Bhutan

We arrived in Bhutan yesterday morning. We got settled in our hotel - the rooms are the size of football fields - had lunch and went out to tour the Paro dzong. The architecture is very similar to that of Tibet and everything has a familiar feel to it for me. Paro is a relatively small town (not much bigger than Wakefield) but has the only international airport in the country. Their national airline has a fleet of 3 airbusses. I am rooming with Amy, a patent lawyer from Boston, who, if you closed your eyes, you would swear was Ashley Pyka. Same voice, same mannerisms, same wit. ("Nice" seems to be her favourite word.) Needless to say, I'm enjoying her company immensely.

Today we hiked up to the Tigers' Nest monastery above the Paro valley. It was absolutely spectacular and we had wonderful weather. The views were breathtaking, and given that I've been dreaming of seeing it for years, it was a very special experience. We're now in Paro town, doing our last minute errands before we leave on the trek tomorrow morning.

So far the food has been great. I don't suppose we can expect the same quality on the trail, but am optimistic that it will be much more tasty than our trail food in Nepal. They have no fear of curry here.

So far, Bhutan is everything I've expected. I am so looking forward to getting out into the mountains and immersing myself in the magnificance of the Himalayas. Will write again in about 29 days.