My Bhutan Adventure

Mail from Old Friend

2011-10-29T15:01:00.003+08:00

It's always nice to receive mail from old friends from Bhutan. It's heart warming :) Thanks, Upendra!

Memorable pages in my passport

2011-09-29T19:48:00.001+08:00

Was flipping the pages of the old passport while waiting to collect the new one at ICA.
Four pages were in particular memorable ~ Look at the black and blue-ink stamps!
Apart from that, one of them had a very unique and special date stamped on it... which was the day I left home again (after a short holiday).

A Chinese New Year Present :)

2011-02-04T21:14:00.000+08:00

A surprise present received from Upendra this evening... a photograph that I could recall it was amongst my collection :)

Thanks for the photo... great memories that I would cherish... something I left in Paro... hm... If I were to return to the same old place, just wonder if I would still see that tree :)

Nonetheless, must thank those who had/have helped to see to its growing in the initial years!

When I googled my name...

2010-12-27T20:21:00.001+08:00

Once in a while, I googled my name to check out any 'unsual' mentions... haha... in fact, like the general saying that "news is always good news"... no mention other than those in my blog, facebook, twitter or organisation would be a good relief.. perhaps it saves me from any upsetting situation? Like some colleagues who would wonder if there's any negative comments about them from their students.

It came as a pleasant surprise when found this
http://www.sif.org.sg/media-room/speeches/19/sif-appreciation-dinner-2010.html
about Passang and me... haha... it gave me an opportunity to add a new post to this blog :)
Nice find at the end of year... ah! another Christmas present to me... and also to Passang :)

From the page @ SIF's website:

05 Oct 2010

SIF Appreciation Dinner 2010

Speech by Ms Euleen Goh, Chairman of SIF at Partner for Good - SIF Appreciation Dinner 2010 at the Grand Ballroom, Hotel Intercontinental

Your Excellency President S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore Distinguished guests,

Welcome to the Singapore International Foundation Appreciation Dinner.

Each year it is my great pleasure to meet you all – our partners for good – together we celebrate the past year's achievements made possible by your heartfelt contributions. Tonight we celebrate SIF's work, reaching out and touching lives, made possible by everyone here.

This year, I have the added pleasure of welcoming a special group of individuals to the fold. They have come from all over the world to attend the IVCO 2010 conference on "Innovation and Challenges in International Volunteerism and Development – An Asian Perspective" – a conference which is co-organised by the International FORUM on Development Service and the SIF.

Among our delegates are volunteer-sending organisations such as the Australian Volunteers International; Norway's Fredskorpset; the Japan International Cooperation Agency; the Korean International Cooperation Agency; United Nations Volunteers; VSO Federation; Yayasan Salam Malaysia, and more. It is also the first time the conference has representatives from the Middle East – from the Emirates Foundation and Dubai Cares.

I would like to extend a warm Singaporean welcome again to all the delegates; we are indeed honoured to have you with us this evening. Our guests can also learn more about these organisations, from the exhibition display in the foyer just outside this ballroom.

This evening promises a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. Each of you in this room – whether delegate, funder, partner organisation or volunteer - has a story to tell, because you belong to a special fraternity of individuals seeking to build a better world.

In the past year alone, SIF sent 130 volunteers to seven countries in South and Southeast Asia. They served in 41 projects that directly benefitted some 50,000 beneficiaries. Imagine all their stories - tales of lives uplifted and hope regained.

One such story was highlighted recently in the National Day Rally speech by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. It was about our Timor Leste project led by thirty-two year-old Alvan Yap, an SIF volunteer living with profound deafness. He has been working at a school for the deaf in Dili since January to help teach sign language and to develop a new curriculum for students with hearing impairment.

A parent of one of his hearing-impaired Timorese students, Mrs Silvina Doutel, told us that ever since her 22-year-old daughter Josefina joined the school, the girl has become more patient, communicative, and has even started tutoring her fellow classmates. Mrs Doutel recently attended Josefina's graduation ceremony where the girl received an award for "Best Student".

For the mother of nine children – of whom four have died, either from illness or war – the graduation was a high point in her life. Josefina who has exceeded all her expectations, and is now being trained as a teacher for the school for the deaf.

Thanks to you - our volunteers – such stories of success and new hope abound all over the region. In Bhutan, a teacher - Mr Passang Tshering - shares how the SIF's IT-in-Education project helped him get over the fear of computers. When he first sat in front of a computer, he was 16. What would normally be an exciting event for any other youngster, proved to be a frightening experience for this boy. Why the anxiety? Well, he believed then that the computer was so intelligent it could read his thoughts!

This same young man is now, at the age of 28, the head of the IT department at Bajothang High School in Bhutan. All because, Passu (as he is known to friends), was selected to be trained by IT teachers that the SIF sent from Singapore five years ago. Today, the former techno phobe teaches his students through web applications such as SharePoint, Google documents and wikis. He also has his own blog, and Facebook, Youtube and Twitter accounts.

Passu was invited to Singapore this February, as part of a study visit by Bhutanese teachers under the Bhutan wired project, co-sponsored by SIF and the Temasek Foundation. It gave him the opportunity to catch up with his SIF trainer from half a decade ago: Ms Loh Kwai Yin, now head of department of information and communication technology at Singapore's School of Science and Technology. Not that they hadn't been in touch all this while; both had kept in close contact through the internet and continue to share ideas and resources.

At the Singapore International Foundation, we have found that skill alone does not a volunteer make. Heart is what drives our volunteers. This realisation led us to launch our Direct Services Project that will enable 9,000 Cambodian villagers access to clean water. The project does not depend on expert skills, but upon volunteers willing to help construct and install bio-sand filters in the villages.

Water for Life is kindly sponsored by Deutsche Bank and Ngee Ann Development Private Limited, and implemented in partnership with Middletown Rhode Island Rotary Club in the United States and the Angkor Hospital for Children. The SIF project also helps to improve the services at a rural health centre and provides basic literacy programmes.

So all we need now are volunteers, to form groups and make their way to Cambodia to install these water filters. Just two months ago, Deutsche Bank had sent 20 of their staff to help carry out the work. It was a wonderful sight: the bank employees - Americans, Australians, Germans, Indians, New Zealanders and of course, Singaporeans - came together and worked hand-in-hand to help the community. And we are now actively seeking organisations to join in the effort over the next three years, until all 2,000 filters have been installed.

As you can see, the SIF is nothing without the 'international' ingredient. Aside from sending volunteers, we also understand that we need to nurture a new generation of people who care about developing communities.

In March, we organised the SIF Young Social Entrepreneurs programme for aspiring youth social innovators. The SIF programme welcomed teams comprising ASEAN youths, who took part in an intensive week-long training course to learn the fundamentals of starting a social enterprise.

At the end of this, the winning team with the most compelling proposal received a three thousand-dollar cash prize. This went to a group of three friends from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. One of them had travelled to Yunnan, China, and noticed that many of the children he saw, instead of wearing shoes, had to strap flattened mineral bottles to their feet as makeshift footwear. The students' proposal was striking in its simplicity: to sell flip-flops here in tropical Singapore, and with the profit from each sale, buy a pair of shoes for a child in Yunnan's Linchang village. When they set up their website early this year, they had a target to sell 307 pairs of flip flops in return for the same number of shoes. They've since sold 250 pairs of flip flops. If you would like to contribute to a pair of shoes for a child in Yunnan, look up their web-site at selfless-shoe dot blogspot dot com.

Over the past year, the SIF also forged friendships through the arts. In addition to sponsoring Singapore artistes to bring their works abroad – such as Mr Yew who is serenading our guests on the harmonica this evening – we also organised the first SIF Art Associates Programme. By bringing Southeast Asian arts professionals to Singapore on a 10-week residency, we enable regional art experts to exchange ideas, knowledge and perspectives with their Singapore counterparts.

