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Feb. 8, 2010
Dear Friends, old and new,
We got our luggage 4 days after arriving in Mumbai. I have no idea where it was. We saw 11 tigers in 3 different parks over 8 days. It was so thrilling. In between tiger viewing we stopped at the Taj Mahal. Today we are in the city of Khajuraho which has many temples with erotic art that inspired the Kama Sutra. I am running out of internet time but I just wanted you all to know that we are doing fine.
Best regards,
Clyde and Carla
Feb. 16, 2010
Hi All,
I've got a bit of time to write while Clyde is off on a 6 hour trek to see the Tigers Nest Monastery. It is supposed to be spectacular, but I decided the trek was too much for me. We are absolutely loving Bhutan. It is so beautiful. The people are gracious and helpful. Our guide is a delight. The food is delicious, a mix of Asian, continental, and a bit of Indian. We went to the market in Timphu and it was spotless. The contrast to India is a bit overwhelming. The sights have been pretty spectacular too. Beautiful mountains, & rivers dotted with the classical Bhutanese architecture of white houses with gorgeous brown detailed trim and pagoda stile roofs. Almost everything is built in Bhutanese style so there is a nice tranquility to the cities and countryside.
We both like the idea that you pay an all inclusive price ahead of coming and all your accommodations, food, and sight seeing is included. No tipping. The guide keeps asking us if we want more food, snacks and all included.
They do seem to be living their national motto of National Happiness for All People. We have asked each other what is the catch, but so far no answer.
We decided to send some stuff home, so without a bit of difficulty the guide took us to a DHL office , they helped pack the stuff, and at a reasonable price we were out of there in just a few minutes.
Things are quite modern technology wise. Everyone has running water and cheap electricity. The guide says there are jobs for everyone who wants to work. The people mostly wear their national dress. The women wear a long dress with a beautiful colorful silk jacket, pined at the waist with a broach. The guys wear a knee length dress sort of affair with long sleeves and 6 " white cuffs, and knee socks. I know it sounds weird, but the look quite good in them.
Feb. 20, 2010
Dear Friends,
We have left Bhutan and are living in the lap of luxury in Bangkok, Thailand. Bhutan is a wonderful country, the people are friendly and speak some English, there does not appear to be any terrible poverty, the King is trying to improve the lives of his people and the scenery is breath taking!
The flight into and out of Paro is like a thrill ride. The pilot first banks about 30 degrees one way and then banks 30 degrees the other way to avoid the mountains on the approach to and from the airport. Paro has the only airfield in Bhutan because it is the only place with enough level land for an airfield! Every place else is up or down.
The Tiger's Nest is an old Buddhist temple high in the mountains. It plays an important role in how Buddhism was brought to Bhutan. The trail to it is 9 km long with and altitude gain of 900 meters. That is a 10% grade if my math is correct. I rode a horse almost to the top but had to walk down which almost ruined my legs. At the top you then walk down 500 - 600 steps, cross a small bridge and immediately climb up 780 steps to the temple. In this picture I am at a small cafe that marks the half way point. The temple is the small white objects above my head.
Tiger Nest 2. This is the view of the Tiger Nest from the point where you have to walk down all those stairs.
Feb. 28, 2010
We have been on the island of Koh Samui for a week now. It was a pleasant surprise when we got here. Several of the staff recognized us from 3 years ago. They acted genuinely glad to see us. A nice surprise was to see Mango Boy again. Three years ago, he would greet us every day and sell us 2 peeled and sliced mangoes. He was a hard worker and his pregnant wife worked as hard as he did. She walked up and down the beach all day selling jewelry. When we left we gave them some money for the baby. They didn't want to accept it but we convinced them to take it. We gave them our address in Colorado but really didn't expect to hear from them. That next Christmas we got a card from them with a picture of the baby! To make a long story short, we saw them the morning after we arrived and the wife recognized us immediately. She brought her husband and now 2 1/2 year old to see us. The little girl is so cute and friendly.
Last night was the night of the full moon and it was so beautiful as we were going to dinner that I had to try a picture of it.
Carla brought some material from home intending to have a dress made either here or in Vietnam. A tailor has set up shop right here at our resort so she had him make the dress and there was enough material left over for a blouse.
We went on a elephant ride a few days ago and these are the pictures from that trip.
Carla is not doing too well in the heat and humidity. But she is doing well with the massages. She gets one about every other day. Rumor has it that the massage lady is building a new house and has bought a new Mercedes.
That's about all for now, it's time to get back to the serious work of relaxing.
Best regards, Clyde and Carla
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