Paro

Arriving at Paro Airport was an experience altogether. Surrounded by mountains and getting an immediate look at Bhutanese architecture. The airport was splendid. I also got to see the royal family, the queen whom I had already seen a while back was one of the most beautiful queens I have ever laid my eyes on.

I passed through immigration after a long wait and found Kinzang, or Fifa, as he introduced himself on Whatsapp. Our driver, and soon-to-be friend throughout this trip. Thaye, a high school friend of Sagar, my old workmate, handled the logistics of the trip for us.

After Fifa took my bags, I met up with Lisa and Emily by the Mountain Cafe. After our adventures in Nepal and Mongolia, it was such a strange experience to see them both together. We caught up for a bit before deciding to ride with Fifa to Thimpu. On the way we stopped by Kyichu Lhakhang which was unfortunately closed due to the Queen Mother being there so we decided to walk around the village.

It felt like I was in another world. Seeing these rice paddy fields, the mountains, the people dressed in their national clothes. Bhutan is definitely the most unique country I have ever been to so far. It was peaceful and tranquil, everyone seemed kind and happy. I guess this is what Bhutan meant that they focus on Gross National Happiness.

On the way we stopped by Tachog Lhakhang as well, we only viewed it from afar and I wasn't able to see the bridge but it alas it was done. We went on towards Thimpu and when we got there it was already dark. Fifa brought us to the Alchemy Pub where Thaye was. We stopped by to say hi but ended up having drinks and food at his place. Thaye was super kind, I had thought he would look like Sagar but he was just a genuinely nice guy who helped us a ton. Even the food and drinks we had were on the house! He gave Fifa some emergency money that we can use as well. An ace amongst men, he was.

After saying good bye, we went to Khamsum Inn where we holed up for the night. I opened up to Lisa and Emily about some problems I was holding in since Thailand.Baca selengkapnya