We've since hosted four arts professionals from Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand, and expect to host most associates this November. For 26-year-old Vichaya Mukdamanee, a much sought-after artist from Thailand who joined our programme in August, he related that the experience really gave him the opportunity to build stronger and broader connections with his contemporaries in Singapore, which he fully intends to cultivate after returning to Bangkok.

We named this annual event "Partner for Good", because tonight we salute you, partners who strive for a world that is peaceful, inclusive and offers opportunities for all; and partners who are 'in it for the long haul'.

You've all been part of the SIF journey. Whether you're a programme participant, a volunteer, or a funder – your contributions are what keep the foundation doing what it does. On behalf of the SIF, I thank you for your warm friendships, and I certainly look forward to many fruitful years ahead, together.

Your Excellency President Nathan, Patron of the SIF, has also been a long-time supporter. For the last nine years, since 2001, Your Excellency has always accepted our invitations to meet SIF volunteers and partners. You've spent time learning about the work they've done with the foundation and given them warm words of encouragement. We thank you for your tireless support.

I could go on about the partnerships we've forged and the friendships we've made. But I stand between you and the interesting programme, we have styled this as a kopitiam evening. Kopitiam, the Singapore version of coffee hubs, to meet and exchange greetings, share a cup of coffee and strengthen friendships so that, together, bit by bit, we can add to a better world. I'll leave the following images to convey the year's achievements. Enjoy the evening.

有信从远方而来，不亦乐乎

2010-08-10T19:48:00.004+08:00

The texture of the envelope was so different... oh! that once familiar famous Bhutanese paper! Oh! It has arrived! Chhimi was still asking if it has arrived yesterday while chatting over Facebook. Yes, it has! Today! 10 August 2010.

Another pleasant surprise... the design of the stamp. So beautiful. For a moment, I thought it's also made of fabric. Ah! I remember those designs... :)

Inside the envelopes were 2 postcards... that reminded me of the Bhutanese culture... The famous Dzong... which I think I visited about 50% of them while around... haha... waiting for them to be listed as one of the World Heritage Sites! The other postcard reminded me of something many of us were surprise about the Bhutanese... Oh yes, that organ being considered one of the scarce thing in this landlock kingdom. See the dragon that goes around it? hahaha...

Oh... Thanks for the update, Chhimi. Congratulations! for setting up a family already. Oh, a new airport is built in Bumthang? I can't imagine... hm... how does that blend into the scenic "Switzerland in the South Asia"! I wonder. Well, does DrukAir still operate with 2 air planes? or it has increased? Hm...

有朋友从远方而来，不亦乐乎 (II)

2010-03-13T15:01:00.002+08:00

Ah! The Interview's on the papers already!
The Straits Times, Saturday March 13, 2010 (Page B7 Home. Causes)

有朋友从远方而来，不亦乐乎

2010-02-07T08:26:00.005+08:00

It was a week filled with good memories... not only meeting up with Passang, but also getting connected to Germaine, who's going to embark on a new journey - on the SVO mission to Bhutan.

Thanks to Peck Hoon the match-making - for the Bhutanese educators attachment to school - a form of immersion programme for them to have a look-and-feel what's ICT-enabled learning is like in Singapore.

It isn't impossible, but it's difficult to get the chance to meet up with friends in Bhutan as not many would leave the country (unless it's for official reasons) or it's more like foreigners entering the country for various reasons.

I'm proud that Passang has done well, and now in the team of educators, specially selected in this collaborative project W.I.R.E.D. It was a good catch-up... and it was also my pleasure to host the teachers attached to the school.

Thanks to Passang, who acceded to my request to bring along his gho (though it added to the weight the luggage). You look great in your national attire! and that's certainly the trademark that the school community will not forget :D

Didn't expect the farewell call from you on Friday night... it was a pleasant surprise... and that reminded me of the night before I flew off from Paro... Thanks to the hand-sewn bag... :D

Also see: http://sst-20100202.blogspot.com/

酒，越久越香醇；友情，越久越香浓。。。

2010-02-04T08:47:00.000+08:00

A pleasant surprise came on Wednesday when Wen Shan brought in the gift that Phuntsho asked Ugyen to bring over to Singapore just July.

Yup... it was quite a while but it was in the SIF office as not gotten the time to pick it up.
Thanks, Phuntsho!

You know, the wine reminded me of the Chinese saying that... the wine smells better and better each day it ages... applying the same analogy, our friendship grows deeper and deeper as each day passes, while we are divided by the great oceans and mountains... we're still in touch... Hope to see you one day in Singapore again... this time, would be more than half a day of stay? Cheers!

My 5-year old Cypress Tree

2009-12-17T04:48:00.005+08:00

Received a pleasant surprise when an email from Kong Ming came on Tuesday... He hunted down the tiny little tree that I planted before leaving NIE Paro!

The email wrote...

"I finally have the time to pop over to Paro College, and with the help of Thinley – and some CSI work, tracked down your tree. Well, the sign has been removed and new constructions have been going on. There are also no cow to tell us where. So, here’s your baby: still alive and thriving."

I was so touched... really, that was my first reaction when saw the email on the MRT that evening... and I tweeted,

Many thanks to Kong Ming! Also thanks to Thinley :D The message really made my day :D Oh yes, trust me, it's no easy job to do CSI work in Bhutan.

It's a miracle that it survived, I believe. Recall some of the students told me that usually trees planted (during the tree plantation day) don't survive easily because they normally ended up in the animals' stomach or couldn't withstand their stampede. Still remember a tiny barricade was built around it to keep it away from the cows.

Well, the plant carries great memories I have @ NIE Paro

Here are the pictures of the same plant:
When it was first 'rooted' in NIE Paro (BLOG post), this is how it looked like...

Here it was, when it's 1-year old (BLOG post):

Christmas Greetings from Karma Wangchuk

2009-12-05T18:00:00.003+08:00

The attachment was not a JPEG file, but it's BMP. So, something to do with application software! Yes.. It's a pleasant surprise from Karma Wangchuk - Digital Christmas Card... using, I guess, Paint. Simple yet beautiful, bringing out the 'cold'... simple lines that made up the faraway mountain range and the nearby slopes... :D

Another Art Piece from Karma Wangchuk

2009-11-15T18:36:00.003+08:00

It's always a pleasure to receive art pieces from Karma... the paintings and drawings... simply so fluent :D

Meeting up with "OLD" and "NEW" friends!

2009-03-07T21:51:00.002+08:00

It's like a "family" gathering... hahaha.... 'cos all connected in one way - Bhutan :D
It's the Pre-departure briefing for the new SVO, Kong Ming... and the unique thing is... he is surrounded by all who have something to do with Bhutan :D

In fact, learnt some updates about the country... on the other hand, many things still sound familar... oh yes, Li Ping shared somebody said, if one sees someone carrying a torch and walk in the dark, it must be a Singaporean! Ha! Was it me who left that legacy behind? So, streets remain unlitted at night... Hahah!

It's interesting to hear from the 3 Bhutanese who have been in Singapore for between half a year to 2 years... to hear from them their experiences in Singapore and compare livelihood and culture between the 2 countries. Ah! We've heard too much from Singaporeans already! haha... Hope that Kong Ming managed to get some very useful takeaway... :D

Rare Gathering @ Rice Table

2008-12-14T10:57:00.000+08:00

While doing housekeeping, chanced upon these 2 photos we took when our Bhutanese counterparts came to Singapore for their professional development in end-Dec 2005/Feb 2006. Not to be surprised - the entire table was dominated by men! Haha...

