The remainder of trip was exploring the wonderful, albeit tiny, country of Bhutan.
Sitting high above Thimpu Valley is the
Buddha Dordenma Statue, a gigantic 51 meter (170ft) high mass of bronze.
The statue is impressive, but they did not skimp on any details surrounding him or on his base. The figurines gilded into the base were raised reliefs and impressively ornate and well-maintained for something SO exposed to the elements.
After walking a dozen or so circles around the giant Buddha, trying to see all of the details, we finally loaded back onto the bus and headed to Dochu-la Pass.
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Prayer wheels at Tashichho Dzong |
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| Prayer wheels are used by everyone routinely |
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| Seriously, everyone. Even our guides. |
Adam and I were both absolutely fascinated with the ornate nature of their construction and painting of the structures. The attention to detail on such a MASSIVE scale is absolutely impressive and intimidating. And this is how ALL of their monasteries, temples (dzongs), and official buildings are. They are all pieces of art themselves.
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Tashichho Dzong |
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| Incredible view down through the Pass |
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| Temple Love |
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| Our wonderful local guides, in traditional dress. Their English was impeccable. |
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| Simtokha Dzong |
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| Simtokha Dzong |
Adam completely fell in love with the wall murals, of which two examples can be seen below:
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| Simtokha Dzong |
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| Simtokha Dzong |
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| The busy city center of Thimpu |
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| Traditional and "modern" Bhutanese office/business building |
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| We let sleeping dogs lie |
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| Common art on a traditional house |
