A Ride ~ To Remember

Since one year back from the moment I started to learn cycling in Chennai it was my wish to ride through the mountains of my native and experience new feelings and inhale fresh air. Beautiful mountain terrain and fresh air in Bhutan are well known in the outside country for being not just carbon neutral but also carbon negative as the Prime Minister mentioned in one of the TED show. I remember one of the senior scientist from Indian Metrological Department delivering lecture and mentioning about Bhutan government being the only South Asian nation to fully support Environmental Protection by being carbon negative which was a proud moment for me when all around staring at me with a smile of gesture.

Cycling in India was easy because of plane roads by nature. They even used it for carrying loads. For Bhutanese it is just an adventure. Riding from Thimphu to Drugyel Dzong and way back to Thimphu coincidentally on World Environment Day completing 130KM fulfilled my long awaited wish. Therefore, I wish to dedicate this day for the love and care I have for the environment for everything it provides naturally. Initially The Royal Flower Exhibition was our half way destination. Seeing the crowd of public lining up for the entry let us changed our way to Drugyel Dzong. Then we intentionally missed the exhibition fearing our late return. 

Dreams are unlimited and assumed unachievable but if you just do it as you dreamt of things just appear unexpectedly. Even after all has happened, you find it just as in the dream and that is how dreams become true. 

The idea was first shared by my friend Tenzin supported by Sonam Gyeltshen and finally the place was decided by me with lots of excitement. I wasn’t so sure, and the destination was determined. My only experience is 15 minutes ride from my apartment to college and way back every day. No ups and downs. I asked few people and they gave me confidence by assuring my early return and complete the journey. I was worried about first ever such long journey through steep roads. Traffic was not a big deal for me with experiences of frequent minor accidents through heavy traffics of Chennai. 

At 6:00am in the morning, journey started from near Tarayana Building making our way easy till Babesa Junction. We had to push our bycycle at that little up steep road and we laughed at our self for making this big plan. Tenzin already said he want to give up. He was exhausted and he even rejected to take a snap. But I updated our journey into Facebook status and force our self to make it anyway. All agreed and then we proceed.

As we rode through, we decided to take advantage of down road and make it to the highest speed. It was really tough when we had to ride up steep roads and we tried our best not to push but paddle. As we determined, we made our way till Chuzom where we had our breakfast with tea, momo and boiled egg. It was around 7:30am by then which gave us more confidence that we can make it early to Paro. With little gained energy we rode through again.

I was leading every time and so waited near spring water on the way, which is pure and precious believed to have cleansed all our sins.  We wash our face, drank it enough to satisfy thirst and prayed for our safe return. I saw many vehicles parked and at least wash their hands and drink. Very few, may be those who travel more frequent, they don’t wait. Fresh fruit are also there to sell by farmers nearby. It’s an opportunity for relaxation and rest for travelers on their way.

Traffic was little heavy compare to other days. Many people from Thimphu are traveling for The Royal Flower exhibition. However, roads are more comfortable and not steep as I expected. We took rest at Eusuna nearby river after crossing a steel bridge where our friend Tshewang followed us with his Celerio after seeing status in Facebook. Came to know the importance of updating status sometimes. We took snaps and where happy that we got duty vehicle if anything happened. We put all our bags and mobile phones in his car and made our riding easy through valleys of Paro from Shamba, crossing Bongdi through beautiful scene of Airport making our way towards Paro town and then to Drugyel dzong.

Paro, as I have seen is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. Aesthetic traditional buildings, many resorts and residents surrounded by glowing green hillocks. Plane and peaceful. Many open spaces and yet to develop and become more beautiful. I wish my job placement is here.

When we reached to Drugyel Dzong, my friend ask me about how modern engineers justify the strength it holds for centuries which I remained silent and finally said its always a miracle for those traditional structures in Bhutan. Paro Taktshang still remain on my list for next visit.