Uniquely Bhutan - Gross National Happiness (GNH)

2008-12-03T06:44:00.003+08:00

Gross National Happiness: Heavier than a mountain

COMMENTARY 29 November, 2008 (from KuenselOnline) Click HERE

GNH is the expression of a system of values that defined the Bhutanese system over centuries. Today, Bhutan articulates the need to preserve such traditions and values on the premise that what we have is good and should be preserved through change.Having opened up to so-called planned development, Bhutan is aware that rapid change will threaten all this, so it is seeking the clarity and credibility of a GNH society and a GNH economy by trying to give the concept intellectual depth and academic construction.

To say that GNH is doing fine in Bhutan would be wrong. The truth is that Bhutan is changing rapidly and society is not responding fast enough.

Even many decision makers today believe that GNH is just a phrase to attract wealthy foreign tourists. The skepticism is obvious from the fact that very few decision makers took interest in the fourth international GNH conference in Thimphu this week.

The young professionals, who did attend the conference, need to begin a new wave of discourse to intellectualise GNH. Decision makers must be forced to confront GNH so that it becomes a basis for policy decisions.

The truth is that Bhutan has got a lot of mileage out of GNH. It is good to be known as a happy country and a happy people. It has given the Bhutanese leadership an international image of intellectual maturity.

This comes at a time when human society is nervous about human security and the international community appreciates this higher goal for development and progress. They think Bhutan might have the answer - a new paradigm for development.

But this is an image and a reputation that Bhutan is yet to earn.

The fourth international conference was productive, with 25 nationalities represented and 65 papers documented. The papers ranged from early childhood to dynamic aging, ideal societies to broken communities, eco villages to environmental disasters, psychological disorders, nature-deficit disorders ... in fact, from happiness to Gross National Happiness.

Today, GNH is spreading around the world. There is a growing GNH community and growing international discussions. But the conferences need better focus. The trend is that 20 different people come up with 20 different interpretations of GNH. The risk is that, in the attempt to interpret happiness, Gross National Happiness itself will be lost.

It is too early for Bhutan to congratulate itself. What used to be an intuitively GNH society is breaking down. Bhutan is not in a position to fix the world’s problems. It needs to fix its own. GNH is just being constructed - the policies, the institutions, the economy, and the political system. Bhutan needs to nurture a GNH culture.

On November 24, the Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley posed some challenges: “How does one go about persuading people to adopt a new ethical paradigm that rejects consumerism? Is it enough for us to know how to measure happiness and to hope that this will influence policy-making?

Is making GNH policies and programmes enough? If people do not understand and favour GNH based policies, will politicians dare and, if they do, will they succeed? How do we as academics, thinkers, scientists, leaders and concerned citizens change our own way of life and behaviour?
The prime minister appeared to be seeking help from the academic community.

The Centre for Bhutan Studies is working on indicators and tools to provide the government material to develop GNH policies. While its survey has a long way to go, there are some preliminary results - some indicators and tools. They are educative and they are a warning.
But there is a communication gap in Bhutanese society. There is the academia, including GNH conferences, on one hand. There are planners, decision makers, and implementers on the other. There are some indicators and tools on one hand. On the other, there is the 10th Plan, which is still based on old priorities.

Some GNH proponents have a tendency to romanticise Bhutan and GNH. But it is more important that Bhutanese society face the painful truths and solutions.

Yet Bhutan is one country where GNH is possible. The government, starting with the prime minister, says that it is ready to use whatever indicators are available. Scientists and academics must urgently provide the leaders the will and justification to make difficult decisions. They must be able to legislate consumption restrictions, to introduce appropriate technology, must make sure that benefits are distributed equitably, that waste is controlled, that the children are given the right education ... in fact, that education is the foundation of GNH.

CBS’s GNH index may have a long way to go - but shows the current profile of Bhutan society, with some frightening - if not surprising - clarity. From a GNH perspective, Thimphu ranks the lowest, the reasons being the dilution of culture, community vitality, psychological well being, spirituality, and environment. Haa and other remote places are at the top.

But the real problem is that Thimphu residents claim that they are happier. Rural people all aspire to move to Thimphu. This is because, materially, Thimphu is better off. One study showed that Thimphu residents earned Nu 320,000 compared with Nu. 20,000 in Wangduephodrang.
This subjective analysis shows a complete absence of GNH. They show that Bhutan is no different from any other developing country in the world. And the question it raises is, what went wrong with the long-held policy of regionally balanced development?

There was another striking example at the conference. During a session on psychological well being, an international participant asked Bhutanese psychiatrist, Dr Chencho, “In this strongly Buddhist society, your monks must be helping you counsel your patients?” The answer was that the hospital has one monk who conducts rituals.

All this calls for dramatic re-thinking. GNH must be repeatedly interpreted as a responsibility. Gross National Happiness is not a promise of happiness. Happiness is an individual pursuit. GNH is a mandate of the state, a responsibility of the government, to create the right environment for our citizens to seek happiness.

While people must be empowered, GNH demands that leaders must have the wisdom to exercise their responsibilities. GNH must provide the insights and methods that can contribute to responsible leadership. GNH must continue to rely on enlightened leadership, which will be strong enough and imaginative enough to inspire change.

Bhutan has a young King, who is the guardian of the people’s interests and the guardian of GNH. GNH has been an intuitive vision of the Kings in the past. With the democratisation of the Bhutanese system, GNH discourse has become vital to develop conscious intellectual thought and ethics and imagination among the new leaders.

His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo introduced democracy like a Vajrayana shock treatment. In his wisdom, His Majesty decided that parliamentary democracy was the best path to good governance. His Majesty decided that the best time for change was now, meaning 2008 and 2009.

As of March 24, Bhutan has a new political arrangement that has come in on the GNH platform. The Prime Minister is a champion of GNH. Can 2009 be a new beginning? Will GNH be debated in the next session of parliament? Will the 10th Plan assume a stronger GNH perspective?
For Bhutan democracy is not the goal. It is a path to good governance which is a pillar of Gross National Happiness. Both GNH and democracy demand the empowerment of the people.
But the conference has also thrown up the next question. Where do democracy and GNH actually meet? People point out GNH functions best under a strong leadership. Understanding this is another major challenge.

For Bhutan the questions are piling up faster than the answers. Many speakers re-emphasised the need for GNH in today’s world to deal with wars and conflicts, a climate crisis that threatens the life of the planet, unsustainable societies, financial crises that come up again and again.
Apart from the inadequacy of GDP, scientific and technological fixes are not going to work. Western enlightened thought - some call it reason - does not provide the answers.
The conference also suggested good examples of innovative measurement systems around the world. Canada’s GPI, France’s quality of life, many studies on well being in the U.S., the OECD measuring progress of societies, the EC’s Beyond GDP, many initiatives in the UK. There is much to be learned from the real architects of these initiatives. As much as GNH is unique to Bhutan, there is much to be shared outside Bhutan.

It is also time for young Bhutanese men and women to take up GNH thinking. There is much to be learned from similar schools of thought in history and from existing international experiences and innovations. A generation of young scholars must give GNH more depth and continuity.
What will truly be unique is, not so much the concept, but that GNH will be mainstream in Bhutan. It will be central to the government’s policies, institutions. It will be the strength of Bhutanese intellectual culture for the future.

While GNH travels around the world, there is a resounding message that comes through loud ad clear. It is a good idea but first make it work in Bhutan. This is the real challenge. For Bhutan, GNH must be the skilful means for survival. For the Bhutanese people, therefore, GNH is a responsibility, that is heavier than a mountain, more precious than gold.

