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Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
  • Tamsin Gallie
  • Kate Saxton
  • Tamsin Gallie
  • Kate Saxton

Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

Post Cancer "Fuck it" World Trip ticking off major ticket items - Trans Mongolian Railway, Russia, Bhutan, Italy etc
Moscow, Mongolia, Manchester and everywhere in between Lue lisää
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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Walk to Little Adams Peak

    21. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    After a scrumptious breakfast at the Leisure Dream Inn we set off at 8.30am for our walk up Little Adam’s Peak.

    This lovely walk only took us 30 mins from the base as the lonely planet obviously includes the walk from town.
    Winding up through the tea plantations gave us a lovely scene before we ascended the steps to the peak.
    We were blessed with good timing because as we set off to descend a bus load of 20 something tourists dressed for a visit to a night club , moaned and heavy breathed their way past us!
    Once down we followed the signs for Nine Arch Bridge ... our next destination.

    https://lanka.com/about/attractions/little-adam…    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Nine Arch Bridge

    21. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    After descending from Little Adam’s peak we followed the easy track through the plush 98 Acre Resort, past the Newbrough Green Tea Plantation and down a v steep track to the railway bridge.
    We loved the fact there’s no health and safety and despite this being an active railway line used many times a day people are allowed to stand and walk along it!!

    After taking the requisite photos and enjoying this feat of engineering, we walked 35 mins along the railway sleepers all the way back to the Ella railway station and back to town.

    We had a coffee in UFO cafe but were so bothered by the flies we just headed back to the accommodation.

    This was followed by reading on the deck whilst the monsoon rains re-filled the waterfalls!!

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Arch_Bridg…    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Ella to Kandy- one more train trip!!

    22. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Stated as “ the worlds most beautiful train journey” (we decided we hadn’t had enough of trains after the Trans Siberian) so we got tickets on the 6.40am Ella to Kandy train.
    I managed to persuade K to get second class reserved seating instead of her preferred first class so we could at least open the windows.... and no I didn’t make us go in third class where there is a high chance u have to stand up for the 6-7 hr journey.
    Our host somehow got us, all of our luggage and a packed breakfast into his tuk tuk at 6am and kindly dropped us off at the Ella train station.
    At the last minute the v smart station master informed us all the train was coming in on the other track so we had to trudge up and over 50 steps on the overbridge to the other platform.
    Our train arrived and we found seats 13 and 14 easily ( although we had to turf out the only person in the carriage as she had managed to sit in our seats- the whole carriage was empty but she managed to sit in our prebooked seats!), and managed to stow our luggage overhead.
    What ensued was a v pleasant if not grey 6.5hr journey through huge tea plantations, tidy little train stations, towns, villages and more tea plantations on mind bendingly steep slopes.
    We arrived in Kandy at 1.20pm and were immediately assaulted with noise, traffic, people etc on the way to The Station Hotel- our accomm for 2 nights.... to be cont....    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Ella to Kandy part 2

    22. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    https://bestoflanka.com/train-travels-kandy-to-…

    We found our hotel easily as it was v near the train station but then couldn’t get in! It isn’t so much of a hotel as an apartment which is v nice except the kitchen is totally empty of utensils, jug etc and the fridge is a health hazard. The wife who let us in reported to know nothing and said her husband was coming now but after 20 mins he still hadn’t arrived so we left to find food.
    To cut a v long story short Kandy is pretty hideous from heaps of loud , dirty traffic, constant bothering from tuk tuk drivers ( if we bloody wanted a lift we would ask for one!), to a rather dirty looking lake.
    We tried x 4 places to eat before settling on the respectable Queens Hotel upstairs restaurant.
    The waiter pretended to speak no English to start with whilst trying to order something but got significantly better when he asked us about the rugby later on.
    He then tripped as he brought our drinks- k caught her beer and I caught my sprite thank god.
    Lunch was average but the chef and the waiter proceeded to stand and chit chat to each other right next to our table.... despite the whole 60 cover restaurant being empty..., we wouldn’t have minded if they offered us another drink or a service but no just were annoying.
    During this we decided we had had enough of Kandy already and instead of wasting tmrw we would head north to Dambulla a day early.
    We paid the idiots at the restaurant - whose English was now pretty sophisticated and left for an oasis of a coffee shop we found online (Buono).
    Next it was to the bus station to try to locate where our bus may go from tmrw- there were hundreds of dirty clapped out buses to choose from. Hopefully we found where the more reliable express ones park so tmrw when we have our bags it’s less of a hassle.
    Now back to the “hotel” with no working internet, tv, jug but at least we have air con and tmrw we blow this joint. Thanks but no thanks Kandy    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Kandy to Dambulla

