Hikes,Momos,Forts, and Legends

Another hike started our hearts racing again today, beginning at the trailhead past a chain suspension bridge and then proceeding through rice, wheat,and chili pepper terraces. A steep climb rewarded our efforts with the Khamsuhm Yuelley Namgyal temple complex with panoramic views of the mountains, river,and valley.

We later had a lovely picnic lunch featuring momos (Himalayan dumplings which can be perked up with chili paste) next to the river where we witnessed a solemn procession of monks headed to scatter the ashes of a deceased local.

Our next stop was the fantastic Punakho Fortress complex built in 1620 at a time when this was Bhutan's capital. It's a combination government building and temple compound and was truly amazing, framed by rows of blooming jacaranda. Crossing the bridge to the fortress, we were lucky to see a school of the rare Golden Mansour fish (up to 6 ft) in the waters below us. They now allow international sport fishermen to catch and then release, but one has to wonder why anyone would want to do this.

Our last stop was the world's longest suspension bridge (foot traffic only). Since I'm leary of crossing a rocking chain contraption with 50 people, I stayed behind but Kevin took some great pictures.

Bhutanese have lots of folk tales and our guide has regaled us with, perhaps, too many, but we did drive by a 13th century house which is known as the Romeo and Juliet house and here's the story if anyone's still interested. It seems a young couple from rival families fell in love and this Juliet got pregnant. Romeo didn't know as he was on business in another region. Her family was ashamed and kicked her out of the house, so she wandered through the forest sending telepathic messages ("Romeo, get your butt back here pronto") but he didn't get the messages due to slow telepathic connections in those days. Meanwhile Juliet died of starvation and Romeo arrived just in time for her funeral pyre, at which point he jumped into the flames to be with her forever. Juliet's family was cursed to have one deformed child in each subsequent generation. And locals say that is still the case.

Enough for today, but thanks to those who've stuck to the end.Baca lagi