- By Kinley Dorji

Home 家

2008-06-15T21:05:00.007+08:00

A song that touches my heart... everytime I hear the song... tears well up my eyes... yes... still... after 3 years, it still hypes up the emotion whenever the song's played... be it solo by Kit Chan, or choral... It sings out my yell to be by the side of my close ones in those months... That's when I truly miss home... for the very first time... The bond with home strengthens each day... strange... but something that's unanticipated! (Despite how strong I was... I am...) Afterall... I found the softer side of myself... Hm...

Home
Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There's a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore

Chorus:
This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone, for this is where I know it's home
When there are troubles to go throughWe'll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home's about its people too
So we'll build our dreams together
Just like we've done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There'll always be Singapore

(Repeat Chorus)
For this is where I know it's home
For this is where I know I'm home

家
每一次我感到彷徨, 不自禁就会回头望
我知道心中有个地方, 一定会有一盏灯
照亮每一颗黑暗的心房, 指引未来方向
沿着生命河流向前航, 就能登陆理想

Chorus:
我的家, 收藏, 我的欢喜悲伤
只要点燃希望, 梦就会自由飞翔
我的家, 给我, 一双坚定翅膀
我的梦, 不论在何方, 一生的爱唯有家
再也不会感到彷徨, 不会再失意回头望
我要用心中一点烛光, 燃放千万户辉煌
要让繁华的城市更灿烂, 世界和平共享
全凭生命河流来导航, 一起登陆理想

(Repeat Chorus)
一生的爱, 唯有家,
世世代代温暖的家

http://www.ndp.org.sg/downloads/audio/audio.php

News Report on ICT in Education in Bhutan (by Channel news asian)

2008-05-05T18:30:00.003+08:00

Found this on Yeen Chern's 'superwall'... Oh yes, some familiar faces, too... :D

It's Bhutan in National Geographic!

2008-03-08T20:43:00.003+08:00

Just received the March 2008 issue of National Geographic.

Like this magazine... am always amazed by the photos... and the unique coverage...

Flipping through... something caught my eyes! (Oh yes, I don't have this habit of reading the content page, but prefer to flip and discover)

Ah!!! a familiar image - a few lamas! er... the white building... Ah!!! The familiarity.
It's Bhutan! :D
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/bhutan/larmer-text

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T22:31:00.000+08:00

These arrived on 31 December 2007, the last day of the year. That's also one of the best presents I received this year... It' hand-drawn, specially for flew here for me!!! I'm so touch!!! It's beautiful and refreshing... the dzong and the flowers :D Thanks to Karma... Really appreciate that :D

Oh yes, 2 January 2008 is Winter Solstice... Wishing my Bhutanese friends a great time in 2008 :D

Cheers.

Those good old days...

2007-11-19T20:57:00.000+08:00

This was a pleasant surprise... thanks to Chai Noi, for re-connecting me back to the sweet memories in 2004-5 and to NAS, once, my 2nd home. In fact, it's like the daughter returning home when re-joined the school after 11 months.

Source: http://www.ps21.gov.sg/challenge/2007_11/coverstory1.html

Things to bring along... when staying @ Paro

2007-09-27T19:42:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Li Ping and Peck Hoon... bring back my memorable times in Bhutan 2 years ago... In fact, am glad that some of the tacit knowledge can be put to some good use :D

Might as well document it here... else all these information will be fade into thin air... Normally we talk about what are the things that we can't leave home without... but, for anyone who's going to stay in Bhutan for sometime (eg. a month or more), it's good to be prepared... as there are some things that a urban person (term was coined by Dr Jagar) that will have difficulty finding them in Bhutan - perhaps I should be specific - Paro in 2004 July-2005 June.

Electric Toothbrush - hahahaha... people can't believe that I will ask for such things in Paro. It raised eyebrows of some locals - they thought: "You must be joking!!!!" No, no... I really use an electric toothbrush. It was spoilt after 2 weeks and I sent my SOS back to Singapore... one arrived one month later and it followed me home till the end of my assignment :D
Contact Lenses and its solution - no contact lense available in Paro... guess it's still novelty in Bhutan!
Indoor Slippers - I could not believe that I need to wear a pair of slippers indoor. Had a hard time finding one pair of of comfortable in Paro...managed to get one pair at the shop at the end of the Paro town street. The marble floor in the sitting room and the kitchen were freezing cold whereas the wooden flooring in the bedroom is pretty comforting.
Marinating seasonings for cooking - want to find something that's made in Singapore? of Singapore flavor? Hm... better bring along our own Hainanese chicken seasoning pack.
Fine chocolates and great potato chips - produce from Australia or Europe (oh yes, my chocolates and chips from St Michael)? Import! Import! Import!
Coffee powder - they simply taste different though they dress the same!
Bakua and Pork Floss - pack along! Nowhere dried yak meat is near (though it's another unique item made in Bhutan)
Digital camera and spare batteries and storage card - it's too expensive to get those stuff in Paro!
Thumb drives, portable hard disks - it's good to bring along spares!
Thick Coat - the thick blue sleeping garment from Chai Noi kept me warm in all those nights...
Chemical Warmer - it's 'magical'!!!! still remember the "how amazing!!!" expression from some of my students then... hm... I think it's really a luxurious item in Bhutan. I think, it's 'status' is equivalent to my 'electric toothbrush'... It really helps to keep the 'crucial' areas warm - eg. the palm... very important, I came to realise.
Handphone - with a list of contacts from Singapore - Still remember the smses with Chai Noi and Zubaidah... especially when I miss my friends back at home
Correction tape - they were still using liquid paper... so it's a novelty then
Perfume - something to pamper myself once in a while :D
and more... (to be updated along the way...)

It's 3 years old!!!

2007-08-17T10:10:00.001+08:00

What a pleasant surprise... from Deo Raj

Wah! The 'little tree' I planted has grown to be a ??bush??

Thanks to Deoraj & company... for keeping it in good health.

Stories to-date

2007-02-17T11:57:00.000+08:00

Happy Losar 2007

2007-02-17T08:55:00.000+08:00

Karma Pedey ...and... Shakespeare

2006-06-17T16:30:00.000+08:00

An energy-filled exciting voice I heard in the campus... the enthusiasm in the sound when she speaks... the giggling laughters... coupled with the colourful expressions on the face... hahaha... that's Karma Pedey!!! The fun-loving character that we can find in the campus.

Hm... Karma Pedey, one of the adventurous ladies, who dared to experiment with technology use... Big thank you to Karma, who gave her fullest support and excitingly game to try on new stuff... giving ICT a place in important events in the institute... it's really my pleasure to work with you :D

Thanks to Karma, who brought to us the Elizabethan Night, where Shakespeare's works were presented from different perspectives... one of the best shows that I saw in my days in Paro. I believe it has also leave a sweet chapter in all the trainees' heart... in their journey. Well done!

I guess the exciting times were those days where we went through taking pictures for the books, and the times we sat in front of the PC to do all sorts of 'cosmetic' works to the book.

Congratulations to the publication of the book... and thanks for 'flying' the copy to me... Cheers!

Phuntsho Dolma ...and... the "mu-pu"

2006-06-17T15:32:00.000+08:00

Most of my travelling around the country (ok, the furthest I travel was up to Bumthang to the central and Phuentsholing in the south) was done with Phuntsho, my travelling great companion - a very dependable lady whom I look upon as my good sister.

What brought us together? Can't recall... Is it Mathematics? Is it her enthusiasim in IT? ... But one thing for sure, her friendly smile... and her gentleness... so nurturing (perhaps that's what makes her a great care-taker of the ladies in the hostel!).

Dochu-la is immersed in mist most of the time, too...

With her, I ventured beyond Paro... to the south and to the central lands... Oh yes, there's how the "mu-pu" came about when we made the trip to Phuentsholing... hahaha... it wa one of the scariest trip I ever made... sitting in the front seat, Ugyen (ie Phuntsho's beloved husband) drove our way back to Paro... on the narrow one-and-only-one non-straight mountain roads. There, the mist and clouds... that we practically drove through... we could not even see what's 10m before us... that's especially so when it already turned dark when almost reaching Paro... Phew! what an experience.