    23. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Even after making our decision yesterday to leave Kandy a day early our minds weren’t changed when our accommodation manager turned up pissed last night when we asked to pay him!!
    Sadly things didn’t get better when he served our breakfast this am with the shakes! He Had put salt in the juice and it tasted like washing up liquid in the coffee- we also had a whole loaf of toast/ bread!! We couldn’t get out of there fast enough!
    Next obstacle was the manic bus station but to be honest it was easy. We avoided getting run over, were directed to the bus to Dambulla and we left straight away after wedging our big bags on the gear console!!
    $8 and 2 hours later we were dropped off in Dambulla- the gateway to Sigiriya and Kaudulla National Park.
    We had a little trouble finding our accommodation as usual but finally arrived at Thammenna Eco Cabins.
    Our room is huge and the staff member lovely. He arranged a coffee and then an hour later during the rain storm he cooked us lunch on request- a v delicious Sri Lankan curry with all the trimmings.
    At 3pm we decided to go to the Cave Temples, and Sonny and his tuk tuk were ordered.... tbc    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Dambulla Cave Temples

    23. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dambulla_cave_t…

    Sonny and his tuk tuk drove us the 5 mins to the Cave Temples and gave us a v thorough explanation of the expected process I.e no shoes “there is a security man” and “ no selfies with the Buddha” etc etc
    The 160m climb up the steps gave us a beautiful view over the central area which is punctuated with massive rock structures.
    Hopefully the link above will give u the history and Information behind this jaw dropping sight.
    Sorry lots of photos to follow    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    A very wet Sigiriya

    24. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigiriya

    We met our tour jeep for the day at 8.30am after several slightly annoying whatsapp messages.
    Our driver was Madushan and whilst v nice, spoke v little english which made the day difficult as we couldn’t communicate the need for flexibility.
    Anyway we got on the road and arrived at Sigiriya at 9.30am ( later than I wanted but bound by tour times)
    We set off for this v impressive castle on the top of the imposing rock, through some beautiful botanical and boulder gardens.
    The entrance to the rock was through a gigantic boulder gateway, then up many, many stairs and a spiral staircase to the impressive frescoes. These depicted voluptuous women with the tiniest waists!!
    Back down the spiral staircase and along the ‘mirror wall’ which was actually just a stucco wall.
    After more steps we arrived at the impressive lion’s claws gateway to the actual stairway to the rock top, palace ruins.
    At this point the cloud and monsoon rains came in... and decided to stay!!
    K was v brave because the next part of the climb up the sheer cliff face was not nice if u don’t like heights!! Arriving at the top in the cloud and rain wasn’t much better!!
    Despite the weather and not really being able to see the 360 views, the impressive ruins of the palace could still be appreciated.
    By now we were totally saturated. We explored the top before making our way back down all of the steps back to the botanical gardens. Not a thing was dry!!!
    We almost swam back to the Jeep and made the driver take us to a cafe so we could warm up with a coffee. The plan was to visit a spice garden but bugger that- 2 x pots of coffee it was.... and still the rain poured down!!!
    Next it was off to the safari part of the day... we weren’t sure elephants liked the rain and by now we were feeling a bit dejected..,. Anyhow off we went.
    Ps not many photos of Sigiriya as it was too wet to get the phone out    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Kaudulla national park

    24. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    https://www.yogawinetravel.com/how-to-see-the-e…

