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I visited the Kingdom of Bhutan once a long time ago … in 2005. Always wanted to return but never had the opportunity.
Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayan mountains at the 8,000 feet level. The 17th Century Tiger’s Nest Monastery sits on a sheer rock cliff at 10,000 feet - see image #8. Building of that monastery started in 1692. A visit to Tiger’s Nest is a must if you can take the 2-mile hike each way. You can catch a pony up to the cafeteria at the halfway point (where this shot was taken) but you will have to walk down from there. The hike from that point to the monastery is 1 mile. It is steep and difficult … but well worth it if you can do it!
Bhutan is a monarchy. It's a poor Buddhist country but it’s the least corrupt country in the region as of 2016, according to Wikipedia. It is also the least developed country, so visiting Bhutan is like stepping back in time. Bhutan is notable for pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness. In spite of the poverty, people there lead simple lives and they are mostly happy. I did not see a single pan-handler when I was there. Here in America (the wealthiest country in the world) you will find them at many traffic stops, and tons of homeless people live on the streets and sleep in makeshift cardboard tents. Go figure.
psharvic wrote:
A fine set, Booby. Looks like a beautiful country with beautiful people. There's an important story with the last but I'm not sure what it is
Great shots that you are sharing with us. The photos bring out the culture in Bhutan. The people there look so happy and positive. Photo #8 is my favorite
Thank you, Craig! She was dressed in a traditional costume of the country and she hiked with us all the way to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery dressed like that - on foot! Didn’t even want to ride the pony for the first mile hike - I guess it would be awkward riding a pony in a sarong-type dress. She was quite the trooper. We were huffing and puffing all the way to the top. She took it like a walk in the park and looked fresh as a daisy when we got there! We were embarrassed to say the least! Then again we were two 50-year-old farts!
craigsexton wrote:
Great shots that you are sharing with us. The photos bring out the culture in Bhutan. The people there look so happy and positive. Photo #8 is my favorite
Great set of photos. With respect to #19 and #24, I seem to recall from a long ago trip to Bhutan that the phallic symbols are good luck and they adorn many houses.
Thanks Shirley! It was very weird and amusing to us at the same time. Of course, the locals are used to this. They are mostly painting on walls in the rural areas. Some info here:
dallvr wrote:
Great set of photos. With respect to #19 and #24, I seem to recall from a long ago trip to Bhutan that the phallic symbols are good luck and they adorn many houses.
An excellent series Bobby! You really have exposures nailed!!!!! So colorful..no competition within each composition for focus! Yeah the last one is indeed a VERY unique mural!!!!
Great job!
Dan
Danpbphoto wrote:
An excellent series Bobby! You really have exposures nailed!!!!! So colorful..no competition within each composition for focus! Yeah the last one is indeed a VERY unique mural!!!!
Great job!
Dan
Or not! Thanks!