As mentioned in my previous blog, I promised to write about Girls. The problem with girls or rather beautiful girls is that a writer feels ashamed when he writes about girls, mostly because he feels ashamed of his writing as it often comes out to be nothing, literally nothing as compared to the Girl's Grandeur. That's why I decided to write less and post more pictures.
School Going Girls: I liked that even in the schools, students are ought to wear the National Dress.
This was the public parking in Thimpu were I took many random clicks. Next Five Clicks are from the same place.
Now comes the Clock Square. It was the Central Space in the City and here too I got to take many clicks.
Inside the Monastery located inside the Administrative Premises of Thimpu.
While casually roaming in the City
I'll further try to enrich this collection when I visit this place once again.
My brother +Pratyush Raj was supposed to visit me earlier this month hence, I went on planning a holiday trip where we could take off together for a while. The reason I was very much looking forward to this trip is because it is difficult to say, when for the next time I can roam around places with him. Both of us are currently undergraduates studying in different colleges which makes our semester breaks completely un-synchronized and once we get over this student life, the life ahead can be even more un-syncronous.
From the Administrative Office premises of Thimpu, Bhutan
Bhutan had always been on my list ever since few of my seniors went there last year. To visit a foreign land for the first time (actually second, the first time I stepped out of India border was when I was one year old and my brother was yet to be born) and that too with my brother was something very exciting. The only hurdle to this trip was my Mother, who would give us the clearance and the green signal. To our amazement she agreed without creating much of a havoc. :P
In total we were five people in this trip, perhaps that made my negotiations with my Mom smoother.
How to reach?
Reach Alipurdwar or Jaigaon (the Indo-Bhutan Border).
Go to Phuentsholing (the Jaigaon counterpart to Bhutan).
Get all the clearances and permit from Custom Office which is just little ahead the border.
Being an Indian traveler, passport and visa were not required for us. Simple College Identification Card or Driving License sufficed our need. If you have Voter's ID card or Passport, you can directly go to Custom's office, otherwise, first you have to go to Indian Embassy (which is little bit farther than the Customs Office) and fill up all the necessary details. Make sure that you carry all the documents needed along with recent passport size photographs of yourself.
Since, we were unaware of all this procedure, it took almost 3 to 4 hours to get all the formalities done.
How we reached
We started our journey from +IIT Guwahati and reached Alipurdwar Junction via Kamakhya Puri express. We kicked off in a perfect Bollywood style. There are two important railway stations in Guwahati namely, Guwahati Junction and Kamakhya. Our train was from Kamakhya but we didn't take much noticed that and reached Guwahati station instead. It was about 10:30 in the night, an hour earlier from our train to departure that we realized we are waiting for the train in the wrong place.
Thanks to +Tushar Behalpade who pointed out the mistake on time and then by 5 in the morning, we reached Alipurdwar Junction. From the railway station we took an auto rickshaw to the bus stand which then took us to Jaigaon. It is almost two and a half journey via bus.
If you're someone who is planning to go on a Holiday Trip, stop reading right now.
You're now in Bhutan.
Book a Cab and go exploring.
But if you're still in doubt whether or not, you should go; then Read Ahead.
The Sculpture outside the
Restaurant where we had our
first tryst with food in Bhutan
We just had Masala Dosa at the Guwahati Railway Station (where we were not supposed to be) at night and then stayed awake almost the whole night and by the time we reached Bhutan, all of us were famished. So, by the time our permits were made, we had our lunch in the local restaurant.
The Gate that connects India and Bhutan.
The building to the other side of
the road which has Red Board on it
is the Custom's Office.
About the Food
Food is not a problem at all in the whole of Bhutan. You can find Indian Restaurants and Indian Dishes in every nook and corner of the city and food tastes similar at the price which are reasonable (almost the same as that of India). In Bhutan, Restaurants and Bar go hand in hand and Beef is served in almost every restaurants, in addition to that there is a common kitchen for both Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian which might pose problem for people who are easily irked by this practice.
People drink very often here but Smoking is prohibited. The King of Bhutan declared his kingdom to be Tobacco Free paradise and as a result there are very strict rules when it comes to Smoking. Traditional Bhutanese Dishes are not very much different from Indian foods with almost the same spices and ingredients used. The difference lies in the way they are prepared. Red Rice is the staple food of the native population.
People here love chili. This place is an absolute delight for those who love to have extra chili flakes on their dishes. Even the complimentary chutney which are practically served for free are restaurant made chili sauce and not the ready made or bottled one. Chili is considered a vegetable and when you look at the size and diameter if the chili which are grown here, you won't be surprised at all as why they classified chili as a vegetable. I had a chance to visit the Vegetable Market in Thimpu and I was left awestruck by the cleanliness they maintained in the entire premises. [video link to sabzi market] Himalayan Range and the forest at the foothills being extremely rich in natural vegetation allows farmers to grow a variety of crops but farming practices are different due to difference in terrain.