Oh yes, how could I forget the times to look for bushes on the lonely deserted roads... the lost car-keys at Bumthang... the first ever dry-picnic that I had in Bhutan... the night whereby we almost having ended up sleeping in the car when reached Phuentsholing... the time when the petrol was running extremely low when we were still a distance from Bumthang... hahaha... those were the exciting travelling experiences that I'll never forget.

Somewhere nearer was the kitchen at NIE Paro... where I did my weekly rituals, made my regular 'investments' on the goodies made by the trainees! Of course, when talking about food, Ugyen, the great cook, must come into the picture! He was the one who took care of almost all the meals on the road (still remember eating the lunch at nearly 4 pm on the way to Chhukha... with the freezing cold wind blowing at us)... Of course, the delicious dishes (er... the Bhutanese call it curry, whether it's hot or not) that I had at their home... yummy, yummy... Well, hope that your dream of setting up a good eatery place come true very soon :D

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A little recipe to share (got this from a friend in Singapore - it seems simple... though I've yet tried)
Unbaked Cheese Cake

Ingredients:

12 digestive biscuits
100g butter
2 teaspoon sugar
4 teaspoon gelatin
100 ml cold water
half a lemon
250g cream cheese
125ml whip cream (35% fat)

Utensils:

aluminium foil
baking tray
measuring cup
2 mixing bowls
wire whisk
scraper

Instructions:

Finely crush 12 digestive biscuits. Melt the butter (microwave for 20 seconds).
Place aluminium foil in baking tray. Mix the melted butter and the finely crushed biscuits thoroughly. Then place the mixture in the baking tray and spread it across the base of the tray. Press the mixture firmly and smoothen it.
Chill the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
Dissolve the sugar and gelatin in the cold water and boil it for 5 minutes.
Allow the gelatin to cool and thicken.
Squeeze the lemon juice and mix it with the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
Whip the whip cream until it is thick and fluffy (Do not overwhip).
Mix the cream cheese, whip cream and the gelatin mixture together by using a scraper.
Pour the mixture onto the chilled biscuit crust and smoothen it.
Refrigerate until the top layer is set.

Pema Wangmo ...and... Kyichu Lhakhang

2006-06-17T14:40:00.000+08:00

I must admit that I've been very fortunate, blessed with so many guardian angels around me while I was in the foreign land. It is certainly some unexpected gains in this 'mission'... and one of them is the friendship with Pema Wangmo.

Pema Wangmo... it's an interesting character :D Will never forget our first encounter... was queuing up in the bank (for the first time), suddenly a local lady came upon me... a bispectuacle lady, she looked fair (and she still was, before I left the country), she spoke very very fast, she spoke very fluent English... Wah, my heart wondered... this is Bhutanese???? Hm... she was simply unlike the usual Bhutanese whom you meet on the road... she projected a different look and style though she dressed local... hahaha... Hey what a stranger!!!

Then she said uttered, "Peter.... " Thanks to Peter... for introducing a fine and kind lady who was like a lamp in the dark to me... Pema has guided me and certainly made my journey a smoother one. A quick-minded lady who is ready to lend a hand to the stranger in the land of the thunder dragon, from day 1.

This orange tree, sitting in the middle of the lhakhang, is said to bear fruits throughout the year, regardless of season

What does Kyichu Lhakhang has to do with Pema? Hahaha... she was the first who brought me to this very very famous temple in Paro (ok, the other very famous one is Taktshang Goemba, that I never make it there because of its challenging route), and my last trip to the temple before leaving the country was with her.

Yes, also remembered the times when we worked in her office at Drukgyel... hahaha... trying to figure out how to use a software that I had never used before... what an experience, the blind leading the blind.

With her, I got my kira stitched... got some of the electrical applicances when I was so desperate to get a gas stove... get to see how young girls put up in a house with practically everything set up within 4 walls (from 'bedroom' to 'kitchen'). Through her, I became a frequent patron to the restaurant in the middle of the town... where I spent some weekends there, enjoying the 'chopsuay' (which is the noodles cooked in the hongkong style)... and through her, I did my last bit of charity to the locals - where some belongings were given to the needy...

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A little bit about Kyichu Lhakhang, from the Lonely Planet:

Kyichu Lhakhang is said to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet.
The original building was rebuilt after a fire with a large statue of Sakyamuni as the central figure. Additional buildigs were constructed in 1839 by the penlop of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. The large statue of Chenresig with 11 heads and 1000 hands was added at that time, as well as a golden roof.
A new temple was added 1968, which contains a 5m-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another Tara.

Beautiful Paro by Karma Wangchuk

2006-06-17T13:06:00.000+08:00

A scent of freshness came from the envelope when it was first opened... Wah! Beautiful and Quiet Paro was right before my eyes... it's just like yesterday, when I walked my way from the town to the 2-storey building where I stayed... the familiar view of the majestic looking dzong.

Next, was the beautiful postcard - stalks of orchids (I believe they are orchids, right? Karma) - standing cool and steady, somewhere high up in the undisturbed mountain.

Afternote: Received an email from Karma today (21 June)... Oops! Wrong guess... it's blue poppy, Bhutan's national flower... wah! I guess one of the things I missed during my one-year stay is to get the chance seeing the real blue poppy... anyway... this looks great, isn't it? :D

It's simply refreshing, isn't it... Thanks to Karma Wangchuk, who sends the feel-and-touch all the way from Paro. Hm... like the drawings very much.

Indeed, art has always been an area of my interest... since childhood, drawing the characters in the chinese wayang shows, then came the cross-stitch work learnt in primary school days, and moving on to sketching, and coming up with designs for brochures and handouts for activities when it comes to work nowadays... that does not sound like what a left-brain person does, isn't it? hahaha...

When I left for Bhutan in July 2004, I thought... hey, perhaps there's where I can re-visit my interests... in one occasion went to Thimphu, even got hold of the papers and pencils, especially for sketching... nevertheless, they sat on the shelf and never got the chance to capture the natural beauty on papers.

I was always impressed with Karma's wealth of knowledge on the different kinds of plants in the country... hm... to an extent of the various species of a kind of plant! Yes, Bhutan offers great depth in nature!

I was not aware of Karma's talent till days nearer to my departure... I'm simply amazed by the good collection of paintings and also research - on plants and animals... the pieces were simply captivating... offering a different perspective, as compared to photographs!

Thanks, Karma... thanks for bringing back the sweet memories... well done... and keep going...

Cheers :D

Artwork by Chhimi Dhendup

2006-06-17T11:43:00.000+08:00

One of the greatest pleasure is receiving the 'heart-and-soul' from someone - be it in writing or drawing or what-so-ever.

In the present day where technology has evaded almost every part of the earth, many used-to-be practices have also been transformed into digital forms... yes, technology has brought people closer to each other. With an email, regards are sent across the oceans and mountains and reach the intended party within seconds! Wah! what a change! Is it for a better? Yes, to some extent... 'meeting up' has made easy via the virtual space... on the other hand, lots of use-to-be practices have also undergone much transformation - becoming easier and less hassle free, and more obviously, it becomes more instant...

Look around, how many of us still write letters? People must have wonder... so, that part of the world has no internet??? Oh yes, "written form" has been given a "new" name - SNAIL MAIL!!! hahahaha... Receiving a snail mail has become a novelty, right? It takes ages for a letter to cross the oceans and mountains! It has to brave through the sun and rain before reaching the recipient... somehow, it comes with a more personal touch... it carries one's thoughts and feelings... more importantly, it's something that one can feel-and-touch, and be kept... its value grows as time passes by...