    After our life saving coffee and despite the rain, suddenly we were being driven at speed north to Kaudulla National Park.
    We thought we were meant to be going for lunch and then to the park at 2.30pm for our safari to see the biggest gathering of elephants in Sri Lanka- groups of 200-300 which we were told were best seen late afternoon.
    However we arrived In the park at 1pm ( without lunch as we were reportedly late!)... to meet up with another Jeep.
    We were a bit grumpy about this early start and the fact that it was still totally pissing down however for the next 2 hours we were one of only 4 jeeps in the park!
    At 3pm we suddenly saw there was a queue of about 20-30 jeeps!
    The elephant groups were incredible. We must have seen approx 150 elephants - many with small babies still suckling. They were totally unperturbed by the vehicles and walked past extremely closely if they wanted to cross the road where we happened to be watching them from!
    The next 3 hours flew by just watching and photographing these ungainly animals as the played and ate. What a treat??!!
    It certainly wasn’t a safari for other animal spotting but we did see a jackal and a few birds. K was disappointed not to see a sloth bear ( different to a sloth) but the elephants more than made this trip.
    On the way home we passed a v aggressive bull all covered in red dirt just on the side of the road, charging at cars as they passed!! What a bonus?!
    We got back to the accommodation at 5.30pm and immediately showered ams changed into warm clothes, before having dinner.
    Tmrw we have no idea which direction we are heading or where we r staying... left to Wilpattu for the chance to see sloth bears... or right to Trincomalee for the chance to see blue whales??!! Tough decisions    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Bus to Trincomalee & shit accommodation

    25. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    Today started off well, carried on and ended up v v well!
    We left the Thammenna Eco Cabins, after breakfast in a tuk tuk to take us to the main bus stop.
    I managed to top up my local SIM card easily so we could book some accommodation in Trincomalee, on the east coast when we got there ( being a day ahead of schedule we had nothing booked)
    Whilst waiting on the side of the road for a suitable bus we were kindly accosted by a couple of “taxi” drivers kindly offering to drive us in their private cars for $30usd - more than x 10 the bus fare!! They certainly didn’t leave quickly with one staying with us for most of the 20 mins we waited!
    Finally our bus came and we loaded our bags once more onto the gear console- lucky because K would soon be fascinated by the distinct lack of use of gears!
    We paid our 480rupees ($3.90 aud for both of us!!) and settled back for our 2 hr trip to Trinco.
    Arriving at 11.30am we got a tuk tuk to the hotel where we were due for the following 3 nights- however we took an instant dislike to it so promptly left, argued for a v cheap price and took a tuk tuk to a lovely resort 15kms up the road at Nilaveli Beach- K couldnt have been happier!!
    Our room is amazing and despite we don’t have a sea View we are one of only 5 occupied rooms and I’m back in a waffle- weave robe- life is good again!
    Had a walk on the beach which was deserted, Swam in the pool that was empty and we have just had the most amazing dinner..... with enough leftovers in my lunchbox for the rugby tmrw!!
    Sadly the hotel is having an issue with its liquor licence.... so is selling beers for $1.50 aud ordered from reception.... so we stocked up for the rugby tmrw!!
    Curry, beers, satellite TV.... we are ready for the big game!!    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    3 ways to amuse a Blue Whale

    26. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    WARNING: Long post

    I’m posting this early before the NZ vs Eng rugby game in case I don’t make it through the day due to the levels of excitement experienced today.
    K managed to tick another item off her bucket list today - yes that is correct we spent the morning swimming with a blue whale!!!😍🐋🐋🐋🤪

