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| 1. Gents |
It was on 7th October 2018 early in the morning at 5:00 AM, I can hear my wife preparing Lunch. I can also sense in my half sleep that she called all other friends to wake them up for us to be on finalized departure time at 6:00 AM (BST), as some rightly decode it as Bhutan Stretchable Time. My daughter and I were sleeping peacefully till 5:30 AM when I was reminded by a call from Sangay. The day earlier all three SOs (Dorji, Sangay & Pema) agreed to join us whereas only Sangay could make it at the eleventh hour, reason best known to them. I got ready with my morning routine and got dressed up quickly. We were ready by 6:00 AM where I find my baby still in bed to be woken up by her Mom and got her dressed up.
Mr. Karma and his family were the first to reach at the meeting spot on time, followed by us. Mr. Chogyal and his family have left to Trongsa to pick his sister and will be joining on the way.
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| 2. Ladies |
We were supposed to be joined by Mr. Tashi and his family and Mr. Pema and his family. We were waiting for them till to 6:45 AM, when Mr. Karma humorously said, "Aiii-Sam(s) are late", since both the latecomers are from Pemagatshel 😃. Finally, we decided to move and wait for them at JP’s gate. By the time we got permission to travel via shortcut, it was already 7:20 AM. It took us two and a half hours to reach our destination, Gangtey Goenpa, which is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa's revelations. Nowadays major renovation is taking place in and around the Goenpa. We visited the Lhakhangs and offered our prayers.
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| 3. Children |
By 12:30 PM we moved down to the Phobjikha valley for Lunch. The beautiful valley is known to attract tourists in all seasons and the people are benefited by providing different services like Home-Stay and selling local produce. The paintings and handmade sculptures can be seen displayed outside the Goenpa and as we descend down to the Phobjikha valley, we came across with several signboards advertising their Home-Stays. The valley is also known for providing the nesting ground and natural habitat for Thrung Thrung Karmo (Black Necked Cranes). These species of birds are considered as a symbol of peace and prosperity, but we were unfortunate to see those at this season. If you are traveling to Phobjikha for the first time, don’t miss to notice the beautiful scenery of the valley where one cannot find a single electric pole for the simple reason, to protect the rare species of bird.
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| 4. Gathered at Spot |
We were blessed with perfect weather to Lunch in the valley. We reached down at 1:00 PM, perfect time for having our Lunch. Gathered round with the music on air and cheering up with Druk Lager and 11000. I can feel the freshness in all, smiles on all faces, children playing peacefully and elders enjoying gracefully. The ladies gathered all their delicious Menus and displayed in line. The children were first to be served followed by ladies. The gents were enjoying seeping a canned beer. We have done with lunch and played with children. Many tourists pass by, waving at us and just a yard away from our spot, there was a signboard saying “Picnic and Camping are Prohibited”. I was wondering then, are they genuinely waving at us OR were they trying to warn us of those Signs 😏.
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| 5. Quick Pose |
Anyways the day ended well and we started our journey back to the station by 4:00 PM. I wish for the same trip in the future and thank Ken-Cho-Sum for the successful day. If I was asked, when is your day well spent? I will remember this day 07.10.2018. Thank you all for your kind cooperation La…
Thank you.
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