Taia

I did a quick search of your other threads but can't tell if you have decided to go to Bhutan or not?

J

Jules, I think your comments are right. What gives me pause is that I have no option to travel independently in Bhutan. If there were options, I'd likely hire a driver for the whole time and use a guide judiciously.

At Angkor, we hired only a driver. I'd been reading about Angkor since I was a child, and had virtually memoriized Dawn Rooney's book. I wanted to wander the wats in quiet, to be able to sit and meditate. Our last morning, we got to Angkor Wat at sunrise and were able to do about an hour of walking meditation... it was magical.

We're still thinking about Bhutan. Robbie and I have exchanged emails, but we're having some problems with the attachment. With Robbie's permission, I'd be glad to post an outline.

It has been 10 years since I've been to Bhutan, as many others have already said, the scenery, people and festivals were absoluting amazing. It has been one of my favorite destinations. If any of you go to Bhutan, make sure you go to the post office to go at/buy the amazing stamps. I've never seen anything like them. My guide and driver were fabulous. Even though we had an itinerary, we deviated quite a bit during the day but always ended up where we were supposed to in the evening.

I've been in contact with the owners of several of the smaller Bhutanese travel companies (Blue Poppy, Nirvana Experience, Bhutan Journey) and in their replies to my questions, they have assured me that the guide need not stick to you like glue and that independent meandering in a village is fine. I have communicated my desire for a guide who really enjoys meeting new people and has a good sense of humor (among other qualities).
Usually, we like to strike out on our own as well but I have to say that in Burma our guide really enhanced our three week experience there. With a personalble, spunky guide the rapport that can develop creates a bond that so enriches the experience of the country.
To feed my independent spirit, hubby and I leave tomorrow for an independent exploration of Chiapas, Mexico. Hasta luego.

We, too, Bhutan in 2008. South Africa 2007 already booked. But we want to do it all, in one trip..India, Bhutan, Tibet, maybe Nepal if it settles down by then. Long trip, I know it will be too much, but I doubt we will get back.