China Road: A Journey into the Future of a Rising Power draws on Gifford's 20 years of observing first-hand this rapidly transforming country, as he travels east to west, from Shanghai to China's border with Kazakhstan.
My husband Ed and I were very curious to compare the tourism industry in Bhutan to the one back home in Vermont because both places are about the same size.
The sky is blue with a few white clouds. The air is so crisp and so clear. The light is unbelievable in the rising sun. Everything, the trees, the monastery seem to take the nicest colors and the crispiest lines.
Trekking is a wonderful way to discover Bhutan. The Himalayas are spectacular. And of course, you see places only accessible that way. We hiked for 3 days and a half, from Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, to Paro.
Taksang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) was the reason why we decided to go to Bhutan and it was just as impressive as we could imagine - and even more.
Tonight we can read blogs in China.
There are some interesting facts about the economy of Bhutan. While countries look at their GDP (gross domestic product) to measure their economic success, Bhutan has actually decided to focus on GNH (Gross National Happiness!)
People of Bhutan are so wonderful. Charming people, beautiful faces, colorful clothing, and smiles, lots of smiles.
Magnificent houses, very square, with white walls, visible structural beams made of blue pine, all painted of the same colors from nature: red, ochre, brown, white and black (no chemical paint here!). Amazing architecture!
A week ago, we were arriving in Bhutan. We flew from Bangkok, Thailand and after a short stop in Kolkata (Calcutta), India, we were finally approaching our destination: Paro, Bhutan.