Rice being the staple food acquires larger area than any other crops. The picture to the left is taken along the road to Paro ( a beautiful small town in Bhutan). Unlike Thimpu, Paro has stretch of land which are more planar which makes it an ideal place for cultivation. I think that is the reason why the only functioning Airport in Bhutan is in Paro and not in Thimpu, even though Thimpu is the capital.
Although, Paro is very much planar but still it is not as plain as the Northern Plains of India which makes the use of tractors an obstacle rather than an usage. This is the miniature form of tractor that one can easily find roaming along the countryside of Bhutan. Water is clean here and we never needed to buy Mineral Water. However, if you're very much sensitive then you might need to carry bottle of your own.
Soft Drinks are heavily priced. I think the reason behind this is there is no filling station in the area of higher altitude. There is a filling station in Pheuntsholing and from there, Thimpu is 175 kilometers of uphill climb. This can of 350 ml of Coco Cola was of Nu 50/- which is same as Rs. 50 Currency
Ngultrum is the national currency of Bhutan but Indian currency is readily acceptable (even preferred most of the times). Nu has been standardized against Indian Rupee i.e., 1 Nu = 1 INR Some of the people prefer Indian Currency and are always willing to exchange because most of the trade is done through Indian border and these Indian traders charge 7% cut when paid in Bhutanese currency. As a traveler, it doesn't matter to us at all, but people who frequently do cross border business prefer Indian Currency. Roads Roads are perhaps the best feature of the entire trip. Driving along the Himalayan range and taking in clouds in your every breathe refreshes senses and the whole world stands still for a while. While beginning the journey you'll find clouds overhead and then in no time you'll find yourself floating in one of those clouds.
Like any other roads in the mountainous region, the roads are dangerous with innumerable turns and twists at every few meters. But then there is one single road to serve all purpose, whether this trade route or travel route, the roads are very well maintained. Due to nonavailability of Rail route in Bhutan, all kind of heavy vehicles also take the same route which advises smaller vehicles to be more cautious.
But no matter how cautious one is, these roads can be dangerous because of shooting stones and sinking area. The big boulder shown in the left side fell down on the road while we were going. Immediately, the bulldozer came and cleared off the road. The best part of our journey was the Road Trip. Both from Pheuntsholing to Thimpu and Thimpu to Paro.
Places to Visit Now we have arrived to the most important part of Travelling but I don't have much to tell under this subheading.
Monastery in Thimpu
Monastery in the Administrative Office of Thimpu
Buddha Point
Tiger's Nest in Paro
Old Fort in Paro (I don't remember the exact name)
National Museum in Paro
Monastery in Pheuntsholing
My Personal favorites are Tiger's Nest and Buddha Point.
Tiger's Nest
The entire journey of scaling 3000 ft. on foot makes this place worthwhile. All of us were completely exhausted by the time we reached. Read more about it on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paro_Taktsang
Buddha Point
Just like Rio de Janeiro has Jesus watching over the whole city, Thimpu has Lord Buddha watching over the entire city. This grand structure has been completely made but construction work is still going around to develop the whole of place as a tourist spot. It is situated high in the hills which makes this place a proper view point too. Art, Architecture and Construction Practices I'm not much of a history student so I won't be able to do justice to this heading. All I can do is to ornament every sentence with a few adjectives and let the photos speak for themselves.
This is how buildings looks like in Bhutan. They looks almost similar structure wise from outside and it's not allowed to erect buildings in any other way or shape. One can have maximum of five floors.
Our cab driver told us that the cost of building a house comes around 85 lakhs to 1 crore and just the same is for purchasing the land. The Land of Thunder Dragon Bhutan is also known as the land of thunder dragon and you can see dragons floating around everywhere. No not the real dragons but the handicrafts, paintings, sculptures and in embroidery.
The Dragon Shaped Door Handle. This was "DaiChee Restaurant" where he had our dinner in Thimpu. It was located in the first floor of the building where we stayed.
The Dragon Shaped Guardian guarding the monastery in Thimpu. They were four such structures which circles the main building of monastery in Thimpu.
Pictures from inside the Monastery located in the Administrative Office premises. Handicrafts
Bhutanese traditional Handicrafts are the major attraction of this place. Most of these items are made in a traditional way which makes all the items very expensive. But then, these things look so beautiful that they seem like a good value for money. Wood Carving and Masks are readily available in every handicraft shops.
