Chimi Lhakhang

There is a monastery called Chimi Lhakhang in Bhutan. It is also known as a fertility temple where you can pray for children. It is very famous and there are many stories about couples who after years of trying for children, after praying at the temple are able to conceive. Chimi Lhakhang actually means 'no dog temple'. Intrigued? Click on the link to read the story! Also this mention in the New York Times here.

To get to Chimi Lhakhang, you have to walk across a field. The beginning of the path presented a goat to us.

The path wasn't so difficult but it's a little far and it was quite hot! But the view is BEAUTIFUL. Bhutan is just beautiful. So we weren't bored.

I can't forget how picturesque Bhutan is. Can't you imagine this photo as a painting?

When we got there, it was time for the monks to practice their musical instruments for ceremonies.

It was actually really hot, the heat was quite intense so we were quite glad to have our umbrellas. The wind was quite strong though...

There are loads of stray dogs in Bhutan. If you stay in town you'll hear alot of them howling apparently. Luckily, where we stayed it was really peaceful and quite at night.

Sightseeing in green Punakha

The jeeps that bring us to and from the hotel. Can you believe the views Bhutanese people see every day?

 Bhutanese buildings and designs are so intricate

We visited a nunnery - Sanchhen Dorji Lhuendrup. The eyes at the top seem to be saying 'I've got my eyes on you' don't they? Not amused, untrusting eyes as of those of a strict adult looking at a mischievous child.

This is where the nuns have their studies. We saw a group of them having a Buddhist class inside. They also have to clean the place and cook and do all the housework.

Just couldn't stop taking pictures of the view

Going around Bhutan, you'll see lots of paintings of men's private parts on the buildings. You can even see small wooden phalluses necklaces. Apparently they're a sign for protection, there's a story about how a famous Buddhist master used his thing to subdue a demoness. This is how it came about that there are phalluses everywhere.

Punakha

On the way to Punakha we saw some ladies selling organic corn on the road side so we stopped to have some. The corn's really yummy! And so different from the corn we usually have. Grainier somehow and not so soft. But it tastes very real.

We were a bit puzzled when she showed this to us and our guide explained to us - first take a bite of the corn, then dip the chilli in the salt and take another bite! The combo was delicious! Corn plus a little salty and spicy flavour, yum~ And yes, the chilli was spicy but! worth it.

We were treated to this view entering Punakha and it really lifted our moods. So beautiful! And sunny and warm and pleasant!

There's something about the beauty of nature. Being in a concrete jungle makes you appreciate being in natural surroundings even more. As you can tell, one of Punakha's main industries is agriculture.

To get to Amankora in Punakha, you have to walk across a bridge.

And then take a buggy..Or it's around a 2km walk I think..Needless to say I took the buggy to save energy for hiking (actually i was just too lazy and hungry)

And this is what the resort looks like.

We had lunch outdoors, with this as our view:

I really enjoyed having lunch outdoors in the shade. The only thing was there were some bugs but that didn't bug me too much haha..good food, good weather and good air were enough to keep me happy.

We then tried archery and darts, the 2 most popular games in Bhutan. At which both I suck. Haha. I was slightly better at darts because my arm's way too weak for archery but the target for dart is usually much further away apparently hahahaa..oh well luckily I've never aspired to be a national archery or darts champion then hahaha

These are the buggies that we have to take when leaving or going to the hotel to and from the bridge.

We watched a folk dance admist the darkening night. The dancers went round the flickering bonfire, which casted light and shadows intermittently on the dancers.

Thus concluded my first day in Punakha

Thimpu - the halo effect

There's a big Buddha statue being constructed on a hill in Thimpu. Well..not quite on a hill but on a hillside.

When we got up there the sun was right behind the head of the Buddha statue creating a halo effect.

It's very awe inspiring because it's so big. I think this might be the biggest Buddha statue in Bhutan although I'm not sure.

I don't remember where I caught this picture but I like it.

On the way from Thimpu to Paro, we dropped by here.

 The guard is telling me off for taking a photo in that direction because the royal family went to the temple there and we're not supposed to take photos. I thought they'd already entered so it was ok but apparently not. oops haha.

I love Bhutan prayer flags. So colorful and pretty when they flutter in the wind. I think they're much better than joss sticks. Probably better than joss sticks for the environment too.

Tashi Chho Dzong

When we were on a hike we saw the fortress Tashi Chho Dzong and we really wanted to visit it so we were really glad when our guides said we would go there soon

I love the paintings on the pillars. Wonder how long it took them to do it?

Inside was a very big courtyard. Imagine a building with a huge courtyard in the middle, surrounded by the mountains and blue skies. So beautiful..

There are monks' quarters too besides the government offices. I think having them side by side is a great idea.

 These are prayer bells, you can turn them around and pray for peace

It's really beautiful there. I wonder if Bhutanese people can still see the beauty? Or do they just see it as normal?