The next days were filled with orientation meetings and tourist trips. I was overwhelmed with how fast the days were going considering I was in an unknown place with people I barely knew at the time.
As we visited offices like the Ministry of Education, I began to really get a feel for this amazing country and its incredible people that inhabited it. As I mentioned earlier, I had met the Minister of Education, but neglected to mention the Secretary, a woman named Aum Sangay Zam . She was one of the first personnel who I truly felt I could be myself around. I believe she appreciated it more as well. She was very open- minded and informed of us of her role in the Education sector. She also joined us for dinner right before we departed for our postings at the wonderful Dragon Roots hotel. She talked about the major difference that we are making and she was very encouraging in her words. I just think it’s remarkable that many of the Bhutanese people continue to thank us for coming and praising us for our efforts to improve the Bhutanese Education system. I mean, the more I communicate and become more acquainted with the natives, I am the one that is thankful for this opportunity. I have never in my life met so many open-minded, kind spirited people! In Buddhist nature, what they say is true, “See yourself in others; your happiness is based on the happiness of others.” I feel the way these individuals speak (with such passion) you feel that compassion with every word. She spoke of her sons that had traveled to the United States to attend Universities and how she herself felt no worries for her sons in such a foreign land. She was a great influence in that aspect. I would be worried about the negative influence America would have on my well brought up sons. HA! Propaganda of America can lead to devious nature in my opinion.
I was also privileged enough to meet Lopen Lungten Jamtsho who plays a major role in the Language and National Cultural Institute in Bhutan. He spoke about the many aspects of Buddhism, enlightened me with many facts, and even supplied great quotes about what Buddhism really consist of. He talked about the past, present, and future Buddha’s, the (2) faces of Buddhism, and how to have control over your own mind. In his words,” Have control over your mind; do not be a servant of your own mind. Tame your mind and let it do what you want it to do.” His words were like a breath of fresh air. One always believes that they have control over their own mind and actions, but in Buddhist nature you have to LEARN to do so. Meditation and breathing exercises everyday for 5- 10 minutes cleanses all insecurities in the mind. I have been doing these exercises daily since I have been placed in Kanglung. I can honestly say that it has helped to clear and refresh each day before my mind is clouded with my many teaching duties.
On top of meeting these influential people, we were privileged enough to partake in the many tourist activities in and around the capital of Thimphu! One such activity included our hike to Buddha Point. This was my first experience “trekking” into the hills of Bhutan. The walk started very easy and our whole group was staying together like champs, but then one by one we all began separating. Three of our members had to result in staying at the hotel because of Bhutan Belly and many of our members had to walk at their own pace. This included me. While five of the thirteen that went on the hike trekked on in front of me, I continued on this trail alone. I was eventually accompanied by an old man and his grandson, who helped me to make it up steep short cuts to catch up to my group. They would say, “Shortcut, Madam?” And if you know me, I don’t turn down any short cuts! They were very steep and even though I wanted to give up at times, like other members of the group…I made it up with the help of my fellow colleagues Tara and Martin. It was such an accomplishment and I felt so amazing after I accomplished the hike. We stayed in the ambience of this Buddha for about a ½ hour, because we had to meet Nancy Strickland for a spectacular feast at her home in Thimphu. After a half way stretch down the trails, I hitched a ride with Nema and Martha to Nancy’s humble residence. We were greeted by architects and other influential people of Bhutan again! I couldn’t believe it! These people who basically develop, plan, and “run” this small country were taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with us! I began to think about if this was America, and foreign teachers came to teach (which they do all the time) NO ONE would receive this type of recognition. It just goes to show the type of people they are and how much they care about the well- being of their country! Also, I am sure they want to know who will be influencing their education system as well!
I was also able to visit Taktsang Goemba , which is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan. It was by far the most I have pushed myself and the most rewarding aspect of my Bhutan experience yet! (Besides meeting my students) I was sore from the hike to Buddha point, but there was no way I was going to miss out of this beautiful once in a lifetime opportunity! As I got off the bus and looked up at the mountain that seemed like hundreds of miles away….I thought there is no way I am going to make this! There were about 12 other tourist buses there with people all around us. Many of the individuals took a horse or donkey up the entire trek, but I decided I had to prove it to myself that I could do this. After 2 hours of strenuous, rocky, dirt road I had made it to the half way point. I was lucky enough to receive a call from home at the same time of our break. It was all my friends and family from back home and just hearing their voices motivated me even more to complete this journey. After a short break with Noorin and Delaine, we decided to take a horse the other half of the Trek and for only $8, I couldn’t turn it down! This was a little scary to say the least. We were riding straight up a mountain on horses that take this hike twice a day! Reaching the top was never so sweet when you began to see others who were on their way down. We had made it finally! Only to have the monastery close for an hour! I almost burst into tears right then and there, but I looked around and I realized I MADE IT UP A MOUNTAIN!!! I was proud of myself either way and at least I was eye level with the Magnificent Tiger’s Nest!
Dzongka lessons were a bit different to say the least. Our instructor was not a teacher at all, but tried his best to help us with this language. In a group of 6 of us, and everyone knows it’s hard to “Teach teachers”, I felt bad for him. We were all asking too many questions, pronouncing things wrong, laughing at each other’s pronunciation efforts, and basically confusing him more than what he expected. I will not say that I did not learn any Dzongka from Sangay because I did, but I would suggest a lecturer for the future BCFers.
