1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #254 - Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, Paro

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #254

- Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, Paro

 

(Isn't this a must-have treat when in Bhutan - an original hot stone bath called dotsho? We never had a hot stone bath anywhere else before so when we were asked by our guide, we promptly said yes. We didn't know what to expect but when we walked into the room, we were pleasantly surprised by the wooden bath tubs - so original. But when we dipped our toes into the spring water with the local herbal plant "Artemisia" leaves spread all over, we knew our body needed adjusting - the water was burning hot! It was only after 5-minutes of adding cold water from a tap that we were able to slide our bodies down and had the most relaxing bath, ever. The stones, direct from the many river streams here and which can be used only once, are heated over a wood fire for many hours before they are dropped into a separate water compartment. The chemicals released from the stones interacting with the spring water are the real health ingredients in this bath, fighting fatigue and yes, insomnia. We slept like a log that night! And all for less than U$18)

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #253 - Bhutanese Traditional Dances, Paro

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #253

- Bhutanese Traditional Dances, Paro

 

(We were presented with an uplifting treat before dinner one evening when a local dance and singing troupe entertained us with their traditional Bhutanese welcome songs. These were played 'live' for us, while performing their dances, most depicting times during farming and harvesting. Their songs are so soothing and peaceful, and costumes so striking..just listen below to 2 of the 8 that we watched)

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #252 - Rinpung Dzong, Paro

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #252

- Rinpung Dzong, Paro

 

(This impressive Rinpung Dzong is prominently situated on the mountainside of the fertile Paro valley. From any time of the day, it looks magnificent, whether bathing under the full sunlight of midday, at dusk or at 8pm at night. Just look at it from our hotel room at 5.30am, just before dawn - last photo. We never got to go inside it, being outside of our itinerary, and I guess, it may be another good reason to return to Bhutan again)

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #251 - Ha Valley and Chelela Pass, Bhutan

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #251

- Ha Valley and Chelela Pass, Bhutan

 

(Our drive to Ha Valley took 2hours, through scenic but treacherous roads and over high mountains. The 3 mountain peaks at Ha Valley - representing Wisdom, Compassion and Longevity - were the highlight of this trip. But when we reached the summit at Chelala Pass, the day became special. Why? Because not only is it the highest road in Bhutan but I have also reached the highest point on Earth at 3988m, through all my travels thus far. In fact, trodding up the hill with howling winds through the prayers-flags all around me, I probably reached 4020m. What a view from here, with Ha Valley and tall cypress trees on my left and Paro on my right of this mountain pass. And what a huge achievement for me personally, post-cancer and remission!)

 

 

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #250 - Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #250

- Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu

 

(This beautiful dzong is where the head of the Bhutan government resides. It is an impressive fortress as well, and when inside its compound, has an aura of power. From the top of a nearby mountain 2days ago, it looked very royal with its golden roofs - in fact the King and Queen's home next door is rather humble-looking. We were inside the main monastery and was given blessings by a monk who gave us holy water on our hands to spread over one's head. Can you spot their only 9hole public golf course beside this dzong? I wonder how far my golfball will travel at 2500m above sea level)