Transit to Punakha

Wed, 5/9. Rain to begin, but it ended early. Drive was curvy with light traffic. Would have been fun on a MC. As with New Zealand, center line (when it was there) was mostly dotted, even for curves. Cows again. Driver is excellent. Lots of stupas at the gap (highpoint). View was better than we expected, but a view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world world was limited. Meditation caves were interesting. “Bucket List Adventures” stickers on motorcycles! Royal Enfield bikes.

Punakha was the country’s capital until the 1950s. Largest remaining dzong (fort) in the country. Though imposing in size and very beautiful, it wasn’t much of a defensible fortress. Long suspension bridge (160 meters) was fun. Country is filled with small and large fields. Crops are rotated, but all are capable of being a rice paddy.

Lodging is basic, which we’re sharing with a lot of Indians, with loud children. For once I’m in a country where the worst tourists aren’t Chinese, according to the Guides. “Too make Indians happy, don’t take them to temples. Let them soak their feet in rapid flowing, cold, clean(!) water and they’ll be thrilled.” Honest to say, they are just fine, though noisy.

Chen showed us how he wears the traditional outfit. A lot more complex than if sounds. The robe is in fact ankle length, but cinched up from the back and secured with the wrap-around belt. Complicated touch-only adjusting. Makes getting a tie even look infantile. It appears that the women’s equivalent is easier.

Dinner was the best we’re had. Wifi is spotty. View would be nicer if there weren’t a very new town across the river. Plus the barking dogs.

My tiny printer is a big hit. I haven’t made a balloon yet.