Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
Posted on February 10, 2008
Filed Under Travel | Viewed 2158 times
Also called Window in the Sky, Bhutan’s other name is the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is a land in the Himalayas, about 25,000 feet above sea level, its mountains hiding it from the rest of the world, shrouded in legend and myth—its supernatural beings, ancient monasteries and fortresses amidst a breathless sight.
A 45-minute trek from the base of a mountain in Thimpu, the capital, brings one to Tango (Horse Head) Monastery, a Buddhist college, which is also the residence of Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy, now 14 years old, believed to be the reincarnation of the 16th century monk who built Tango.
On the way up the mountain brings with it interesting faces, locals having the time of their lives picnicking, a true example of what “Gross National Happiness” is all about. For me I translate it to leisurely living and happiness out of very simple pleasures in life.
I was lucky to be there, one of the auspicious days when the Desi Tensin Rabgye appeared in public. It was also a rare opportunity for an outsider to be invited in the College, in the Dean’s own dwellings and that of the other monks.
I had the rare opportunity to witness the monks’ prayers and rituals in the private confines of the monastery. I knew then what mystic meant. I was awe-struck (could not take pictures out of respect). Here are some photos taken in the Tango Monastery.
This is the Tango Monastery.
A snapshot with the Dean and some of the monks.
Oh, to be in their place, even for just a while—relaxed, leisurely, calm, peace, quiet.
And I had my moment!
Trekking down. Bhutanese are obliged to wear their national costumes at all times in public.
For men in Bhutan, the traditional dress is a robe known as the go. Women’s traditional costume is a wraparound garment called the kira.
Lush greens.
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Dine Racoma is Sexy Mom, a Filipina doing what she likes best—writing, her passion. She writes freelance, does research, advises on new media, and manages a virtual assistance office for home-based jobs. A mother of 7 (what joy!) foremost, a wife, MIL, grandma to 2 pretty girls and an angel in heaven, sister, daughter, friend. Was in the corporate world for 27 years, the first 5 as Executive Secretary to an affiliate of the country’s biggest drug chain, and the last 22 as an international civil servant in an international development bank with HQ in Manila. Traveled extensively to many countries bringing about rich experiences and lessons learned to share with dear Readers. All these—in The D Spot
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Such an exquisite scenery in Bhutan.
this must be how Paradise looks and felt like. So soothing and serene.
SexyMom: true—so soothing and serene.
Wow! You went there…???Lucky you! This is really a place I want to visit!
Your pictures make me dream!
SexyMom: Yes, I went there 5 times over 2 years.
Where are my children and my brothers? ha ha ha Just kidding.
One of my many dreams.
SexyMom: They must be here: Bhutan—Window in the Sky
lovely! I still need to explore the world. travel more.
SexyMom: travel more…experience more…learn more
Wow Dine, that’s wonderful! I don’t think I’d make it to Bhutan anytime soon. They’re fascinating! How did you end up touring Bhutan?
SexyMom: All of it were business travel.
Looks like paradise indeed. Sana makapunta rin ako.
SexyMom: kinda next to paradise.
Those photos are like straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Really beautiful! It’s great to know that there is a country that remains protected to western influences.
SexyMom: thanks, Toe. it’s like even if the camera is a very simple one, the pictures turn out to be good ones, because of the beauty of the place and the people.
Wow Dine you’re so lucky! The first time I saw this place was when Matt Lauer of the Today Show went there and I thought it looked peaceful.
You know, even Richard Gere found the place so enchanting and mystical. I heard that he has converted to Buddhism.
breathtaking pics of the snow-capped mountains!
i’m chiming in – this is National Geographic material.
SexyMom: and there’s so much to unearth!
Wow! I never knew Bhutan was so peacefully beautiful. Even the people look so serene. Nice.
Bhutan is peacefully beautiful—even their citizens. Not only serene, but stress-free, too.
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[...] Bhutan is a land in the Himalayas, about 25,000 feet above sea level, its mountains hiding it from the rest of the world, shrouded in legend and myth—its supernatural beings, ancient monasteries and fortresses amidst a breathless sight. [...]
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