We are currently in Bhutan, which stresses "Gross National Happiness" over "Gross National Product". I ran across the following statement from the king's coronation speech (in 2008):
"Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality."
12-4-2014 - Today, we drove to Trashigang after spending two days in Trashi Yangtze. Trashi Yangtze is best known for the Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, where +/- 120 residential students are trained in thangka painting, sculpting, wood carving, and similar traditional Bhutanese arts in programs ranging from 2-6 years. Also, close to town is the Bomdeling Valley, one of the few wintering grounds of the black-necked crane, a most beautiful bird.
BHUTAN MOUNTAIN PASSES: Bhutan is a very mountainous country and one crosses many mountain passes while traveling across the country, Some days we crossed as many as 3 or 4 passes, and they are all spectacular. Most passes have chortens (stupas), and/or lots of prayer flags. Dochula Pass has 108 stupas.
EMA DATSHI - If there is such a thing as a National Dish of Bhutan, it must be Ema Datshi. It is made from fresh or dried red and green chili peppers and cheese. It is very spicy and many visitors cannot handle it. It became my favorite Bhutanese dish. Most dishes were so bland, that I added ema datshi to them to spice them up. For most Bhutanese, a meal is not complete without ema datshi and white rice.
"Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality."
12-4-2014 - Today, we drove to Trashigang after spending two days in Trashi Yangtze. Trashi Yangtze is best known for the Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts, where +/- 120 residential students are trained in thangka painting, sculpting, wood carving, and similar traditional Bhutanese arts in programs ranging from 2-6 years. Also, close to town is the Bomdeling Valley, one of the few wintering grounds of the black-necked crane, a most beautiful bird.
The National dress of Bhutan are the “gho” for males, and the
“kira” for females. The gho is a long robe hoisted to knee length and held in place
by a belt. The kira is a floor length dress consisting of a brightly colored
piece of cloth that wraps around the body over a silk blouse. It is fastened
around the shoulder by silver pins (brooches), and at the waist with a belt.
Over the top a short open jacket is worn.
BHUTAN MOUNTAIN PASSES: Bhutan is a very mountainous country and one crosses many mountain passes while traveling across the country, Some days we crossed as many as 3 or 4 passes, and they are all spectacular. Most passes have chortens (stupas), and/or lots of prayer flags. Dochula Pass has 108 stupas.
EMA DATSHI - If there is such a thing as a National Dish of Bhutan, it must be Ema Datshi. It is made from fresh or dried red and green chili peppers and cheese. It is very spicy and many visitors cannot handle it. It became my favorite Bhutanese dish. Most dishes were so bland, that I added ema datshi to them to spice them up. For most Bhutanese, a meal is not complete without ema datshi and white rice.
