Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Say No to Bhutan

I've been trolling the web learning about Bhutan. Many writers refer to it as the last Shangri-La—a remote, utopian paradise. Then I stumbled across internet travel advisor, Mr. Ramon Carver, who has his own idiosyncratic view.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Decision Made

After two months of back and forth I've made my decision: I'm going to the Kingdom of Bhutan!

I learned this week that my placement will be in Chumey, a small town (approx. pop. 1000) in Bumthang district, on a main road and very close to the district capital, Jakar. I've spoken to several people who have been to Bumthang and they all agree it's the most beautiful location in the country. Last night, a woman told me, "Every day I felt like the top of my head was blowing off with the beauty and deep spirituality of the place." I'm not certain if she enjoyed this sensation; I think I might.

In many ways I wish I could start immediately, but there's lots to organize before leaving Toronto in the first week of February: finding a sublet for my apartment and strolling the aisles at Mountain Equipment Co-op!

Thank-you to everyone who patiently listened while I moaned about making this decision.

love, Grant

Here are some links:
http://www.bhutancanada.com/home.html (The Bhutan Canada Foundation)
http://www.bumthang.gov.bt/ (official district website)
http://www.bhutantoday.bt/ (independent online newspaper)
http://www.pbs.org/edens/bhutan/Bhu_dragon.htm (PBS - The Living Edens: Bhutan)
http://www.pbase.com/paix/bhutan (Karma-Dharma Photography)

Photo credits: Raewyn Robbins, Canada Bhutan Foundation