Our intro to Bhutanese Roads and Hospitality!

On Thursday we spent the day meeting with individuals in the capital of Thimpu to get their input on needs for Bhutan, and then finished the day meeting with the former Prime Minister.  He provided additional insight and thoughts he had for development in Bhutan.  It was really enjoyable to catch up with him and our friend about their time in the US and what they do for work here.

Friday morning we woke up and traveled to our next location.  We had been told about the flights into Bhutan, but nobody had told us about the roads.  They make the flight look tame.  We were delayed a little bit in the morning due to a rock slide, but eventually got on the road midmorning.  As we traveled we gradually increased in elevation the road width seemed to decrease and as a result could see more and more the steep cliffs we were traveling on.  Willie enjoyed taking pictures, while I held on to the seat tightly.  Now that a few days have gone by Katie has become more used to the narrow roads, wash outs, steep cliffs and truck drivers, but not the bathrooms as even the locals will not use them along the roads.

After arriving we had the first opportunity to bushwhack through the forest.  We were accompanied by a team of search and rescue professionals, which happened to be the first search and rescue team established in the country.  The route was beautiful, yet very steep!  At points they brought out ropes to descend to lower parts of the route.  Katie embarrassed herself by slipping twice on the same rock, and drawing plenty of attention from the team. 

We had a wonderful time, and then traveled the next day near the border of India.  The hikes we went on were nearly straight down the mountain and very rugged.  After we reached the bottom we had the great opportunity to visit a power plant. 

The nights at both places were fabulous!  Great company, drinks and delicious food!  Not to mention the most hospitable people we have ever encountered traveling.  We even were able to join in with their Bhutanese dance and song later in the evening.  Who knew we would even be graced with a John Denver song dedicated to Katie!

Tomorrow we are looking forward to seeing their largest festival in Paro!

Willie and Katie