A Brother in Bhutan

Over the past two years, many of our friends and family have said they would come to visit. But when we break down the logistics no one can find the time to actually make the long journey, and have enough days here to actually enjoy it. 

David Vernon made it happen. 

Juggling three time zones and five brutally long travel days, David stretched a typical two-week American vacation all the way across the globe for a once in a lifetime trip to Bhutan. 

Ol' Dave slingshot straight to Bangkok, where he managed to fit in a small music festival; Asian electronic fest = ultimate people watching.

The eager but jetlagged traveler landed in Bhutan one sunny morning in March.

When David travels, he chooses his destinations thoughtfully.

The first time he came to visit me abroad, he met the burros in Colombia for a three week trip during his winter break from college. That was the first time he had traveled solo outside the country, and I don't think there's a better place to start than Colombia.

David's determination to get to Bhutan made me so proud. I loved showing him this weird place we call home and watching his reactions to all the little things that have become common place to me: the dogs; the random shortcuts through the city, the colors and people and stink of the main street; the cultural idiosyncrasies; the nightlife. With a few well timed naps, David jumped right into the Thimphu swing. We ate momos and sang karaoke and went for a terrifying late night drive/drag race with my neighbor and landlord, Uygen.

I always struggle to find a way to summarize Bhutan to people, but there are so many things that are beyond words; that can only be felt. Finally I have somebody who understands how unfathomable it all is.

In places of great beauty words are often inadequate. Hence, I will let the photos tell most of the story. Michael did an incredible job documenting it all.

Cheri monastery, Thimphu

making friends with the barking deer

After a few days exploring Thimphu, Michael, David and I drove West to Haa-- our favorite place in Bhutan. Haa embodies all the magic of Bhutan and gives an honest glimpse into what life has been like here for hundreds of years. We spent the days wandering through the villages, following cow paths through the woods and bushwhacking to the top of a ridge.

The last day was perfectly Bhutanese; swirling with mist; tiny and vast and mind shifting. We spent hours laughing by the river and reveling in the bewildering details of nature. We built a fire, scattered our grandparents' ashes and spoke about how grateful we were to be in this place, enveloped by clouds.

Paparazzi found us at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge

first evening glow

kush ups

easy there, Dave! 

(Bhutan: Behind the scenes)

 

The ol' boys playing dice outside the local convenience store

the selection

sleepy shop puppies

This man shows us a photo of his daughter that he wears pinned to his hat.

(and tells us some incredible story about her that we can't understand. )

scattering our grandparents' ashes

We left Haa early in the morning to drive up and over to Paro via Chele-la Pass, the highest road point in Bhutan at 3700 mtrs. (12,139 ft.). The clouds kept their secrets this morning, only hinting at the looming peaks hiding behind the white sheet.

Making dog friends everywhere. When soap and water isn't accessible you go for the foot-belly rub. 

early morning hike up the ridge