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
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
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