    We got picked up at 5.30am and Yohan from Trinco Water Sports, along with the captain Lager ( yep apparently he is a drinker!) took us out for a morning whale watch/ swim. They had express instructions not to spend too much time with any dolphins- our aim was to see and hopefully swim with the biggest mammal ever to exist on earth!! ( yes we sound like wankers but the blue whale was our goal).
    There was a lot of expectation management with “don’t get your hopes up”, “ it’s poor weather to see the whales”, “ it’s the end of season.... blah blah blah”
    After 40 mins Lager spotted a blow way off in the distance- off we sped snorkels ready. We watched 4 blows get closer.... and then there was the fluke! Wow the fluke of a massive blue whale. Excited but disappointed we reconciled with the fact we had just seen a live, v special whale pretty close up. However it didn’t end there......
    To cut the most amazing next 2 hours short we had close up with the whale at least x 8 and both managed to get in the water with it x 4.
    We both missed a couple of chances to see it from the water due to poor timing ( deciding whether to watch it from the surface or risk missing it from the water)- old moby was only on the surface for the shortest of times but I decided I was maximising chances of a swim and did the most spectacular entry, being able to spend a precious 20-30 seconds as it dived below me and then just hung there in the depths with me floating directly over it- when I got up to the surface Kate and Yohan were still on the boat..... I think my entry had stunned them into freezing!!! Holy shit swimming above this huge, incredible, majestic creature was mind blowing. I couldn’t stop smiling but was disappointed K had not got in.
    Anyway 10 mins later Moby surfaces again not far from us so in K went and I followed with a bit more dignity this time...... 10 secs later we were all in the water with the biggest smiles on our faces - obviously Yohan still gets great joy from swimming with the whales.
    By now it was 9.30am and we had been out for more than 3 hours and sadly it was time to return to shore- what an experience??!!
    We laughed all the way home because what I left out was another couple of spectacular but different entries I managed to pull off due to excitement at getting in the water next to the biggest whale in the ocean- once I sat on the side and just rolled off backwards- no I didn’t have a dive tank on.... and I forgot to put my snorkel in my mouth!! ..... and I missed most of the whale but made Lager laugh!! Once I did the most massive jump I almost dive bombed Moby and the next tine I almost slipped off the side of the boat whilst going at speed to get in position!!
    Anyway now back at the hotel, which kindly made us a v late breakfast and about to watch the rugby.... how much excitement for one day??!

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_whale

    https://lanka.com/about/interests/whales/    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Doing bugger all in Trincomalee

    27. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We were woken this am with a phone call to say our tuk tuk driver had arrived with our laundry!! Such service.
    After a v delicious breakfast we repacked and then headed to the pool/ beach.
    It was a hive of activity... cows, divers, the navy... and then thunder and lightening.
    Whilst sitting by the pool we reflecting that yesterday we were swimming with a whale that was as long as the pool, half as wide and possibly 150 tonnes!!!
    We sat by the pool, had a swim and read until the second thunder storm. We the went back to the room and prepared for the Wales vs South Africa game.... and what a cracking game it is. Currently 16-16 with 12 mins to go... a nail biter to the last.
    Tmrw we have at least 8 hours of bus travel back to the west coast to Negombo - north of Colombo.... although we are currently a little unsure of how we will get there ( cost vs convenience)    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Trincomalee to Negomba- local bus!

    28. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    We checked out of Anilana after an early breakfast and our fave tuk tuk driver dropped us off at Trinco bus station. Despite there being no available timetables it appeared we had just missed an express bus to Colombo and so now the only options were take a government bus or wait 90 mins.
    Government bus it was..... which we nearly Instantly regretted as 30 mins later we weren’t even out of Trinco- Colombo being at least 6.5 hrs away by the express bus.
    Anyway we sat back, grateful we had a seat (albeit pretty tight) and hoped that not many more people would get on as some were already standing.
    20 mins later the man across the aisle had a seizure!! The local passengers were amazing even though they didn’t appear to know the man. They surrounded him, kept him safe, held his head and calmly rode out the seizure with him keeping him safe until he came around which he did. A woman started flicking water at his face so I quickly passed her a tea tree wet wipe to wipe his face in a gentler manner!!
    15 mins fully recovered he got off at his stop with his bag And that was that.
    The bus seemed to stop every 5 mins, boarding more and more people- many now with sopping umbrellas or soaking wet as it was totally throwing it down.
    We discovered it was totally acceptable for a standing passenger to rest their bags on the laps of those sitting- first on the lap of an elderly man in front of me and then a wet bag landed on my lap!!! Oh the joys of public transport as we were jammed in.
    By now 3 hours into the 6-7hr journey we decided to take a v sensible and time saving option- instead of travelling all the way to Colombo and the have to travel back up to Negombo we decided to get off at a junction town called Kurunegala and get a taxi to the hotel!! Suddenly K perked up!!
    Getting off the bus with our bags in the allowed 15 seconds was a challenge but once out on the side of the road we breathed a sigh of relief.
    The PickMe app provided us with a cheap car for the remaining 1.5 hours to Negombo- beats 3-4 hours more on the buses to Negombo.
    We arrived at the Ruvisha Beach Hotel at 4pm both dehydrated and needing a bathroom as we had both been too scared to drink on the bus due to the lack of comfort stops (aka none!)
    The hotel really wasn’t as advertised on booking.com but it’s clean and adequate despite the swimming pool being in the car park on the main road! The sea view is a glimpse but the beach is across the road- now just need it to stop raining. Last full day in Sri Lanka tmrw but nothing exciting planned- no public transport anyway!!    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Hanging out in Negomba with cousin David