When first received the cards... I thought... something bought off the shelf... why this notion? It's picture printed on the famous bhutanese papers that the locals are very proud of... the print was very unique... simple and neat, too... which we no longer can find in the urban city. Then a closer look... Wah, these are original works from the painter's hands and mind! What matters more is the painter's willingness to spend the time and effort to create it!

Immersed in a city that changes take place rapidly, I have almost forgotten that we are actually equipped with a pair of hands that can create beautiful things :D Time, is always the excuse! that we said it's not enough to do this, do that... a second look at this, time creates beautiful things and memory...

Thanks, Chhimi...

...the Awakening...

The 1-year-old Cyress

2006-06-07T19:05:00.000+08:00

It's one-year old!!! Thanks to the EIT students who emailed me the updated look of the cyress plant... Wah! It has withstand the winter and grows... I'm so proud of it... my heartfelt thanks to those who have showered it with care and attention :D

I guess it also signifies the growth of friendship with the Bhutanese, especially those at NIE Paro. It continues after my departure... that I am very very glad of, and I hope it continues to grow and sustains... Thanks to all...

Click HERE to see the infant cypress

It certainly offers more that what's said...

2006-05-13T22:00:00.000+08:00

Read this article "Losing Paradise" in the Straits Times, Life!Travel section... The title was catchy, isn't it? You mean, there's paradise? There exists one? Better still, the next 'caption' says, "Nokia and nirvana co-exist beautifully... " wah! That's the power of words... that draws me read through the half page article by Lionel Seah.

Indeed, what I identify with, almost immediately are the 2 photos - the line up of the prayer wheels and the prayer flags that stood vertically against the blue sky! Yes, yes, yes... that's Bhutan.

I read on the article... it's meant to give an introduction of the Land of the Thunder Dragon... a brief one. The content of the article mentioned mainly 2 places - Paro and Thimphu. Yes, once again, there's where I'm most familiar with, especially the Paro, that forms one beautiful episode of my lifelong journey.

The article said FIVE things to do in Bhutan... {quoting directly from the article}

If you can afford it, stay at Uma Paro or Amankora, the only two five-star hotels there. Experience the 21st-century luxury set against an ancient way of life. Surreal.
Visit the national museum, a six-floor round building which was completed in 1656. Among the exhibits are a spectacular collection of thangkas (Buddhist cloth paintings).
See the country's unique national animal, the Takin. Imagine a goat's head on a cow's body. Sounds hideous, and it is, but you have to see it to believe it.
Eat yak meat. Yes, the animal lugs your gear on treks but it's also considered a Bhutanese delicacy.
Attend Paro Tsechu (March 27 to 31, every year). It's an annual festival of dances. Think of it as Mardi Gras Bhutanese-style.

Having stayed in Paro for almost one year, I beg to differ from the author in some of the above...

If I can afford, I will choose to stay with the locals. I think that's best way to learn about the country, learn about the people, learn about the culture... the see the beauty of the country through direct interaction. Stay in the traditional houses that are built of mud - with its walls white-washed. Have the fun of climbing up and down the ladders inside the local dwellings.
Visit the Lhakhangs! Indeed, people like me who do not like to trek will probably give Taktshang a miss, but will view it from far. Do not miss Kyichu Lhakhang, the famous one, that I went no less than 5 times! The huge statues there were said to be made of mud, but coated/painted with gold. Indeed, a few of them made their way to the temple from Tibet in a legendary way.
Yes, I saw the thakin, too... hm... in the zoo in Thimphu. The zoo that has only one type of animal, especially for the national animal. A rather weird looking creature, of which its come-about is a legend... I can't quite remember the story, but it's one of those that the EIT students shared with me. The zoo indeed changes my mental model that a 'zoo' must have many many types of animals. No, no, no... it does not apply here... and it's entrance is FREE!!! It's spacious with lots of shades, and comes with benches where visitors can rest and have dry picnics there!
The 'national' and unique dish is no other than ema-datse!!! cheese cooked with chilli - the main 'curry' that goes with the rice! and its arra (the locally produced wine) - a very fragrant wine made from cooked/fried rice and some others... Won't forget the taste... it's something that makes life in Paro memorable, though till now, must admit, I still do not know how to appreciate ema-datse... hahaha...
Paro Tsechu - yes, I won't deny that's an event not to be missed... but the one that I like most is the usual sing-and-dance session before, during and after the dinner. The Bhutanese are simply good singers and dancers, and I believe they, by and large, enjoy traditional songs and dances, too! Somehow, my most-of-the-time inert self started swaying and dancing with them. Hm... I enjoyed that :D

Oh yes... there're alot more that it can offer... especially when one moves beyond Paro... indeed, there're more, but not mentioned stuff in Paro and Thimphu.

Cheers to all my acquaintances in Bhutan!

Unforgetable Bites...

2006-04-14T13:58:00.000+08:00

Call it bites, call it kisses... ok, it's from the nature!

Arrived at Paro for less than a month... was still putting up at the Director's house when the itch came one evening... the unbearable itch! itch! itch! I thought it was a mosquito bite...

No, no, no... no improvement of the condition after repeated application of the medicated oil, the 无比膏... oh no... nothing works... I thought it's time to see a doctor!

Oh no! There's no clinic in Paro! No, no, no... there's no clinic in Bhutan! There's only hospitals!!! OK, went to the hospital, once, twice, three times, Paro hospital, Thimphu hospital, still no use... blood test... diagnosis... no, no, no... no conclusion! The diagnosis... Insect Bite Reaction (IBR)!!! What insect??? Still don't know!!! Still a mystery!!!

That's the darkness period of my life in Bhutan... struck by the mysterious insect bite! But fortunately recovered though they left kisses all around...

Till today, still don't understand, I was not the only one living in the house... why others didn't get it, but I got it??? Hm... the only conclusion I have, up to today, is... the insects were very smart! They can differentiate the difference of local and foreign 'cuisines'... and probably, I'm tastier???? hahaha...

One thing I learnt in this is, never never fell sick when alone, especially in foreign country... it's miserable! In the case at Paro, it's worst as medical aid is so inaccessible, though medical support and service given by the government is free - which certainly have the welfare of the people in heart... There's no doctor out in the town... Where can we find doctor? Hospital! (The definite correct answer).

Water...

2006-04-14T13:05:00.000+08:00

黄河之水天上来，奔流到海不复回。。。

Yes, it's about water... water was never seen that precious... until I came to Bhutan.

Those were the days when I turned on the tap when clean and drinkable water is available (when I was back at home, back in Singapore!).

Though Singapore is a small island, definitely, when compared to Bhutan, we are surrounded by water, by the sea, with its narrowest being between Johor Bahru and us.

OK, not that miserable when I was in Paro, right in front of my house is the Paro chu... But it's at Bhutan I learnt another story of water...

Water from the Tap...
No, it's no longer safe to drink direct from water... it's a must to filter water before drinking! OK, filter... I never heard of a water filter... but I'm very sure it looks very differ from the filter paper I used in the science labs, but of course I know it's role...

Yes, I've been forwarned... especially when we are not used to the local water, it's good to use filtered water... and it's still not good enough! It has to be boiled! Oh no!

Indeed, to my horror, after using to the filter for a week, I could see the yellow and brownish strains on the filter candle and also the sediments at the bottom of the container! An "eye-opener"... that makes me more appreciate with what I have back at home... and always remind myself - do not take things from granted!

My Drinking Water

Being alone out there... of course, have to be especially kia-si, hahaha... knowing the medical support available [see another posting, "Unforgetable Bites"].

From Day 1, bottles of mineral water became my companion. Indeed, I could not remember how many bottles or cartons of mineral water I have drunk.

