Isabelle Around the World

Third episode of the series, Isabelle travels to Bhutan to discover the Dragon Kingdom."If there still exists on this planet a place where time has truly stood still, it is Bhutan. We weren't even five minutes from the airport when I realized that architecture is one of the most striking features of this Himalayan kingdom. The hills were dotted with farmhouses in the traditional Bhutanese style, handsome and baronial with white-plastered walls and timbered beams, oddly reminiscent of Swiss-style chalets. The second thing I noticed were all the shrines, temples and prayer flags. Bhutan is ruggedly beautiful - a country of high passes, narrow valleys, terraced farms, tall monasteries, and imposing dzongs (fortresses). Subsistence farming is how most Bhutanese live. They grow rice, buckwheat, vegetables, apples, and honey. They also have some cows and yaks.People have been very friendly, and I was so happy to explore this fascinating culture. My greatest pleasure in Bhutan has been interacting with the local people, especially the monks in their monasteries. The people are truly caring and full of love. They might not be rich in materially but are they are wealthy in community bounds and in beliefs of their traditions. Everybody we've met has been extraordinarily friendly, especially the children. They smile and wave whenever they see a westerner.Bhutan is the most amazing place I have ever travelled to. I wish I will have the opportunity to come back here. The locals were so friendly!"Warning: The book was first published as a blog. It is important to know that these are the official raw uncut stories from the blog. No corrections have been made not to spoil the original text.(note: Isabelle Guyot has decided to give away 2% of her royalties on this book to a charity called "Porters Progress UK", a UK registered charity set up in 2004 to support Porters' Progress Nepal. The charity has now broadened its remit and seeks to raise awareness of issues relating to the safety and welfare of porters and to support projects in the Nepal Himalaya and other mountain ranges.)