Thimphu II

The last day. With a melancholic feeling, I said goodbye to Emily around 5 AM as she went out to catch her flight with Fifa. We shared one final hug before I went back to bed, my mind still swirling with thoughts. The morning was heavier and a bit difficult for me to deal with. I was even a bit too late for breakfast and decided to just skip it. I met up with Fifa and asked what was on the agenda and to check if we were able to go to Ha today. Seems like it was a no-go and Kyichu Lhakang was still off the table. I asked if we could go to Thimpu to check out Simtokha but Fifa said it was too far.

We went to find a gas station first to refuel, on the way Fifa made some calls and it looks like Ha was now open but the bad news was we couldn't find the right fuel for the car so it looks like it really wasn't meant to be this time. We decided to go back to Tachog Lhakhang again, the very first place we looked at from afar on the first day. This time around, we got to approach it by crossing the bridge and doing a small hike. I was welcomed by this girl with glasses who taught me about the history and lore of the temple, which was related to a horse. I prayed to both Shakyamuni and Avalokiteshvara here. We went around to find a rock where Guru Rinpoche was said to have meditated. I enjoyed seeing the mountain ranges around this area and I felt really connected to nature as the river washed by. Fifa was suddenly open to the idea of going to Thimphu so we headed off to Simtokha Dzong.

The first dzong in Bhutan, it carried much weight and I felt the energy of the place. There were some royal officials there accompanied by guards and the monks had their full attention. After going around and paying respects to the various deities, I had the opportunity to finally try Sho, the Bhutanese dice divination. Emily got her chance at Chimi Lhakhang and I also wondered about mine. The monk advised me to make a wish, and I made a fervent one, a wish that I carried with me across Bhutan and ending it at this last day. As I released the three dice, each one of them landed on a 6. The highest possible result achievable in Sho. The monk was surprised and gave me a huge thumbs up, I guess this was good news so I mirrored him. Could my prayers have been heard? Nevertheless, I felt well and confident, as if now everything would be alright. Fifa interpreted what the monk was saying, this was known as the God's dice, a highly auspicious one at that. Having the support of the high heavens, I carried on the rest of the day with a lighter heart.

We went to Changangkha Lhakhang next, where Tashi said he lived nearby. This was a much smaller temple focusing on Avalokiteshvara. There seemed to be a festive mood here as there were a lot of people, it was a very busy one at that with the coming and going of the faithful. I prayed here as well and finished going around the temple perimeter spinning the prayer wheels. Fifa and I went outside to catch amazing views of Thimphu before grabbing our last lunch together in the form of momos and fried rice.

On our way to the airport, as I viewed the mountains that welcomed me with open arms, I felt a bit of a heartache. Bhutan was actually so amazing and beautiful and has been so kind to me. I felt so grateful for the journey, despite the weight I was carrying with me throughout. Fifa then sang for me, the song that I heard a few times playing in the car as we went around the country: Yar La Aee. It was such a heartfelt moment that remained etched in my heart and until now seemed to be one of the most emotionally resonant moments in Bhutan. As if the whole trip's significance was now only dawning on me in those short moments of reflection as the notes flowed. What did I come here to accomplish? What did I learn? In the end, as the sun shone through its lands, I realized I was really glad I came. I was completely and utterly grateful for the opportunity, the experiences, the people, and the places I've experienced.

Then we started to play various versions of Yak Legbhi Lhadar, another traditional Bhutanese folk song from the movie Lunana. This was really a wonderful farewell for me as we got to Paro. Fifa took me the the Paro Airport Bird's Eye Viewpoint where we traded socials and admired the view together. He took me to the airport and walked me towards the gates while still carrying my bag, we shared a hug and walked our separate ways. I was ready to face the future.Leer más