We all met early for breakfast for an easy start to the day. It was then off to our bus to head out for today’s first exploration in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, as Bhutan is known.

We began at the Memorial Chorten. It was built in 1974 in memory of the king considered to be the father of modern Bhutan. It is a multi- storied monument with paintings and statues representing Buddhist philosophy.

Before we approached the chorten, we went over to the building housing multiple prayer wheels. We proceeded per custom to walk around them all, 3 times in a clockwise direction, spinning the wheels as we walked.

Afterwards we met a man, 85 years of age, who regularly comes. He stated his son is with the police, so he visits. He was very spry and friendly.

We then approached the chorten, passing by a building where they had many butter candles burning offering up prayers.

As with the prayer wheels we walked 3 times around clockwise, viewing all aspects, including the 4 dieties protecting the 4 directions. Cyndi and I chose to enter and were amazed at the massive amount of figures along with all the offerings. We were not allowed photos but we climbed up as far as we could.

Next was a short drive to Kuensel Phodrang, a massive 167 foot tall bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, built on a high hill overlooking the valley. Cyndi, Jane and I chose to walk up the 300 steps to approach the statue. What a view across the valley and upwards as the Buddha began appearing.

We walked completely around the base, seeing all the accompanying statues and paintings.

Then it was off to a small factory that produced handmade paper. It took a laborious 10 step process to produce but the paper was beautiful.

Walking down the hill from the factory we came upon a local arts center where I was thrilled to find weavers! They use a type of backstap loom doing very intricate patterns in methods very different from my weaving.

There were also artists painstakingly painting large canvases.

After that it was time for lunch. We went to a small, family run restaurant for a delicious buffet.

The afternoon was free time to explore so we all agreed to head off to the Royal Takin Park, which serves as a sanctuary for takins. They are a most peculiar animal, that looks like it has the body of a cow and the head of a goat. It is Bhutan’s national animal. The park also serves as a rehabilitation center for other injured or rescued animals, including several types of deer and yaks.

After walking all around the park we proceeded to the Textile Museum. Another opportunity to view the amazing textiles created across the country and the many styles of local dress.

By then we were rather spent for the day so it was back to the hotel. Cyndi and I chose to go out to try a bit of local shopping. We were pleased when, with the help of our hotel owner we found a shop selling kiras, the jacket the local women wear. We each purchased one. While out we also witnessed the local version of a stoplight (of which there are none) – a police woman in a circle directing traffic.

Our hotel is owned and operated by a most amazing woman, who has an incredible story of how it came about. She’s all about supporting young women and training them in the industry.

Dinner at a local restaurant capped off the day.