We are heading off to Bhutan in a few weeks. Footprint Bhutan said we have to register with Druknet to log on when we are there. When we went to teh site it was a bit confusing. Do we need to register to use our own email accounts on the web?

Not quite sure what you mean... There is regular internet access at many of the tourist hotels and also at internet cafes. Even the remote Bumthang Valley now has internet access, although Phobjikha doesn't. It's very easy to access hotmail, yahoo, etc.

Do people generally find Mealea's news and update heartening or depressing.

What do you mean, fuzzylogic? Do you find the news of e-mail access in Bhutan heartening or depressing? I think the people of Bhutan are quite glad to be connected to the outside world. Are you saying the people of Bhutan shouldn't have internet access? I'm not sure I follow what you're trying to say.

fuzzy:

I find Mealea's suggestions and comments to be one of the best and informative of this forum.

I also find your comments,fuzzylogic, to be some fo the rudest and uninformative of this forum.

Aloha!

Thank you, Mealea. The book made it sound as if there is some central registry we would have to be in to use our own email. Now I know we don't hve to do anything. I appreciate your help.

Hawaiintraveler - I asked a straight question. I was interested in all replies. But neither of the replies that refer to it, yours included, address the question.

I wasn't saying it was a good thing or a bad thing. But you folk are so defensive. You assume much that isn't there, and just lash out. You must give reasons for your opinions, don't you think? Not just be unpleasant.

I don't suppose you will do me the honour of a reply.

Thanks hawaiiantraveler. I do always try to help people if I can and I've also gotten a lot of great advice from the fantastic people on this board.

fuzzylogic, your original question wasn't clear, so I was confused. I guess other people were too. Had the question been articulated more clearly, maybe there wouldn't have been any misunderstandings.

I'm still not sure what your original question is really about.

Are you saying I usually write depressing news? That's pretty bizarre because I don't think I've ever done so about any destination. Actually, I don't think you intended it like this, but that's how it sounded in a way.

Or are you saying news of internet access in Bhutan is somehow depressing? I find that strange. Is the message here that Bhutanese people shouldn't have internet access and should remain isolated from the outside world simply to conform to the image of a remote and exotic Shangri La? If so, that's a pretty condescending view which I think Bhutanese people wouldn't appreciate.

As for my opinion, I don't think news of internet access in Bhutan is positive or negative. Bhutan is just developing and changing the way societies do.

The small local travel agents told me they are able to do much more business directly with the outside world because of the internet. They no longer have to go through foreign agents and therefore more money goes directly to local staff.

What's your opinion?

I'm usually confused by Fuzzylogic,too. Plus, who has time to read through the lines? Just say exactly what you mean, in a clear manner, so that we can read it and move on. Happy Travels!