Soul, Smiles and the Last Shangri-la!

Whoever you are, whatever you do…

I urge you to, if even for a moment, stop.

Stop doing, stop being and

Imagine.

Imagine that right in the middle

of two racing economies

lies a small, very small kingdom;

where the people are unaware of the race.

Imagine

a tiny haven nestled in the mountains;

where height is measured by

how tall you stand

Imagine

a land of people who choose

a monarchy;

that defies the balance-sheets of the world

in favour of

Happiness.

Imagine

waking up to an open blue sky

dotted with yellow-blue flags

of Wisdom;

and sleeping to chants

of an Ancient Secret.

Imagine.

And then, Imagine

some more.

And when you are done imagining

Please do tell me.

Would you

or would you not

come, if even for a moment, and

live in this World

with me?

If you would, then I think we are up for some vagabonding, conversation and great meals together!

Allow me, now, to share with you some more details in the simplest, fastest way. Here goes...

Where?

I am optimistic that you are sure of our destination by now! ;) And, as to where all and where exactly in Bhutan, I think we should figure that out together, right?

When?

July 1st to July 14th is the surest tentative date! Though, we could do a period of 14 days, anytime between 25th June to 20th July.

Why Bhutan?

Well, for a lot of reasons, and for no reason at all! In fact, you should share with me your reason.

For some more 'real' and 'objective' thoughts, insights and experiences of the country you should look at/read:

http://www.littleexistence.blogspot.com

http://www.kingdomofbhutan.com

So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette

A Baby in a Backpack to Bhutan by Bunty Avieson

The Monies and other Concerns

The budget very much exists and should be a maximum of 10,000 per person for 14 days from Calcutta onwards. And though, like most other matters, the budget is flexible, we should try and adhere to it!

Other concerns like visa, currency, passport etc can be taken care of easily... It is quite simple for Indians, all you need is some photographs and and ID proof. However, we can correspond on that at a more direct level (ie: we'll just chat/talk!)

Should I seriously be coming?

Well, yes of course! If you have read this post so far, I am positive that you seriously want to!

You should reconsider only if any (or all!) of the following apply:

• Serious problems with flexibility. In fact, any problems with it at all! Backpacking, with a fixed and small budget cannot be enjoyed without being able to make/break/alter plans, or not have plans at all!
• OCD! Some places we go to might not exactly be the most hygienic or aesthetic...
• Need to carry hair dryers/matching shoes and accessories for every outfit/gels/anything else that is not exactly a 'necessity'!
• Dislike for walking! We just cannot, not walk and still explore a place!
• Lastly, no respect for the environment.

Now, I do feel old and boring with the information over-dose. So if there is anything else you want to know please write to me at poorvaagarwal.89@gmail.com. More importantly, write to me with your suggestions, ideas, wish-lists... And then assuming, there's going to be more than just you and me on this wonderful adventure, everyone should get involved, excited and talking!

See you soon, on the road!