Cross-Border Ride (Part 2): If I had to name the biggest difference between Bhutan and the rest of the world, I could do it in one word, civility. The first thing that hit me when I entered Bhutan is the simplicity; Actually make that the second thing. The first thing that hit me was the Red-Tape process of getting a permit for myself, my team and my Motorcycle. Bhutans policy of quality over quantity with regard to their tourism policy makes it a not so desirable destination at the border; but thats soon forgotten once the first immigration check-post is crossed. There have been people who have had this easy as breeze but guess I was just not that lucky. Anyway, coming back to the part about Simplicity; Simple food, Simple People, Simple Aspirations, Simple Eco-Friendly stay options! Bhutan is a simply wonderful place, away from all the materialism of the dog eat dog world. Probably the only country in the world where the streets are filled with stores selling handicrafts, essentials and the big brands have still not found a foothold. No malls, No Multiplexes, No Swanky establishments! A country where nine out of ten people are eager to go out of the way to help you, or open their hearts to you; probably the outcome of their rich Buddhist tradition. A heaven on earth where the women are amazingly beautiful; the Mountains stand tall with their heads in the cloud literally, and the roads are ever-winding! Bhutan! Just what the doctor prescribed for materialism. My five day of Riding, Sightseeing, and Hiking around Bhutan ends today and I have returned back to Siliguri. The plan to ride to Nepal looks bleak at the moment considering the indefinite strike called by the Maoists in Eastern Nepal; I hope to explore a bit around Siliguri and Darjeeling before I start my journey back home. Signing off for now.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:21:13 +0000
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