Here’s my dream cover for Lonely Planet Bhutan. This picture was taken at Dechen Phodrang Monastic School, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Showing posts with label Bhutan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bhutan. Show all posts
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sew Good
Sometimes, things do not go according to plan (and most times, they turn out to be better). Just like my visit to the School of Souvenir Production and Training Centre in Punakha, Bhutan.
My guide and friend, Anan of Keys to Bhutan, happened to chance upon the centre one afternoon while I was relaxing in my hotel. The next day before we set off on our three hour drive to Phobjikha valley, Anan asked me if I mind dropping by somewhere first. I’m always game for new experiences, so I said, “Sure, why not?”
That “somewhere” is the School of Souvenir Production, supported by the Youth Development Fund (YDF), an initiative of The Bhutan Foundation. The centre provides an opportunity for teenage girls who are unable to complete school or qualify for advanced studies, to develop art and craft skills, and equip them with business know-how so that they can run their own businesses someday. There is a gallery where you can view their work and buy souvenirs. The artisanship is really good. I bought several bookmarks, a CD and tote bag.
Our little detour to the centre was truly a pleasant and inspiring experience.
My guide and friend, Anan of Keys to Bhutan, happened to chance upon the centre one afternoon while I was relaxing in my hotel. The next day before we set off on our three hour drive to Phobjikha valley, Anan asked me if I mind dropping by somewhere first. I’m always game for new experiences, so I said, “Sure, why not?”
That “somewhere” is the School of Souvenir Production, supported by the Youth Development Fund (YDF), an initiative of The Bhutan Foundation. The centre provides an opportunity for teenage girls who are unable to complete school or qualify for advanced studies, to develop art and craft skills, and equip them with business know-how so that they can run their own businesses someday. There is a gallery where you can view their work and buy souvenirs. The artisanship is really good. I bought several bookmarks, a CD and tote bag.
Our little detour to the centre was truly a pleasant and inspiring experience.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
“See you tomorrow!”
Here is another photo that I am considering entering for Asian Geographic’s “Asia Without Borders” photography competition.
This photo was taken early one morning in Phobjikha, Bhutan. I was enjoying a stroll and crisp morning air when I saw little children in red rubber boots walking to their primary school. Where I come from, the kids are driven to school or accompanied by their maids. But these Bhutanese boys and girls are an independent lot. I asked them if I could take their photo and they happily said “yes!”. They would also get very excited when I played back the photos on my LCD screen. Although I am more than three decades their senior, being with them made me feel young again. Their innocence and playfulness are infectious!
As the school bell rang, the kids ran to assemble in the school field, but not before waving to me and shouting in unison – “see you tomorrow!” I was moved. And to this day, I have not forgotten their warmth and friendliness.
This photo was taken early one morning in Phobjikha, Bhutan. I was enjoying a stroll and crisp morning air when I saw little children in red rubber boots walking to their primary school. Where I come from, the kids are driven to school or accompanied by their maids. But these Bhutanese boys and girls are an independent lot. I asked them if I could take their photo and they happily said “yes!”. They would also get very excited when I played back the photos on my LCD screen. Although I am more than three decades their senior, being with them made me feel young again. Their innocence and playfulness are infectious!
As the school bell rang, the kids ran to assemble in the school field, but not before waving to me and shouting in unison – “see you tomorrow!” I was moved. And to this day, I have not forgotten their warmth and friendliness.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Bhutan Without Borders
I am thinking of taking part in Asian Geographic’s “Asia Without Borders” photography competition. The deadline for entries is 30 Sep 08, and winners will be announced after 18 Oct 08.
I haven’t and can’t decide on which photo to submit for the competition. Maybe this one? It shows friends and families of different colors enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a park in Thimphu, Bhutan. The fence with wide gaps in the foreground is rather symbolic – Bhutan has opened its doors to the world, it is a place without barriers where everyone is warmly welcome.
I haven’t and can’t decide on which photo to submit for the competition. Maybe this one? It shows friends and families of different colors enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a park in Thimphu, Bhutan. The fence with wide gaps in the foreground is rather symbolic – Bhutan has opened its doors to the world, it is a place without barriers where everyone is warmly welcome.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Model Monk
This novice monk not only has a pretty face, he sure knows how to strike a pose (Tyra Banks would definitely approve!). I shot this at Punakha Dzong in Punakha, Western Bhutan.
Punakha is about 72 km away from the capital Thimphu. At 1200m above sea level, Punakha has a subtropical climate – warm in winter and hot in summer. The two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu, run along Punakha Dzong, making it one of the most photogenic landmarks in the Himalayan Mountain Kingdom.
Punakha is about 72 km away from the capital Thimphu. At 1200m above sea level, Punakha has a subtropical climate – warm in winter and hot in summer. The two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu, run along Punakha Dzong, making it one of the most photogenic landmarks in the Himalayan Mountain Kingdom.
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