The cooking classes were a much better success in my opinion. I was able to video tape the lesson on my flip camera and even today I use it as a reference to cook my many Bhutanese meals. Meena and the other women were very helpful in preparing the traditional foods that we have all grown to love so much. They even suggested the best places for us to purchase the spices, vegetables, and other needed ingredients. That night we shared a family style meal that we all contributed in making and to top it off they surprised Simon with a homemade chocolate cake with candles to celebrate his birthday! It was a great night, with great people.
The last 2 days in Thimphu flew by. With shopping, last minute errands, and money exchanges to be made, the departure date crept in before we knew it! After spending two weeks with these remarkable people I was very sad to leave the great group that easily became my Bhutan family. We would all depart together, but some of us were heading south so we would not get a chance to say final goodbye at our postings. We piled our many belongings in the lobby of the Dragon Roots hotel and we stared in wonderment of how all of these items were going to fit in our bus and in one truck. Thanks to Karma’s logistic sense everything fit and it was a sight to see! Eight refrigerators, twelve stoves, countless buckets (big and small), 12 rice cookers, 15 + rugs, and other items stuffed strategically in the two vehicles. It was a bittersweet goodbye to the ever so helpful staff and hotel manager,too. We piled into our school bus and waved goodbye the busy town of Thimphu. With Trongsa in our sights and soon to come Bumthang …I began to realize my journey was just starting. Kanglung I will see you in all your beauty in a short 5 days.
It all began on February 4th around 7AM in the morning. As you recall form my last blog…all our bags were packed and we were heading East, to each members postings for our final “Shu lay log ja gays” which is “See you later” in Dzongkha. All teachers except for Davey, Sarah, and Noorin would accompany me on this scenic ride through Bhutan. However, luckily they were able to go along with us on our last tourist event to Dochula . Arriving at this monument was the most magnificent sight. I couldn’t believe that this beautiful place was not even 10 years old. This was not only beautiful, but it was at 11,000 feet above sea level. As I began walking up the steps I started to feel extremely light-headed. I thought nothing of it and followed suite to remove my shoes and enter this fortress of blessing and memory. The Director of Institute at Dochula met us and began to explain the significance of every piece of artwork that showed the history of Bhutan. I began listening to the story of how this unique place was founded; in 2003 by the Queen Mother in tribute and appreciation of a successful military coup in which Bhutan drove threatening insurgents outside its borders; her Husband and Son both fought in this battle and returned unharmed, thankfully. As I was concentrating on the history of Bhutan I suddenly had to focus on not passing out. A feeling that I had never felt before in my entire life, ALTITUDE SICKINESS!! It was overpowering and before I fainted right in front of the Director, I kindly excused myself to Nancy (Executive BCF founder) and informed her of what I was feeling. She immediately pulled me outside and told me to sit, breathe, eat sugar candy, and drink plenty of water. I couldn’t believe this!! Here I am, invited to the most unbelievable place and I am outside about to pass out. My head was spinning a mile a minute and every time I thought the feeling had passed, it would come back to haunt me! I sat at the top of this beautiful monument feeling miserable. I mainly felt this way because I was missing out on the final group experience and I was unable to control this feeling of altitude sickness. Karma eventually took me down the long flight of stairs and the Director of Institute offered me tea and crackers. About 30 minutes later the altitude sickness finally went away.
I was able to walk around the Druk Wangyal Chortens and have a personal conversation with the Monk about the 2003 conflicts in Bhutan. I was most grateful he took the time to ask how I was feeling, as well inform me on why all of this was built. After finally adjusting to the altitude, a stronger emotion took over when I had to say goodbye to (3) of my fellow BCFers. Noorin, Simon, and Sarah would not accompany us any further because they were all heading to the southern area of Bhutan, instead of East like the rest of us. It did bring a few tears, but excitement as well. I knew that the 5 day road trip was finally making headway deep into the heart of Bhutan. 
First, I must mention the roads. If you have ever watched Deadliest Roads, you may get a small idea of what I witnessed firsthand. Bhutan is an underdeveloped country as many of you may know and that means almost everything including the roads are under construction. This does not mean in America where the roads are nicely paved and only one lane is open, this means they are tearing into the mountain to make this dirt road wider. This was the craziest event I had ever seen. We were on the side of a mountain, packed in a school bus driving through dirt roads. When I say construction that also means that traffic is at a standstill. It’s no highway 64 heading into St. Louis, it is people of all walks of life getting out of their cars to stretch, eat, talk, and even walk up to see the construction workers doing their job. The people were so calm; enjoying the lush vegetation on the mountainside, chatting, and some even going to the bathroom on the side of this mountain. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Everyone had some place to go and a specific time to be there, but no one seemed irritated or distressed that this road would not open for another 30 minutes. My colleagues and I took a leisurely stroll and by the time we heading back to our bus, the traffic was ready to move. The road would be open for 30 minutes and those who didn’t make it through would have to wait for a longer period of time. Did I mention my love for guard railing on roads now? There are few passes and sections where there is any protection from falling straight down into the depths of these valleys. Just having a window seat makes your heart flutter thinking of these insane drop-offs where you could plummet to your death at any moment. Oh yes, how could I forget the horn honking?! As I witnessed, it is protocol to honk your horn if you are going around a sharp curve. Yes, that means “HONK, HONK” I am coming so you better pull over and allow me to pass. It was such an experience to watch our bus driver maneuver this bus on these narrow roads. These huge trucks from India would “challenge” the road with us and Tara and I would make the western movie showdown music, without the Tumble weeds of course. It was like unknown rules of the road. Without even speaking the drivers would reverse, pull over, and allow the other vehicle through. I couldn’t believe it. Drivers were so considerate on these narrow, unpaved, and dusty roads. Thank goodness for our well accustomed bus driver who made sure we all arrived safely to our postings. 
