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, February 9, 2010

I am Here

After 26 hours in transit I stepped off the Drukair plane at Paro Airport and burst into tears! The morning sunshine pouring through the mist on the mountain tops, the men in their ghos running across the tarmac, the airport, shimmering with meticulously painted patterns, all of these new impressions entered my sense organs and my heart simply exploded! (I’m not generally given to “bursting” into tears!)


I’m now in Thimphu. This posting is simply to say that I’ve arrived in Bhutan safe and sound after 26 hours in transit. I travelled with the wonderful Ann Berman, a new-found friend and fellow teacher. We kept ourselves in good spirits, and giggled especially with our precise and elaborate preparations and attempts to sleep. The final Drukair flight from Delhi to Paro was breathtaking with glorious views of the Himalayan mountains.

A one-hour drive from Paro to Thimphu confirmed that this country is spectacular and beautiful. After a much needed nap, I wandered down main street Thimphu and eventually met a young Indian man who insisted on accompanying me to a restaurant for a very late lunch. Then I had more sleep which was followed by unpacking my bags for my two weeks at the Yeedzin Guest House.

It’s just past one in the morning. I’ll put in my earplugs, the barking dogs will fade away, and I will disappear into my dreams.

4 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 9, 2010 at 4:50 AM

    Wuhoo! You made it! I can just feel that you're going to love it. We'll be watching with envy and joy and wonder.

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  2. UnknownFebruary 9, 2010 at 7:47 AM

    Happy to hear you made it safe and sound. Even happier that you can share this experience with us. Enjoy the moments!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 10, 2010 at 1:09 AM

    Yours is the first blog I've ever checked out. I have a feeling I'm going to like this and another feeling that your adventures will be beautiful and exciting.
    Have fun!
    (The French Connection)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chris LeaFebruary 10, 2010 at 6:38 AM

    Glad to hear you've arrived in one piece and that your first impressions are good! Jealous envy to you from frozen Toronto.

    ReplyDelete

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