Prayer Wheels Prayer Wheels are the first thing that come to our mind when we talk about Monasteries. Here is a video of large Prayer Wheels:
National Sports
Archery : The National Sports of Bhutan. Dart is also very popular in Bhutan. National Dress The concept of having National Dress was something very alien to me. Being an Indian and India being such a vast country and having so much of diversity in itself, never made me think that there can be anything like National Dress. But then I liked the concept of National Dress.
You are, What you Wear
Everyone in the National Offices are to be strictly in their complete National Dress. However, Police and Army Personnel have to wear regular uniforms and not the National Dress. Everyone else is expected to wear the National Dress at all times whether it's school going children or elderly people. You can know more about Bhutan by visiting this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bhutan
National Museum
The National Museum of Paro is a must visit place. It houses all the things that you need to know about this country, right from dances, masks to flora and fauna.
This is the older structure of Museum which was severely damaged in the Earthquake of 2009. As of now, this area is closed for visitors.
Kids
Bhutanese Kids are just adorable. They are super cute. And as for kids all over the world, you can watch them play the whole day. Girls Coming to the most important part of the entire journey. Bhutanese Girls are beautiful. I'll write about them in my next blog. What else should I say?
Bhutan is a paradise with all it's greenness and natural beauty. Do visit this place at least once in your lifetime. In my subsequent blog, may be I'll talk more about my visit. As of now, the blog about girls of Bhutan is still pending.
And one more thing, Bhutan seemed to be more like India rather than a different country.
Indian currency is accepted and has the same value.
People speak Hindi. Certainly better communication than visiting South India.
Indian Dishes and Cuisines easily available at reasonable rates.
Clock Square, Thimpu
Pure Natural Bliss. I'd certainly want to come here once again and this time with my parents. :)
I was with a friend that night, He was going to take of at a secret place nearby. Full of curiosity, I followed his steps, Leaving behind no trace.. On the deserted road, Bus no.29 we board; Ten minutes after, we reached the place, I wonder whether it was 'Night or Day'.. The Place Full of life, Full of joy; Every women like Helen of Troy.. Down the aisle someone appeared, 'Follow me', whispered in the year and then disappeared.. From there on, me and my friend parted; Only to meet at the time when 'day' started.. I followed her, Looking around everything pleasing, The smell of Rose so appealing; I dont know what perfume she used or she used or not, Well, I was just enjoying the ecstasy she brought.. Something strange was the atmosphere, Smile floating everywhere; Felt like I found Eldorado, In the midst of frustations' tornado.. A bit smoky was the environment, But not suffocating; Everyone reaching to contentment, But I kept on waiting.. Dim light, Dark night.. But I wasn't afraid, I went on wherever the path lead.. Not a single hand was vacant, For someone else to hold; Number of people like pie by 2 of secant, And everyone having their lover to behold.. I could smell her, I feel Searching for her, my eyes bleed.. Whisper echoing my head, Insisting me to tread.. I was almost lost, Going forward and backward but at last, Didn't take care of my path, Eventually I slid, Someone grabbed me in a blink, To my amazement, it was She.. The Journey from there on Got back upon my feet, Her hands so soft, I thought she used 'Veet'.. Looked into her eyes straight, My Dream Girl, at last we met.. Pending Sheet and DPP's, Not a single thing dared to bother, As we went on together.. Walking hand in hand, we found an inn; In an unknown land, a place unseen; She promised- She'll show me the places where I've never been, But first of all let us get cleaned.. I went to wash my face, Hoping for a warm embrace.. Then to reception to collect the keys, Any rooms available, please.. The Owner: The lady with you already collected. Me: Pardon, Which room she selected? The Owner: Two Zero One, Sir! Me (thinking) : May be a lucky no. for her.. The Owner: Did you said something? Me: No, I was just thinking.. The Owner: Will you be buying the treat? Me: Wait, first let of ask, what she wants to eat.. The Owner: Ok, then I'll be sending waiter to your room. Me: Yeah sure just do it soon.. I went up and knocked the door. She: I'm changing. Don't bang any more Me: What if you're not dressed complete? I can come in. She: Darling, How mean? Me: Will you've something to eat? She: No, will just see you, my appetite complete.. Just ordered for coffee, as it was cold; The greatest night of my life was about to unfold.. Heard the unbolting of the door, All at once startled for sure; Her long locks and the black gown, Oh God! I'm literally drowned. A ribbon on the waist, Two buttons on the chest.. She said 'Sir' and leaned at the gate, Have you ever been so close, so intimate? No, no Madam This is the first time I'm being an Adam. Felt like all my pains was about to curb, A tag outside the door saying, 'Do not Disturb'! I went inside and it was