Rinchen’s enthusiasm led us to an archery competition taking place at a nearby park. Archers were using the most primitive of bows and arrows, aiming at a target from an astonishing 145 meters (478 feet) away! Once again, the BHUTANESE spirit of friendship and camaraderie added to the enjoyment of the event. Rinchen mentioned that they also have competitions with compound bows, but at this distance, hitting the target remains an immense challenge.
I couldn’t help but wonder if accidents occurred, and Rinchen showed me photographs of an arrow that had, in fact, struck him near his eye. It was a harrowing experience that necessitated immediate medical attention in India. Fortunately, the operation was a success, and the injury is now barely noticeable. Following this incident, Rinchen and his wife had a discussion about his future in primitive bow and arrow competitions, ultimately deciding that with three daughters, it was best for him to retire from the sport.
Following this, I had a delightful afternoon at their expansive outdoor market, which only opens on weekends, and this particular day happened to be a Saturday. Every product, from rice and cereal to meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, was meticulously organized in large, separate sections. The people were warm, friendly, and made me feel right at home. I purchased lettuce, cilantro, carrots, scallions, and cucumbers. Upon returning to my hotel, Rinchen kindly handed these items to the front desk. Shortly after, they were delivered to my room, cleaned and ready for me to prepare one of my famous and fabulous salads!
Returning to my hotel, I prepared and enjoyed my salad and then had dinner at the MK Japanese restaurant. I’ve dined at countless Japanese restaurants during my travels, but I must admit that this particular experience left much to be desired. Despite a rainy forecast for the day, the rain held off until I reached the restaurant. By the time I finished my dinner and was ready to return to my hotel, the rain had ceased.
Shortly after my somewhat disappointing Japanese dinner, I returned to my room, where the house phone rang. It was the front desk inquiring about my breakfast preferences and the desired time. I had my breakfast at 7 AM and was the sole patron in the restaurant. A young lad presented each portion of my breakfast with such grace and delicacy that it was as if he were carefully removing the last blocks in a Jenga game. He checked in with me regularly, promptly clearing any finished dishes. I was deeply touched by his humble demeanor and even requested to take his photograph, which I’ve included in this journal. Naturally, I left him a generous tip, recognizing that it was well-deserved for his exceptional service.
Rinchen and Thewing were ready to pick me up at 8:15 as scheduled. While I typically handle my own luggage when traveling, it seemed almost disrespectful not to allow the hotel staff to provide this service. Similarly, I became accustomed to not touching the car door handle as Thewing felt it was a privilege to open and close the door for me. Our first destination was the monumental Buddha statue, whose construction began in 2015 and is still not entirely completed. This ambitious project was made possible by a generous donation of approximately $100 million from a Filipino philanthropist. The final cost was projected to exceed $200 million, with donors having their names featured on a list in exchange for their contributions. Those on the list are symbolized by Mini-Buddha statues inside the temple, with the size corresponding to the donation amount. 125,000 of these Mini-Buddhas, standing about one foot tall or smaller, adorn the temple’s walls inside the temple.
We went inside, and there were many things to see that may amaze you. What I found most impressive was all the 125,000 Mini-Buddhas, laid out perfectly on shelves surrounding the interior from floor to ceiling! Nancy and I visited a Big Buddha in Sa pa Vietnam that stood at 71 feet tall. This one is a whopping 160 feet tall and is one of the largest sitting Buddhas in the world! We got there after 9 AM and were among the only six people in attendance at that time. Again, the forecast called for rain, but it was an absolutely beautiful morning, and I took the opportunity for my morning meditation. Sorry, no photos allowed inside here either.
As I journeyed through this remarkable place, the kindness and humility of the BHUTANESE people became increasingly evident. BHUTAN’s rich culture and traditions, coupled with its breathtaking natural beauty, render it a truly unique destination. The profound sense of community and the deep respect for nature that permeate this land are truly admirable. BHUTAN’s remarkable transformation from extreme poverty to development, all while preserving its culture and environment, offers valuable insights into an alternative way of life. I continued my exploration of BHUTAN, absorbing its wonders and immersing myself in its culture. I believe BHUTAN became this way because their people were virtually cut off from the rest of our world until only 50 -60 years ago. They were not influenced by the myriad of outside factors inflicted upon the rest of the world.
Our next stop was a zoo designed to allow animals to roam freely, without confinement that might disrupt their way of life. Upon arrival, Rinchen began filming, explaining that it was his first visit since they had just completed new pathways to enhance visitor viewing of the animals. It was a unique experience for me, as I had never seen most of these animals before, with the exception of a wild boar. Among the captivating creatures was a yak that resembled one from the film “There’s a Yak in my Classroom.” Rinchen and I engaged in a lively discussion about the movie, as he had undertaken the same trek depicted in it—a journey that spanned 24 days. He expressed no regrets about the experience but insisted he would never attempt it again. Rinchen also mentioned that the film had significantly raised awareness of the BHUTANESE way of life, and the creator was poised to release another movie titled “The Monk with a Gun.”
Rich Citro Adventures 