Bhutan Tour.His Eminence Padtselling Trulku’s guest from Hong Kong named Freda Lee Lok Ka who was here in Bhutan on tour was caught up with Business Bhutan to talk about her experience in Bhutan.

1. The airport
While attending the teachings of His Eminence the Fifth Padtselling Trulku earlier, I used to hear a lot about Bhutan and finally when I came here it was like learning about a fairy tale and then experiencing it. When I got off from the plane, the first thing I saw was the beautiful at the airport. It was so different from any other place I have visited. The traditional design of the building in a modern air port, the walls decorated with paintings and then the matching colours- everything was looking so great that I rightly guessed that people here are full of art. I can never forget that special moment.

2.  Book launch
The next moment was at the launch of the biography of Rinpoche’s book. Before I could realise, I was there at the inauguration sitting beside Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuck.  To be sitting with Ashi and listening to Rinpoche’s biography was such an experience in itself that it brought tears to my eyes.

3.  The environment
The next day I went around travelling. Luckily the day was not very cold.  Everything in Bhutan is so very natural. You can see trees all around the city, the river, the smell, everything so perfect. Birds are singing everywhere and you can see flowers. Everywhere there is peace and calmness. As a tourist I can forget all my busy jobs back in Hong Kong and just be relaxed. Looking around I have guessed that the government is doing its part in looking after the welfare of the people.

4.  The Monasteries
The most beautiful sight during my visit was the monasteries and holy places all around the country like nowhere else in the world. Bhutan has always been considered a religious nation but seeing elderly folks praying and taking rounds of monasteries and temples makes one come closer to religion. Besides being very busy in their own lives, people in Bhutan still make it a point to have the time out for religion and prayers. This makes me conclude that people born here are blessed and so is the country where such people are born.

5.  The King
During Losar I was watching the local television and saw His Majesty the King going to poor villages and serving food to the people.  With this, I understood why people of Bhutan have the King’s photo more than others, in monasteries and at homes. Recently I asked a monk whether it was a rule to keep the King’s photo. The monk replied that people are very happy and keen to do this because of the deep respect and love they have for their King.

6.   The Losar
New Year in China and Bhutan fall almost at the same date. I was watching Losar being celebrated in Bhutan for the first time. I noticed that the first thing that people were doing on Losar was offerings to their gods and goddess on their altar. Then they go around greeting their family members.

7.  Development
Back in my hotel room I was reading a book on Gross National Happiness. As I went through the book I realised that Bhutan is truly a country where GNH can prevail. Even the efforts made to achieve the goal has is commendable and looks promising. Bhutan is different from all other countries in the world because of the strong culture. That is why I can rightly call it a paradise on earth.

Source: Business Bhutan