1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #236 - National Museum, Paro

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #236

- National Museum, Paro

 

(The unique design of the National Museum stands out from far off the Paro valley below. The building was undergoing structural repairs after land movements - including earthquakes - weakened some of its walls and roofing. All its exhibits have been relocated to another building beside it. From this vantage point, one gets to see another part of this gorgeous Paro Valley, with flowers in full bloom during this late spring June period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #235 - Drukgyal Dzong, Paro

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #235

- Drukgyal Dzong, Paro

 

(The Drukgyal Dzong was the 1st dzong we visited. Perched atop a hill in Paro, it was built in the 1600s and was once a fortress against invading Tibetans. Dzongs are uniquely Bhutanese, with most part-monastery and part-administration for the local government. The view from this dzong was spectacular, high above and overlooking rice fields down at the valley. It really gives Bhutan that "Last Shangri-La" look that writers always talk about)

 

 

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #234 - Paro temple, Bhutan

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #234

- Paro temple, Bhutan

 

(Our 1st visit was to a Bhutanese temple to offer our prayers "for a safe and happy trip to Bhutan", as told to us by the local guide. Seeing these prayer-wheels, both small and large, was quite a sight. And amidst the temple grounds is an evergreen tree, which remains green all through summer to winter. With monks relaxing under a tree and clear cool water streaming from the mountains just outside, it was indeed a relaxing and prayerful start for us)

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #233 - Paro airport, Bhutan

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #233

- Paro airport, Bhutan

 

(Could this be one of the highest airports to fly into at 2400m? It was certainly one of the most dangerous, according to our local guide, with strong Himalayan winds fanning from the mountains and fog frequently delaying landings. But this airport is simple but charming, with a huge poster of the recently crowned King and Queen greeting all visitors. The white scarf given by the local guide, Tashi, gave us a genuinely warm welcome. I am in Bhutan, finally!)

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #232 - Lea Salonga concert, Esplanade

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #232

- Lea Salonga concert, Esplanade

 

(She is probably the 1st diva from the Philippines, and also it's only Disney princess. With her distinctively clear voice for Aladdin and Mulan, she was a delight to watch 'live'. This sold-out crowd at the Esplanade was left asking for one encore after another, with resident Filipinas being the loudest. Her 'originals' from Miss Saigon and Les Miserables were effortless! She fully deserves her Disney princess title, crooning both those Disney songs with ease, although we would have much preferred she left the guy out from the crowd when Aladdin was sung, and bring Peabo Bryson in)

 

 

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour #231 - Red Onion Thai Restaurant, Phuket

1001 Places/Experiences to See or Savour After Remission #231

- Red Onion Thai Restaurant, Phuket

 

(This Red Onion Thai Restaurant took all our dining money when we were there - simply because their dishes were delicious. From green curry to pandan leave chicken to freshly-grilled squid, they were unbeatable in both taste and value - a yummy meal for 2 was around 600 baht, which is hardly $25. Be early, or be prepared to queue. And along the streets, that banana pancake is hard to beat as a 40baht dessert)