Indeed, these are the only 2 brands - one carton was about 140 nugltrums (approximate S$6.60 for 12 one-litre bottles!). They have played such an important part of my life in Paro.

Initially, I wondered why it does not come in 100 ml or 300 ml bottle sizes (which we usually get in Singapore)... however, after a while, I appreciate the size! Hahaha... indeed, I believe not many locals will 'invest' like this, except one whom I know of, just before I left Bhutan.

It's an experience to bring along a carton of water when I travelled out of Paro to explore the inner lands in the country.

It's a Monk? It's a...?

2006-04-14T12:31:00.000+08:00

It is not rare... that we see find elderly people sitting down near the chodens or the Dzong areas, or making their rounds around chodens, chanting the prayers while their turning the prayer wheels in their hands. Yes, occasionally, there are also 'monks' who will knock at your door to ask for donations...

I just find this very strange... very often wonder... why do they do this?

Some of my friends and students ever explained that these people choose to devote their lives in practising the religion... and generally, since they are doing for a good purpose, people are normally generous enough to donate some money or things to these people

On the other hand, being a practical and logical person, I'll ask... how about survival? Doesn't one think through this before committing themselves to this way of life? To practise one's beliefs, does it necessary mean one to renounce all the materials, spending the entire day & their life to recite the prayers and waiting for others to provide aid? I just wonder... and am still wondering and amazed by the fact that it works here...

Dry Picnic

2006-04-14T12:17:00.000+08:00

I first learnt about this from Phuntsho, when I joined her family for a picnic at one of the old palace grounds in Paro.

"Dry" Picnic??? It never crossed my mind there's such called dry or wet picnic, but isn't it unique here, though there is no sea near the country, the Bhutanese are so specific in naming it 'dry picnic'.

Indeed, I'm very amazed on how well equipped is each family, with the things (from mats to food containers, etc...) for such outings! Indeed, I think they find joy to be close to the sun and nature, away from the buildings (be it a house or a hut!).

Of course, I think people also seek opportunity to have their meals (as a family) out from the house... in the Dzong area, families drawing up their own areas with mats and goodies are found everywhere (during the Tsechu period), the grounds under the trees are 'booked' very early when the crowd come to Paro to view the parades on National Day and on the day of celebration of the King's birthday.

Paro Tshechu

2006-04-14T10:36:00.000+08:00

Today... 14 April marked the 5th day of Paro Tsechu in 2006, which is the last day of the 5-day long celebration, annual big affair.

It's been a year, when I joined the craze last year... as many of the non-locals will do... to 'participate' in the last and grandest day of the whole celebration.

The Bhutanese celebrate Tsechu in various Dongkas, but Paro Tsechu is one of the few festivals showcased as highlights to the world.

The climax of the whole celebration is the 5th day, where the grand thangka is put up for display, for the believers to pay respect to. It's a once-a-year exhibition... provided that the weather permits...

People all over Paro, and many from other Dzongkhas will travel to the Dzong to view the religious artwork and get blessings from it, from the monks.

Tsechu is also the period when all come together to join the religious celebration. The normally quiet Paro town is suddenly flooded with so many many people... Everybody's in their best dresses, it's just like new year celebration.

To those of us (esp. foreigners) who are so used to pay for a ticket to sit in the comfortable theatre to watch performances, it's really a different 'taste' to watch performances in an open area, under the hot sun with occasional breezes that blow across... and sitting on the uneven grass lands, to squeeze ourselves among the crowd to find a miserable little sitting area to view the performances.

Somehow, from the expressions and support from the local, I think apart from being a key religious event, it's also a form of entertainment, knowing that many come from the villages and more remote regions of the west part of the country... where TVs are not common or non-existent... It's also a great time to come together and meet up with friends, I guess... of course, with the 5 days of public holidays (for Paro itself), what can one do to pass the 5-days of holidays... so joining the event would probably be one of their favourite pastimes.

On the other hand, I'm simply amazed by the culture... there's some much to see... watching 5 days of dances is only a small glimsp of what the Bhutanese culture can offer...

Yes, the colourful event brings in more live to the largely green shades in the west valley, too... the clothes and masks... the rhymths of jo... and the humour from the 'jokers' (asara)

I guess, children are amongst the more excited ones... seeing them in their best dresses... I'm so amaze! There're so many many different looks of the khos and kiras... compared to the ones we see normally! Hey! I see some familiar chinese characters printed on the kho materials, too!

Yes, it's also a season where different goodies come together for an open air exhibition... hm... one of the biggest 'pasar malam' in Paro...

Her Smile

2006-03-04T22:13:00.000+08:00

It was a daily ritual... as long as I had to cross the bridge to reach the institute at the other end. Auntie (till the day I left, I still did not know her name) was always there, without fail, be it sunshine or rainy...

No, we didn't know each other... she did not (and I believe she still does not) understand or speak English... similarly, I could not (and still cannot) speak Dzongkha...

Smiles! It's smiles that breaks the language barrier! Her friendly smile was something that I always looked forward, every morning... Without fail, she'll say, "ku-zu-zong-bo-la, madam", in a cheerful way. It made my days!!!

She may not be rich, but I think she possess a great asset! A wonderful smile that makes a difference! Thanks for the cheerful greetings!

是的，微笑可能是微不足道的，但，它亦有莫大的力量，能把人与人之间的无形墙给拆了。

是的，它能把两个不同世界的人给联系了。

在一个人生地不熟的地方，它给予我一丝丝的温暖。。。它把阳光照射在那石子路，让周围更漂亮了，让双脚更舒服的踏上，走着走着。。。

The FIT students

2006-03-04T22:10:00.000+08:00

- under construction -

The Chillis...

2006-03-04T17:17:00.000+08:00

Wah! What an eye opener! Chillis eaten like vegetables! Chillis are a must for every meal! Chillis, chillis, chillis... Hey, one lesser known must... cheese, cheese, cheese...

The marketing experience...
It's a must to bring a shopping basket, in my case, I use my haversack... to carry my weekly vegetables and groceries home.

When buying vegetables, potatoes, onions, etc... it goes by 500g, 1 kg, etc... no, no, it's non-negotiable in terms of smaller amounts...

The 2nd Batch of EIT students...in 2005

2006-03-04T17:07:00.000+08:00

2005 February, I welcome 14 of them... Oops! business has expanded over a year. More students were offered EIT, to become ICT teachers in schools... has the demand rises? or it's deem to be more attractive being an ICT teacher, ahead of others???

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Karma, Rinzin Dorji, Sonam Tobgay, Yeshi Chophel, Deo Raj Gurung, Karma Tenzin, Sonam Peldon, Shanti K Sunuwar, Cheten Zangmo, Dema, Ugyen Pelden, Tshering Chophel, Sonam Dema, Om T Lepcha

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It took a while for me to remember all the names... OK, I must admit that though I'm been teaching for more than a decade, I still have yet master the art of remembering names of all my students within a short time. It's always through the hard way... looking a photos and trying to match the names to the photos... hahaha.. that has once again proven the most effective and efficient way! Well, the added challenge in Bhutan is many of them have the same or similar names!

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I've enjoyed my 5 months with all of you... do you? I guess this was one of the most rigorous and demanding modules that you will never forget.

Oh yes, I could sense and see the anxiety that some of you have (oh yes, could seen from your face... hahaha...), and yes, all of you tried hard to adapt to my style, too! Knew it! It's so different! Alien of course delivered in an alien way... which I thought all of you adjusted and adapted well :D Well Done!

Thanks to all of you too... in responding well to the different approaches used at different junctures of the course... that helped me alot to move on, and taking the courage to try new approaches that I never had a chance to do so back at home!

