Monday, April 2, 2018
Spent the day taking in the sights of Thimphu. First stop was the Memorial Chorten (stupa) built in 1974 in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. Everyone walks around it at least 3 times every morning (clockwise of course) spinning the prayer wheels for luck. Next was a visit to Simply Bhutan, a sort of living museum where you can experience everyday Bhutanese living including dance performances, butter tea and archery. A quick stop at the School of Traditional Arts where students learn Thangka painting, wood carving, sculpture, applique and metal work. A look into the National Library to view the biggest book in the world (Guinness says so!). Bought a coffee and personalized souvenir stamps at the main Post Office, very cool they take a photo from your camera and turn it into a valid set of stamps. Visited the Thimphu Textile Weaving Centre and saw one of the Queen Mothers who happened to be visiting as well. Then toured the Jungshi Paper making factory where they hand-make paper from Daphne Papyri. Persuaded our guide to eat a a proper restaurant and had fabulous momos and traditional soup. Was so good we came back for dinner. After our late lunch did some souvenir shopping then hung out at a coffee shop until dinner.
