December 20, 2005 - Contradictions and Wonderfully So
Paro Airport is quite small which is a welcomed change from the hecticness of larger hubs . Only Druk Airlines flies here with one of their four planes so it was easy to find the gate. Even when my sister was caught going through security with her pocketknife, the guard took the time to escort her to her checked bag so she pack it and not have to discard it. And, they apologized for the trouble.
Sitting here waiting for our flight has allowed me to reflect a little bit on this incredible country. I still have trouble reconciling many of its contradictions.
Bhutan is a country that loves their King but is working to establish a constitution (and party system) by 2008.
Bhutan is a country that uses traditional medicine but has universal health care with western medicine as an alternative available to all (an immunization program and HIV prevention program have significantly improved the health of the society over the past decade).
Bhutan is a country that is vastly rural but has mandatory schooling for all children (any child who lives more than 7 kilometers from a school receives boarding).
Bhutan is a country who’s rooted in its traditions but has made incredible strides in their modernization.
Bhutan is country that utilizes meat in its diet extensively but they do not slaughter an animal themselves (perhaps a bit hypocritical).
Bhutan is a country with a common language (with 21 regional dialects) but where the teaching of English is mandatory from the age of seven.
Bhutan is a country where there is much poverty but almost no begging.
I lack an understanding of the complexities of their governmental system and I am sure that there are problems as in all societies. So far, I’ve been learning about Bhutan on a micro-scale and have found a calm that has been so elusive. I get the feeling that most people are fascinated by advancement, modernization, and technology but find contentment in their lives. As a quick example, I found that many of the people who I encountered were fascinated by my digital camera but I never felt that I would be walking down a dark alley and have it swiped from my shoulder.
Ten days has been hardly enough to explore this corner of the World. And, one of my regrets of pursuing my “traditional” career path is that it will limit my ability to return for at least one and a half years. But, perhaps this career path is the best way (and most rewarding in the process) to gain the means to return. Perhaps, like many of the Bhutanese people whom I met, I will find content in the life that is my own.
Sitting here waiting for our flight has allowed me to reflect a little bit on this incredible country. I still have trouble reconciling many of its contradictions.
Bhutan is a country that loves their King but is working to establish a constitution (and party system) by 2008.
Bhutan is a country that uses traditional medicine but has universal health care with western medicine as an alternative available to all (an immunization program and HIV prevention program have significantly improved the health of the society over the past decade).
Bhutan is a country that is vastly rural but has mandatory schooling for all children (any child who lives more than 7 kilometers from a school receives boarding).
Bhutan is a country who’s rooted in its traditions but has made incredible strides in their modernization.
Bhutan is country that utilizes meat in its diet extensively but they do not slaughter an animal themselves (perhaps a bit hypocritical).
Bhutan is a country with a common language (with 21 regional dialects) but where the teaching of English is mandatory from the age of seven.
Bhutan is a country where there is much poverty but almost no begging.
I lack an understanding of the complexities of their governmental system and I am sure that there are problems as in all societies. So far, I’ve been learning about Bhutan on a micro-scale and have found a calm that has been so elusive. I get the feeling that most people are fascinated by advancement, modernization, and technology but find contentment in their lives. As a quick example, I found that many of the people who I encountered were fascinated by my digital camera but I never felt that I would be walking down a dark alley and have it swiped from my shoulder.
Ten days has been hardly enough to explore this corner of the World. And, one of my regrets of pursuing my “traditional” career path is that it will limit my ability to return for at least one and a half years. But, perhaps this career path is the best way (and most rewarding in the process) to gain the means to return. Perhaps, like many of the Bhutanese people whom I met, I will find content in the life that is my own.
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