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Travel Journals
Bhutan When I was considering where to go next with Cox & Kings, I was intrigued by Dianna Upton's (Cox & Kings) enthusiasm for Bhutan, so decided to go there. Turns out I really loved my itinerary and enjoyed my experiences traveling in Bhutan. Traveling through Bhutan I was able to talk to the local people, and the monks were very open also. My guide Pema was such a wonderful representation of Bhutan—both knowledgeable and heartfelt—I learned so much about the country and Pema himself. I was comfortable asking questions about his family and upbringing—an insightful look into the life of Bhutanese people. I find traveling solo to be a plus in many ways—for one thing, meeting people is easier. When I was having breakfast one morning (alone), the hotel monk that was outside in the courtyard noticed my interest in his prayers. He arranged for a personal "reading of my future" in my room, and arrived complete with prayer robes, special hat and a translator. I even received blessed string/bracelets to bring back to family. It was such a neat experience. I love collecting Buddhas and found no shortage of them in Bhutan. The rustic simplicity of many of the Bhutanese handicrafts was just lovely. I was lucky to be able to tour a school where children's colorful paintings are sold, benefiting both the school and the artist. Zhongs contain some of the most exquisite interiors no pictures can truly describe: huge Buddhas, wood carvings, wall coverings, gold, and paintings. They were absolutely breathtaking and I feel blessed to be able to see them. Another moment in time that I will never forget is when a flood of monks came pouring out into a Zhong courtyard for prayers. I was on the second floor and below me was awash in a sea of maroon and gold. This was at the massive Paro Zhong by the Paro River where the king's coronation was held in 2008. My hotel highlights were the Taj Hotel at Thimphu—the rooms were gorgeous! The Uma Paro was great also—spa, food, room... My night at the Peninsula in Bangkok was a total treat. Vee (my guide on a past trip with Cox & Kings) is wonderful and it was so good to see her and many others at the hotel again. Am hoping my next trip will be either to India or Africa! —Amy Wayne Do you have a C&K travel story you would like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Submit your travel tales and reflections to tours@coxandkingsusa.com. Travel Journals Laos, Land of a Million Elephants Nat Waring's North Island, Seychelles Report Memsahib in the Kitchen The Tigers of Rathambore Life Along the Ayeyarwady North Island, Seychelles Our Honeymoon To Kenya Our Stay at North Island Bali and Sumba Islands, Indonesia Peru and the Inti Raymi Festival Northern Thailand & Myanmar Going Native in Malaysia Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia & Thailand Exploring Ethiopia Falling in Love—with India A Perfect Safari to Kenya and Tanzania A Thai Wedding Indochina Sojourn Family Safari to Tanzania Exploring Malaysia Our Dream Family Safari to South Africa Safari to Botswana Bhutan Nepal: Trekking and Heli Trip East Africa and Rwanda Bangkok to Bhutan—A Father-Daughter Journey Chile First Class Adventures in Ethiopia Email Newsletters June 2010 Issue May 2010 Issue April 2010 Issue March 2010 Issue February 2010 Issue January 2010 Issue December 2009 Issue November 2009 Issue October 2009 Issue September 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue July 2009 Issue June 2009 Issue May 2009 Issue Arabia & Northern Africa Feature Issue Indian Ocean Feature Issue April 2009 Issue World Cup 2010: Soccer & Safari March 2009 Issue Madagascar Feature Issue India Feature Issue February 2009 Issue January 2009 Issue December 2008 Issue November 2008 Issue October 2008 Issue September 2008 Issue August 2008 Issue July 2008 Issue June 2008 Issue May 2008 Issue April 2008 Issue March 2008 Issue February 2008 Issue January Long Weekend 2008 Issue January 2008 Issue December 2007 Issue November Family 2007 Issue November 2007 Issue October 2007 Issue September 2007 Issue August 2007 Issue July 2007 Issue June 2007 Issue May 2007 Issue April 2007 Issue March 2007 Issue email us: tours@coxandkingsusa.com privacy & security \| credits ®2002-2010 Cox & Kings. All rights reserved. 'Exquisite Cultural & Wildlife Adventures' and 'For people with a mind to travel' are service marks of Cox & Kings. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.