My right arm aches a bit as I reflect on our time in Bhutan. Walking clockwise around all the temples and stupas (that is the most auspicious way) means that your right hand is the one to turn all the hundreds of prayer wheels you come across. At first my prayer was for good health (after a couple of us battled ailments) and it worked. We wanted good weather for our treks.... and it happened. We wanted to see the Rhododendron trees in bloom... and we did! The...

Back in the Punakha Valley we have successfully completed the jaw clenching ride from the beautiful Tang Valley. Despite the heavy rain two nights ago, the roads are in pretty good shape. I lost count of the number of work camps alongside the road. Migrant workers from India (paid Nu 900 or $18 per month) slave away smashing rocks to bits with sledge hammers, boiling bitumen in big metal barrels over huge open fires (we were praying the wind wouldn't blow...

"If you are a good human being, then the skills and knowledge you acquire will benefit the whole society. Otherwise, it's like giving a weapon to a child"Jigme Khesour Namgyet Wangchuk - People's King of BhutanThis quote sums up the ideal that Bhutan is striving for. Everywhere there are signs encouraging you to be a better person. Eat well.... don't litter... be kind to all people (especially tourists)... strive to be the best you can be in this ...

We are now enjoying Bhutan and I'd love to start right in on that but I just have to fill you in on our airport experience first.Of course it was a dusty hot rush hour drive with the usual traffic jams, horns and craziness as we made our way to the airport. Most airports give you a little breating space before going through the motions of check in and security but not Kathmandu. Before you go through the first door to the airport you have to be prepared to ...