Textiles and Buddhas.

I started the day at the Bhutan National Post Office, mailing my 20 postcards to family and friends. It will be interesting to see how many actually make it.

Then, I hiked up to see one of the world's biggest Buddhas. It's been four years in the making and will be finished sometime this year. What a project.

My guide Dawa, standing in his traditional dress, explained more about Bhutan's national religion.

On the way back to the city, we stopped at a local textile shop and watched the women weaving. What a long grueling, boring day working the threads into patterns–and no ipods, no music, no chatter. Another look at life–another chance to ponder each persons place in time.

The Post Office

For Kerry, I always check out the local post offices and this trip is no different except for the fact that they clearly have the best stamps selection I have ever seen. Thus, I'm loaded with postage!!! I was fascinated to see pictures of the King and his bride displayed through out the post office and the stamps of the royals are colorful and depicting.

Landing in Bhutan brought forward a whole new world

From the moment the country unfolded, I was mesmerized by the architecture and the landscape. The people's love for the king comes from his commitment to the people and the country. He gave his power to the people and is a true ambassador for Bhutan. His picture is everywhere and he and his new bride are a visible part of the culture. Buddhism is a way of life and that includes moderation in every aspect of a person's being. As a result, I am the largest person in the country but if I stay long enough, that could change. All meal portions are half to a third of what we sit down to, and as my friend Ann found out, restaurants do not serve dessert. Today I'm headed out to see the "world's biggest buddha" so perhaps I won't feel so out of place. We're also hiking to a view point that should release some of the concealed views of the Himalayas.

Tibetan Carpets for the St. Helens Booster Auction

I risked life and limb to "follow the yellow brick road" AKA Kathmandu's "Ring Road," dodging traffic and closing my eyes, amidst a brigade of motorcycles, trucks, buses, bikes, taxi's and people to get to the Tibetan refugee carpet makers. After much searching, haggling and communicating, this kind gentleman and I settled on a price. I purchased a rug for Alexandra and Drew plus a very attractive piece to donate for the Booster auction. Under the Yak and the Snow Lion, note the large carpet in black and burgandy. It would look nice in your home.

The electricity, smiles and laughter spoke volumes

Finally, the big mountains were within sight. As the Himalayas rose from the clouds, the excitement pulled my seat mates and I together despite the fact that the woman from Moscow, the man from Belgium and the gal from Japan had made no effort to learn the basics; no "ali ali nepali" no "ali ali sherpa," no English, no nothin'. I reeled in my disgust at the travelers who had made no effort to reach out to the country I'm so taken with, and instead, I charged forward trying to carry on a conversation with hand motions, facial expressions and body language. Soon, they were engaged and in the end, after sharing camera time at the window, we wound up exchanging emails–though I laugh thinking about trying to communicate without a face to face. Soon we would all be on the same mountain with only our brief encounter of exhilaration to link us to the moment.

Malaai dherai khusi laagyo

Translation: I am very happy. I had a wonderful fourteen hour flight from Chicago to New Delhi thanks to a half empty plane and three seats to stretch out in. New Delhi is big, crowded and colorful. Here is a picture of me with my new friend and a picture of the adorable play structure at the airport. Wouldn't our grandbabies love to play on this helicopter. In the morning I'll be off to Kathmandu and then Bhutan. I am so excited about seeing the himalayas again; I have my three cameras lined up and ready to go in the morning. Hopefully I'll get a lot of good shots from the plane. Nameste

The Political Scene

About  the political scene:

For the past three years, I have followed the events as they have unfolded.  Watching a country, with seven political parties,  try to become a democracy is like throwing seven bright colors into my washing machine and asking them to get along.  Some manage to stay true to their color, others simply fade on each other, but a few try to destroy the others.   In the pictures, you can see one of the daily demonstrations that manages to hold up traffic for hours  or days.  Everyone is protesting something and no one seems to know who is in charge.  The new Maoist government and newly elected congress are organizing and writing a constitution; meanwhile, Kathandu is embroiled in a free for all.  The Maoist Army is trying to merge with the Nepali Royal Army and that is extremely difficult for all concerned.  Some people are just so happy that the Maoist Army is no longer burning villages and blowing up bridges that they are willing to forgive and move on.  Others are still furious at the damage, terror, homelessness and killings that the Maoist caused during the  ten years of civil war.  The picture that shows one of the Maoist signs at the entrance to a small village is met with animosity, but no one is brave enough to dismantle it.  There are strong  concerns that the Chinese will eventually take over Nepal with the same viciousness that they took over Tibet.  So, the answer to those that ask is:  time will tell.  As I told several Sherpas during our discussions, our country can't seem to get along with a two party system; if we had seven parties to deal with, I wouldn't give us a chance.  However, the resilience, tenacity and religion of the Nepali people will hopefully prevail.  In my heart of hearts, I hope the impoverished city of Kathmandu can find the serene peacefulness that the breathtaking mountains contain.  I know that the gods and goddesses are watching over them and the spirituality of the country has a engaging hold across the land.