March 18, 2010. A quick note from the horse’s mouth: I’m back in Canada after only 6 weeks in Bhutan. I’m still processing how it occurred that I was keen to teach in Bhutan, and then de-keened so entirely(!). It was quite an adventure full of new and good experiences (along with the quite visceral compulsion to leave). In the end I had to listen to my heart; teaching overseas is not for everyone. However, I was greatly enriched by the travel adventure. Over the next few weeks I hope to bring the blog to some sort of conclusion; fact or fiction—I’m not yet sure(!).
Toronto, Canada
Grant will be a teacher to middle secondary school students in Chumey, Bumthang District, Bhutan beginning in March, 2010. His resume reads like a dog’s breakfast (albeit, a tasty one) of skills and experience. He has been a professional actor, a furniture designer/maker and has held various administrative positions in corporate environments in Toronto. Grant has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama - Acting (1983) from the University of Alberta (Canada) and a Bachelor of Education (2008) from Nipissing University (Canada). He is committed to exploring the spiritual dimensions of his life and has had an active meditation practice for over 20 years.

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.

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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
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