Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest
| | | |

Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) and a Day of Rest

After three weeks, three countries, 40 miles of trekking through the Himalayas, and being on the go sunup to sundown, I decided some self care was in order so I stayed at the hotel to rest today while the group went on their excursion. Our lodging, Hotel Pema Karpo in Wangdue, was a lovely respite…

Trekking the Himalayas vs Peace Corps Paraguay
| | | | | |

Trekking the Himalayas vs Peace Corps Paraguay

On this day 10 years ago I was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching sustainable agriculture and beekeepingin Paraguay. Winter had begun and, while “winter” in Paraguay is usually two weeks of cool weather in the 50s, that year it lasted two months with temps frequently in the 30s and 40s, even snow flurries! And we…

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple
| | | | | | |

108 Stupas, Punakha Dzong, The Divine Madman and the Chhimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple

On your way from Thimphu to Punakha, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you will see the world’s tallest (169 feet) Buddha statue. Made of bronze, the Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha sits high on the hill, is visible from the valley, and contains a monastery inside. It has taken 10 years to build and…