built with the backdrop of tall, evergreen cypress...

Bhutan Diary-1                      Bhutan on a platter Ever seen such a beautiful luggage conveyor belt at an airport? Does anyone ever say ‘no’ to a free holiday? Not me, for certain. Especially when it comes gift-wrapped as a joyful celebration and promises- all expenses paid. I would have to be a dunce to refuse this; after all, I love to travel, appreciate useful free gifts, and I am not doing anything earth-shaking which I cannot postpone. The occasion was a milestone birthday. A dear friend, more like an older brother, was turning the big seven-oh and h is sons, who thankfully take after their dad in generosity , included us in the guest list for a celebratory vacation. After what I imagine was some serious mental exercise, they zeroed in on Bhutan , the ‘land of the thunder dragon’, India’s small peaceful neighbour in the north-east, also known as the world’s only carbon-negative country.   The vacation was co...