TRIP REPORT: BHUTAN, RAJASTHAN,VARANASI, PHUKET,BANGKOK
Mar 2nd, 2008, 07:37 PM
#61
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robbie Thanks so much for this report it has been great. I had a quick look at your photos and really enjoyed them. You are certainly help spike my excitement for our trip in Oct. I totally admire your ability to write such a detailed report. One question. I have been looking at books etc to get before we head to Bhutan. I love to read, watch films etc about my destinations before heading out. Is there any books or movies that you particularly enjoyed about Bhutan. I have just ordered a few but would be interested in any info you have.
Thanks again
J
Thanks again
J
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:41 AM
#63
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks travel pals. Jules I'm so glad you'll be going to Bhutan. The books I enjoyed before going were:
"The Blessings of Bhutan", Russ and Blyth Carpenter; "So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas" by Barbara Crossette; "Beyond the Sky and the Earth" by Jamie Zeppa. By all means rent the film Travelers and Magicians, a wonderful story about Bhutan, (Gossip: The actor who played the young traveler in the movie was married to the Canadian author Zeppa for a few years.)
I have two corrections to convey. The name of the hotel where we had our final dinner in Paro (day 10) was Hotel Jigmeling. On the first page of photos, there is one showing Bhutanese houses. It shows three dwellings, the tall one in the middle is a monastery.
"The Blessings of Bhutan", Russ and Blyth Carpenter; "So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas" by Barbara Crossette; "Beyond the Sky and the Earth" by Jamie Zeppa. By all means rent the film Travelers and Magicians, a wonderful story about Bhutan, (Gossip: The actor who played the young traveler in the movie was married to the Canadian author Zeppa for a few years.)
I have two corrections to convey. The name of the hotel where we had our final dinner in Paro (day 10) was Hotel Jigmeling. On the first page of photos, there is one showing Bhutanese houses. It shows three dwellings, the tall one in the middle is a monastery.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:48 AM
#64
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, Start a new thread with the same name and then "Part 2" at the end. That way it will be easier to print. I plan to print the Bhutan trip report, but not the India trip report. Great job.
I didn't realize that you stayed at Uma Paro. I know one of the heads at the Metropolitan in Bangkok which is the same company as Uma Paro and the one in Bali. The Metropolitan was great in BKK. I also can't imagine that if one only stayed there, that they would get a good overall view of Bhutan...from what you've described of Bhutan. It seems that Bhutan is a place that you really need to move around in quite a bit to get the full experience. I've been trying to get there for years. It will eventually happen. Smiles. Happy Travels!
I didn't realize that you stayed at Uma Paro. I know one of the heads at the Metropolitan in Bangkok which is the same company as Uma Paro and the one in Bali. The Metropolitan was great in BKK. I also can't imagine that if one only stayed there, that they would get a good overall view of Bhutan...from what you've described of Bhutan. It seems that Bhutan is a place that you really need to move around in quite a bit to get the full experience. I've been trying to get there for years. It will eventually happen. Smiles. Happy Travels!
Mar 3rd, 2008, 09:17 AM
#66
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I have to admit that I read your entire report on Bhutan even though I should be working on my own report on Sri Lanka right now. You have set the bar very high with the details of what must have been an amazing experience. I can tell that this is one trip thats not for everyone given the altitude, cool temperatures and the less than premium lodging (Uma Paro excepted). You were very, very thorough in your research and preparation - seems like it really paid off.
Great report - looking forward to the next installment.
Great report - looking forward to the next installment.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 11:18 AM
#68
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should be working on my India report but I'm enjoying the appetizers of your SR journey. And you're right about the rigorous nature of a Bhutan trip ( of course, folks can skip the hikes if they seem to strenuous).
Mar 11th, 2008, 11:12 PM
#69
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robbie, I really enjoyed reading that wonderful report on Bhutan and learned something more about a less trodden part of my neck of the woods. Judging from the intensity and passion that oozes out of your of your travel tales I think you will find plenty to discover in Sri Lanka.
Mar 12th, 2008, 08:09 AM
#70
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Robbie while I am thinking about it & while it is fresh in your memory I have a question about Bhutan. Money.... Since most things are pre paid I am just thinking about how much we will need for extras. Obviously no one can predict what I would spend on things but what about extra bottles of water or other drinks etc. Also how did you carry money? Did you just take cash in & then exchange it at a bank that is what I think I understood from your report? I will ask my op these questions also but would be very interested in your feedback. Thanks in advance.
J
J
Mar 12th, 2008, 06:28 PM
#71
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jules, the first day we went to the bank and changed about $200. If we ran out, our tour operator fronted us the money until we got to a town with a bank and reimbursed her. Bhutan accepts Indian rupees on par with Bhutanese currency. Indian rupees can be reconverted into dollars but not many places will convert Bhutanese currency.
