Trip in Bhutan : 27 April - 7 May 2023 Swallowtail – with Pema and Sigme
I experienced this journey as an insight into the Bhutanese identity and culture and as feeling the fragile soul of 'Gross National Happiness'. Bhutan is supported by an incredibly beautiful nature that is cheered up by flags (colored and white), authentic cities and villages, temples, stupas, prayer rolls, ... We have met people in the city, in residences, on the land, in villages, in a school, in a medical center in a village, in temples, … We also experienced some celebrations and attended services in the temples. I constantly had the feeling that I can just ‘be’ there. I experienced the people as friendly, usually calm, accommodating, proud and own, … We could be silent and we could also chat with them. Very harmonious.
This trip makes me think with my head and think from the heart. About living together, about GNH and BNP, about religion, about tradition and culture, about history and the future, about our planet, … I think there is a special process going on…. in the hope-full direction of ‘Gross National Happiness’. With trial and error.
We are very satisfied with the organization Swallowtail. Both during the preparation and during the trip, there was open, pleasant communication and we worked well together.
We were welcomed at the airport by Pema (guide) and Jigme (driver). Two fine young people with whom we have developed a very nice bond. During the trip we received a lot of explanation about Buddhism, about traditions, about the policy in Bhutan, about everything we saw and heard and felt... There was an honest openness in our togetherness, also about sensitive matters (political, religious, social, ... ) we could exchange our opinions. Music in the car gave a nice undertone to our experience. We also laughed a lot.
Warm thanks to Pema, Sigme and Swallowtail.
Kris