    29. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    We had a v relaxed day with a walk on the beach and then a nice coffee at Jetwing Beach- a nice hotel we r not staying in! I could become a huge fan of the Jetwing Hotel chain if they weren’t at the higher price range.
    The highlight of the day was meeting K’s mum’s cousin David, his wife Sriya and their 20yr old nephew. They drove up from Mt Lavinia and met us for drinks and nibbles at a hotel on the beach. All v nice getting to know their interesting life in Sri Lanka and what was nicer was David gave us a copy of a book he has written called Return to Rugby Land.
    Now back at the hotel for our last night in Sri Lanka and tmrw we fly to Bangkok in transit to Bhutan. Looking fwd very much to this next Interesting little country at the foot of the Himalayas.    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Good bye Sri Lanka

    30. lokakuuta 2019, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Our 18 nights in Sri Lanka have been great. It has been extremely relaxing, full of amazing animal experiences and although it has been pretty wet we have done and seen most things we set out to see ( except Jaffna up north and a sloth bear... maybe next time!)
    Now all checked in for our flight to Bangkok for an overnight transit before flying to Paro in Bhutan tmrw- v exciting.
    Ps Sri Lanka airport has the most expensive coffee ever seen $7 usd ($10.20 aud / £5.40!) for a latte... which we refused to buy on principle.    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    You may all have 12 days reprieve!

    31. lokakuuta 2019, Thaimaa ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We are just off to the airport for our 3 hour flight to Bhutan.
    We are not sure if we will have internet access whilst in Bhutan so u may get a rest from reading our travel drivel and the photos of our meals!
    However luckily Find Penguins allows to save in draft offline so there will be just 12 posts and at least 120 photos that will all come through at once on our return from the country of Happiness!!    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    11

    Bhutan we have arrived

    31. lokakuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Wow we have arrived in the Bhutan and first impressions are it’s clean, beautiful, mountainous and we are going to love it!
    There were only about 12 of us on the plane which included a breathtaking view of the peaks of the Himalayas ( hoping it was Everest but not sure it was) peaking through the clouds.
    Next we got picked up by our tour guide Hem and were driven an hour from Paro to the capital Thimphu, stopping at a 16th century swing bridge (over the clearest river) and shrine on the way.
    Our hotel is lovely, the buffet dinner was delicious and we are looking forward to exploring this stunning country over the next 11 days.    Lue lisää

  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    A full on day in Thimpu- Part 1

    1. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    I am falling in love with Bhutan by the minute! Not only have we seen stunning scenery but what we have been learning about their culture, pride, and their Buddhist beliefs has astounded us today..... not to mention their love and use of chillies!!
    We started the morning with a visit to the 31m high Great Buddha Dordenma shining in the morning sun in a v commanding place atop one of the many hills.
    Next it was a stroll through Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park with its strings of Tibetan prayer flags and views over Thimphu Valley.
    Back down the hill we went to an animal rehabilitation sanctuary to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan which is a v strange looking antelope type animal.
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takin
    They rescue endangered, orphaned or injured animals and whilst keeping some for breeding they try to release many back into the wild.
    Next it was off to a nunnery where the nuns worship the female deity, before we ( not the nuns!) were taken to the weekend market...it wasn’t even lunchtime yet!!    Lue lisää

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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    A full day in Thimpu - Part 2

