Visit to Bhutan
by Irene Childerley
Recently our very own Irene Childerley, spoke of her past travel to Bhutan.
Irene went to Bhutan in November 2013, with a friend shortly after being widowed.
They landed in Delhi and travelled by car to pick up her guides in east Bhutan. Special tours to the 4 day festivals to observe the customs and costumes. There can be no backpacking in this country even now, only organised trips through specialised leaders can occur.
Back in1979 only 2000 tourists were allowed to visit the country. Landslides make travel difficult even for the local guides. In the valleys of the Himalayas and tea plantations, it is mainly agriculture.
Buddhism is the only religion followed. The festivals are colourful with different dress and customs. Some costumes have large decorated heads, dancing checku to large trumpets and drums.
The people are not allowed to kill animals or to fish. They have to import to eat. After the festivals Irene treeked to Tigers Nest Monastery bedecked with yet more flags which hang everywhere.
In 2022, 60000 young people emigrated wanting a more modern world.
Irene's photographs are so colourful depicting how different life there was. It was a truly wonderful talk , and we look forward to hearing again of Irene's travels.