Still remember very clearly, that you were not used to having discussions. It was so difficult to get you people to open your mouths! Oh yes, Dzongkha, instead of English came out from your mouths... sounded so alien... hahaha... In the course of doing so, I hope I've changed the mental model that having computer-related lesson must be sitting in front of the PC at all times... Yeap, it also requires brain work and mouth work, too!

Have I been very demanding in terms of your effort, your work? The endless discussion, just to get some simple electronic resources out... the extra readings that required you to glue your eyes to the pages of articles... or do you miss them now?

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Am always impressed by many of you... admire your courage to take up the EIT module depsite the fact that you have not even touched the PC prior to coming to NIE. You're such risk taker! Don't you ever fear not being able to cope or catch up with the rest? You have thought of that before? or It's the "no-harm trying" attitude? Sometimes I just wonder...

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Yes, Deoraj and company... don't forget my little cyress tree... how is it? Hope it has withstand the winter cold and is growing well now... please water it... hope the little plant survives and grow up strong, just like anyone of you...

can recognise it's whose hands?
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The 1st Batch of EIT students...in 2004

2006-03-04T16:49:00.000+08:00

I was indeed very amazed by the SMALL class size when told the EIT class only has 6 students. What a luxury! Will never dream of such arrangement back at home!

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Here's the picture we took in the field-trip to Kuensel, the news agency in the country.

From left: Dorji, Chhimi, Karma (my counterpart), Passang, Tshering, Myself, Thinley and Namgay.

Oops! Looks like I'm not that tall after all? Er... or they're simply tall, by default? hahaha...

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Satisfaction... if I were ask what you had given me... the connection is not just within the classroom, during lessons, but also the interaction that took place (especially in 2005 when I no longer saw you in the class) and continues to take place via the cyberspace though we are now miles away from one another.

The transformation, the before & after, not just skills, but the sharpening of the thoughts, the desire to know that grows over the months... the enthusiasim... Having been involved in this transformation of yours is one of the most rewarding experience that learning journey.

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I had a hard time in figuring out the expectations you had at the beginning... looked so diligently, always waiting to find out what's coming up during the lessons... hey, you know, I have to juggle with the unseen and unfounded pressure, too... to make sure things were up to the unknown expectations! hahaha... What did you exactly expect from me? Do you knew right at the beginning? or it's through time, you found what you want? Or did I raise your expectations? I hope I have brought you to the other end to see what's there to offer you... so that you could pick from the dish, instead of placing order without the menu... {chim??? know what I mean?}

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On a personal note, I want to thank you helping to phase me into the local culture and environment, and generously introduce me to the highlights of the country.

Will never forget the trip to Kuensel, whereby each of you took turn to give me little doses of your culture, your beliefs, your practice, etc...

In return, I guess I've shocked you with my shopping spree! which I believe you'll ensure your spouse of the future does not possess that aptitude I have... hahaha...

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Thanks for being accomodating at times when I tried to derive some fun... eg. Are people from Bumthang darker than others? hahahaha.... Also, thanks for sharing the good times and not so good times with me...

Indeed, I am very glad that we have been rather open in terms of communicating our thoughts... It took me to hestiate a while before I could pick up the courage to voice my concern and disappointment (if you could recall)... so what does that tell us? I'm confident that you know where I'm coming from...

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这六个宝贝。。。是的，是我的宝贝。是他们让我实现了我的梦想，让我觉得所做的一切有了回报。

永远不会忘记他们的朝气，他们的好学，他们的纯朴，他们的不屈不劳。。。是我佩服的。

当然，并不是一切都是那么的顺利。有时真得不知道，使他们的‘天真’，还是他们的民族思想，让他们对某些事的判断有所出入，有些心口不一。难道他们不认为那将会成为他们的绊脚石吗? 那将会是多么的可惜啊！

我相信，玉不琢，不成器也！他们若侥辛遇到良师，必能有所为。我不舍得他们，是的，哪能在本地找到这么好的学生呢？

不会忘记那临别的一餐，是他们六个大男生亲自下厨。当然，我知道你们是多么地疼我。。。谢谢你们。。。你们知道吗？那一餐，我吃的很难受！是离别的一餐。是的，很可能是这一生中最后的一次聚会了。那临别依依，把心给打开了，坦坦白白的谈心。你我那含泪的目光，是不会忘记的。

祝福你们。

Aliens, Aliens...

2006-03-04T16:39:00.000+08:00

Will not forget the days to go round chasing the students from their work stations, and insisting the days when each and everyone must have a chair... no sharing!

The 2 Families...

2006-03-04T16:29:00.000+08:00

This is the family of Dr Jagar... who did a great job in phasing me into the local culture... I've never dreamt of putting up with the director's family... wah! what a privilege... in the eyes of many, I believe... and certainly that's how I felt, too! kadriche!

And yes, will never forget the Rai family and my friendly neighbours who took care of this urban being over the months...

The Lhakhangs

2006-03-04T16:20:00.000+08:00

It was the first public holiday since I arrived... It was my first visit to the lhakhang... It was rainy... will never forget that I almost backout at the foot of the hill... oh yes, most of the lhakhangs are situated somewhere high up there... some secluded places... the air is purer? the land is purer? ...hm... ask the locals! I would not have accomplished the first visit without the help of Dr and Mrs Jagar... Thanks!

My Meals...

2006-03-04T16:15:00.000+08:00

Yes, rice is the main staple here... vegetables and potatoes (er... kiwa... aka a-lu)

Here, shown in the picture... a bowl of rice and 2 'curries'... ok, in local context, "curry" = "dish".

Paper Soccer

2006-03-04T16:07:00.000+08:00

It was indeed the first encounter with 'back to time'... children playing soccer with a 'paper soccer field'.

So, is it a result of physical constraints? The only flat green lands big encourage for soccer are the fields in the institute and the one at the Rinpung School nearby...

Or it's innovation? 3-men soccer team? Can play anytime, anywhere...

是第一天，刚入宿不久，无聊地走着，看到这群小孩在玩着。哦! 他们在‘踢’球呢!

有时，觉得我们其实非常幸运，在新加坡，不愁找不到一片草地。在包罗 (Paro) ，要找一片平壤是不易的，不是山坡，就是斜坡。而且，拥有一粒足球亦是一件奢侈品。

可是，这并没有剥削了他们的喜好。小孩们灵活的使用他们有限的物质，开辟了新玩意。在他们的眼里，是没有什么是不行的。他们的思想是没有局限的。

Touching Down & Taking Off...

2006-03-04T15:28:00.000+08:00

Never in my life that taking a flight had generated that much emotions and feelings...

到布丹，是个偶然的机会。从没想过会去尝试离乡的滋味。

是的，在这一年里，付出了不少，错过了的也不少；但，那是我的选择。无论如何，我也从中获益不浅。得到的不只是无穷的满足感，也在不知不觉中更加的认识了自己，把自己磨炼得更坚强了！

这一年的经历，是刻骨铭心的。对所看到的一点一滴，对周围本毫不起眼的事物，现在，看起来，都更有意思，更有意义了。

不谈别的，单是每逢看到飞机降陆机场的那刹那，那股回家的感觉，就会自然而然的浮现在心中。我不会忘记想家的苦。跟不会忘记当飞机飞入祖国的领空时，心里不由自主的喊道，“我会来了！我终于回来了！” 在那刻，真的再也不想走了！

当然，回来是件开心的事，然而，也带回来了“离开”的痛， “离开”的伤感。

是日久生情吧！那是很矛盾的心情。我不舍得那里的人- 是的，我的朋友，我的学生，他们的纯朴，他们的真，他们的诚。那时我永远都不会忘记的。

谢谢你们，谢谢你们给我篇写了美丽的回忆。