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John Stewart Jr
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John Stewart Jr

Joined December 2017 Message
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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day14

    The Buddha that looks over Thimphu

     January 3, 2018 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C

    After a short drive we were welcomed by many steep steps that led to the largest Buddha in the world! Project started in 2007 and they are almost complete. This site has glorious views of the valley and city from every angle. After leaving the temple we went on an hour hike down the ridge with magnificent views. We are now having our last lunch at the Thimphu lodge.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day13

    Our 2nd day in Thimpu

     January 2, 2018 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C

    We had breakfast at our usual time. Followed by a group of schools children singing a traditional song to welcome the new year and the winter solstice. Craig and I then proceeded to a nice hike up the ridge by the broadcast antenna that led to a temple being renovated and a group of locals playing this traditional outdoor darts. The ridge had spectacular view views of the valley and the Dzong. We had lunch and and went to a traditional art and weaving studio where we purchased a few items.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day12

    Enroute to Thimphu and our first day

     January 1, 2018 in Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ -7 °C

    It was sad to leave Punakha. We headed onto the highway for a 3 hour ride that took us a spectacular pass - many snow capped mountains were in sight. We then arrived in Thimphu and had lunch followed by a tour of the main shopping district. We purchased a few items for home. We saw the traffic officer direct traffic and was told they put a traffic light there but this was met by many disappointed residents. Craig participated in the cultural lecture on. Buddhism and I rested.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day11

    New Year's Eve!

     December 31, 2017 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C

    After breakfast we started our hike up to Cat’s Ridge. It wasn’t easy as some of the climbs were very steep. After an hourlong ur we reached the top and there was an old local temple. The caretaker greeted us and gave us a tour and even blessed us. His family was so kind and gave us white sweet potatoes they harvested. In exchange we gave them our snacks and candy to the children. We proceeded down the ridge and was given amazing views of the valley. The trail landed at the back of the Dzong where our driver picked us up and took us back to the lodge for lunch. After lunch we toured the most amazing Dzong in Bhutan. Expansive and great artistry was all around. Before News year dinner we had watched local performers dance by two fire pits. New Year’s eve dinner was great as spent it with a gay British couple.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day10

    Day of the bike ride

     December 30, 2017 in Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C

    It was bright sunny morning. After breakfast we visited the local Market. Bustling with locals and nomads buying and trading goods. Following the market we went to the momentary down the road where we blessed by the abbot of the temple. We then proceeded to the Fertility temple and saw many stores and structures with phallus painted and even sold as statues. The Fertility temple was built in honor of the Divine Madman - and amazing story. At the Fertility monastery we toured the inside and told of the tale of the Divine Madman who trapped demon on the grounds under a Stupa. After lunch we went on a Bike ride along the river to the market and returned to lodge exhausted!Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day9

    Khamsum Chorten Hike

     December 29, 2017 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Immediately after lunch, Craig and I gathered our gear, took a 20min car ride to a suspension bridge at the base of this hike. The bridge area was the rafting starting point. After crossing the bridge, we approached terraced rice fields where farmers were planting cucumbers during this time of year. Poinsettias lined some of the trails After 40 mind, we reached the top and the temple while new, built in 1999 was spectacular. The theme inside were buddhist wraths, intricate statues, and wall paintings offered a story and understanding of wraths as noted by our tour guide. The views outside were incredible as the sunlight danced and skipped over the range.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day9

    Lunch in Punakha

     December 29, 2017 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    After arriving at the lodge we had lunch. I had an amazing yellow tail sashimi with fermented lychee! yum! Craig had a nice pizza with seasonal ingredients. After lunch we prepared for our 1st hike of the valley.Read more

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  • John Stewart JrBhutan
    Day9

    Departing Gangtey to Punakha

     December 29, 2017 in Bhutan ⋅ ☀️ 5 °C

    Craig and I had an amazing time in Gangtey. The valley was magical, scenic trails, and the regal Black Necked Cranes. We had our breakfast and got in our SUV for Punakha. The roads were more complete for this leg. Fridays are “Zero Tolerance” days where police would stop Citizens and check for proper government IDs.Read more

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