    1. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    So off we went to the market a little reluctantly following Hem, the guide. Neither of us particularly like the usually dirty, hectic, smelly markets but this was honestly the nicest, cleanest market either of us had ever been to!! It was a joy to walk around!
    They sold every type of vegetable, rice, honey of many colours, yeast cakes ( for making alcohol), chillies and chilli powder by the tonnes and bags and bags of incense! We couldn’t believe how much we both enjoyed it.
    Then it was finally off to lunch although it was only 12.30pm.
    K saved my life when I was about to take a huge forkful of the National dish- chillies and cheese. I thought it was a type of green been in cheese sauce with some chilli... but no it was green chillies in cheese sauce- Jesus even a small amount was v v hot!!
    Next we were off to the magnificent Tashichhoedzong- a splendid fortress in the centre of the city, next to the Kings palace. It’s the meeting place of the government and the king to discuss the country’s needs, alongside a resident contingent of monks. Beautiful murals adorned the walls, the outside was surrounded by a rose garden with roses of every variety, the fortress walls gave security and peace whilst the internal monastery gave a place of spiritual worship in all its colours.
    After learning more about Buddhist teachings it was off to watch an archery competition. Sadly they weren’t using traditional bows and arrows but high powered imported hunting bows which wasn’t quite the same.
    By now it was 3.15pm and Hem reported next on the agenda was a walk through town- to this we politely asked if we could decline to return to our hotel to watch the NZ vs Wales game!! He was only to happy to comply as assured us we weren’t missing anything in town so off we went to watch the game.
    At 5.30pm we were picked up again for a traditional Bhutanese dinner which consisted of... more chilli dishes! It was nice but weird as we were the only 2 people in the whole restaurant ? Because it was a national holiday ( coronation of the king day). Home again by 7.30pm after a v full but satisfying day.    Lue lisää

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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Thimphu to Punakha with Himalayan views

    2. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Another big, but great day in the Bhutanese sun.
    At 8.30am we were driven to the first stop of many- Memorial Stupa. Part of it was like a day centre for old people where the elderly come daily, sit and spin the prayer wheels all day with the company of many others.
    The foot traffic around the Stupa ( a 3 level place of worship) was an immense sea of colour, incense and prayer beads.
    Next it was off to the Textile Museum where we learnt the intricate designs of the different regions of Bhutan and the importance of patterned materials to the different rituals of each community.
    After this we were taken to the general post office where we could have had a book of stamps with our pictures on printed.... we politely declined but posted ourselves a postcard.    Lue lisää

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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Thimphu to Punakha - part 2

    2. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    After posting our postcard it was off to a paper making factory. Whilst this sounded little underwhelming as we arrived at a dirty, shed like building it actually turned into quite a fabulous visit.
    Outside, the bark of the daphne tree was soaked , heated in a huge pot and then cooled.
    Inside, the soggy pulp was shredded, soaked further, sifted on large wooden frames, laid out, pressed, dried on an A frame heated drier and then packed. We were the only tourists and they didn’t mind as we took loads of photos of this intriguing process.
    As we headed off to drive over the Dochula Pass
    we spotted some archery- this time using traditional bows of bamboo and waxed fibres so we stopped for a short time. This felt more authentic than yesterday’s competition although today because they can’t keep the tension on for v long they have to have a quicker eye to aim.    Lue lisää

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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019

    Thimphu to Punakha- Dochula Pass

    2. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    After the paper factory and the archery it was finally time to drive over Dochula Pass. The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimpu to Punakha where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens" have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dochula_Pass

    We got to an elevation of 3120m at which height we had a stunning view over the Bhutanese Himalayas and the valleys below.

    After a walk around the 108 stupas we descended the windy, pass towards Punakha before stopping off for lunch... it was only 12.45pm!!    Lue lisää

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  • Kate and Tamsin Trip 2019
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    Temple and Village of the Phallus!!

    2. marraskuuta 2019, Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    After lunch we spent some time watching and photographing a family beating the rice from the bushel ( described by K!!) before walking up to the Fertility Monastery.
    To reach this monastery we had to walk through a village which seems to make its money.... from penises!! Wooden ones, plain ones, painted ones, planes made of them.... u name it they make it with penis shaped objects.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimi_Lhakhang

    By now it was 3.45pm and we were deposited back to our v lovely new accommodation Zhingkham Resort..... in time for the second half of the ENG vs SA World Cup final!! Well done SA!!

    https://www.bhutanhotels.com.bt/hotels/zhingkha…    Lue lisää

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