warm, Appreciating her face, full of charm. She: You seem so nervous, so sweaty.. Me: Never had something so got in vicinity.. She: Tch.. Tch.. Tch.. So pity.. Me: Am I the only looser in the city? ? She laughed and avoided, No specific reasons provided.. The Room It gave the effect of a Honeymoon suite, Eased off myself by putting off my boots.. There was a baby's photo on the wall, And that baby holding a playing ball.. I saw that picture and them turned to her face. God! Her cheeks so red, As if she's ashamed.. And this time we laughed and avoided. No need of reasons to be provided.. From my 5800, took her pics, Her awesome eyes and her glowing cheeks. Just when I was about to hold her hand, The Door banged 'You ******** whore, Open the door', a harsh voice roared.. I could see fear floating in her eyes, Her eye as if they gonna cry.. She: The voice, It's of the man who bought me yesterday, His behaviour so rough, I ran off today.. I watched her for a while and to the balcony door I gaze. Sweetheart, Let's escape.. Escape From the second floor, almost impossible to jump down; Took out bedsheets and tied them around.. Somehow we came down, It was cold outside and she was just in her gown.. Untied a bed sheet and threw around her body, God! Even in that she looked pretty.. That black bed sheet and pink flowers in them, For her miserable situation who is to blame? As we were running as fast as we could, I noticed she wasn't running as fast as she should.. She sprained her legs, And to move every inch she now begs, Didnt think of anything, lifted her up; Promised to myself, I won't give up.. She: Why are you doing this to me? All these things, you don't have to be.. Me: I don't know, what's happening to me? Just wanna save you from your enemy.. She was still feeling cold, I could feel, Bought her a pink jacket from the local mill.. Mill which was still functioning in the night, Took shelter there, under the warm light.. Warm light from the glowing bulb, Her sprain she told was almost curb'd.. Lighted up my cigarette, to ease off my worry She: To die darling, why are you in so hurry? Put this dirt out of your mouth, Just don't force me to shout.. Me: Then do something to make me easy, Plan of something to keep my lips busy.. She kissed me, Felt like I'm at the top of world, At the top of mountain; Tasting love from the purest fountain.. Just from the first kiss, I became insane.. Kissing her over and over again.. Suddenly, her phone rang.. She: It's an unknown number. Me: Dont pick up, it might prove blunder. Give it to me, let of check, Seeing that number, my whole body shaked.. It was my number.. But where the hell is my phone, Dropped it on the way unknown.. Me: Forget it, cut the call. That phone was precious just for your pic; Since I have you, my phone I don't seek.. Drop this, Let's have something to eat, Need something for hunger to beat.. Then we had our Maggi; Maggi never tasted better, Just two of up in that shelter.. Me: As the day breaks into the new Sun.. Together we'll run.. She: But where? Me: A place away from fear.. By 5 am, reache railway station.. From ticket counter got reservation.. In the waiting room, Waiting for the train to arrive, Planning things ahead of my life.. Felt asleep on her shoulder, And when I woke up Lighting and Thunder... She was gone, And I was left alone... [ I noticed my upper pocket was heavy. When i searched, i found it was my phone. She went back to the guy who bought her. But she left a message..] ' 'I'm not a good girl, you know; A kind of girl whom people always throw.. I was always a threat to your life, And now I sincerely hope, you find a beautiful wife.. Someone who'll love you more than anyone can do, Love that is gentle, warm, tender and true.. I deleted my pics from your phone, In your memories, I'll always be unknown..'' I had nothing to say, Just tears in my eyes.. My Friend called: From 7: 30, you've your parallel class. Bhai...
During my third semester in College, I participated in Inter-Hostel Poetry writing competition. The topic given on the spot was "Elegy" along with two other topics. In a duration of one and half hour I wrote the following..
Quartered by the hands of war, The corpse now stinks. The flames have now reached the stars, but the memories of dead still blinks. They rode, They charged, They stroke a fierce blow. They fought with all they had, Yet they lie here so low. When a man dies, Three lives are taken not one. When a man closes his eyes, Dies a father, husband and a son. A lover and a brother always dies, For they are euphemism for sacrifice. But even the dark and fierce hell cries, When a son dies in front of his father's eyes. Often waged by foolish people, Grey beards and Silver-heads. Who have always fed on breast's nipple, They go on hunt, instead. An eye for an eye and a life for a life, Makes the whole world blind and dead. When all the souls are out of life, Will the king rule the dead? Home they brought her warrior dead, What's done is done and what's said is said. They can return money and grace, What they can't bring back is a happy face. After the men are slaughtered, Hell falls on widows and daughter. For conquerors when served with wine and ale, They look for a free brothel. Words can't bind the sorrow For they fall hollow and shallow To a grief which avenges The purest emotion, Revenge