It was 12:30pm by the time we decided to have our lunch at Sonam Trophel Restaurent in Paro town. Almost all are very tired and hungry. It grew within me a doubt whether we really can make our way back to Thimphu when what we experienced is pain all over body. However, it was just a doubt. I didn’t say it but rather encouraged our self that we can make it anyhow. We had a delicious Bhutanese dish and thank them for making our visit a memorable one. 

Our returning journey started, rode together till Shaba. Then, I thought its getting very late since I saw the very slow movement with my friends, which let me decide not to wait but to ride as fast as I can. I decided because I was already determined to complete it and on the other hand I knew they are already very tired and Tshewang’s Celerio would help them reached Thimphu anyhow. 

Then, I didn’t even looked back. Just keep paddling and rode as fast as possible and reached Chuzom. I couldn’t see them following me. Took a litre of water and then paddled through the highest steep road from Chuzom till Wangsisina without rest. I find myself moving slower than I can walk but still I didn’t give up and keep riding. I saw others riding as well. Some already on taxi and few taking rest, very tired. 

Just before Khasadapchu, I saw my friends coming in taxi adjusting themselves in the best possible way and stopped by just to say they give up. Then, I decided to ride all alone again and let them go before me because I have already crossed the highest steep road and now will not be a big problem. Little drizzling rain when I reached Ramtokto which let me call my friends and informed them that I am almost reaching and not to worry about. 

With cup of tea from nearby shop at Babesa junction and then exactly at 5:30pm as agreed, I could retuned my hired bicycle to the owner. Thanks to all my friends and almighty for the safety you assured me with little adventure I have been through and fulfilling my wish. Looking forward for next such unexpected things to happen and to complete the incomplete assumptions in my life.

Coming Home

Finally everything comes to an end for the semester. Now I am almost ready to leave towards my native. Hope everyone there at home are doing well. Got headache because of sun’s heat, little sun burn as well. Had to ride bicycle under scorching sun at all corners trying to finish up formalities for my summer internship and biding good bye to teachers and friends. Never a relaxing moment even after finishing long awaited exams. However, it was never a tiresome job for me. Finally I am done now.

Little excited because I am coming home and more worried about my journey all alone. Earlier experiences where horribly unbearable to recollect about and hope this time I will have safe travel.

This semester was unique. Lots of changes happened. Some are for good and some are not but anyhow it changed me. No worries, let the time come, things just will happened and you are done with it. It doesn’t matter you know it or not but always be prepared to faced it bravely and never miss the opportunity. And yeah it did work and I am already assuming the semester was worth spending times under heat and high humidity. In fact we were facing world’s highest temperature. Learning was never an easy task if you try to learn it, yet not so difficult if you are already learning it. Trying to open the first page of any book was never an exciting for me. Often I closed it back and land up doing other work. But realizing I already crossed half of the pages never stopped me from getting to an end. Lessons learned, accepted the mistakes. Trying to be good was difficult. Being who I am gives more comfort in accepting genuine comments, like it not but it changed me. 

To my seniors, your time with me were so worth recollecting and your words of advices were all heart touching. You cared me like brothers and sometimes scolded but all from your true positive heart. I know you expected me to change and wanted to see changes in me for the betterment. Seeing you like a family to me was my pleasure and lasting for eternity was my wish. But as always wishes just remained as wish. Time had already departed us and that’s how life is supposed to be. Already missed you two. Happy Graduation from little bro here, to Mr. Jamyang and Chimmi sir. Wish you two happy and prosperous life ahead with the very new phase of your life.

To my big brother, Mr. Ngawang, I tried contacting you through whatsapp and wechat but no response till now. Need to discuss about our returning ticket. Seems like now I am almost getting late if I have to book from here. So, my brother you try booking from there with the help from Hari sir. Most probably, I may have to come back by 25^th June. Anyways missed you too. Hope you are having great time with your family and regards to your mom from Ramjarpa Kota. 

Thank you Bevek for your time. Your hard works instill in me the inspirations and encouragement for next semesters to come. Although you remained silent concentrating on your studies, I can still feel your presence if anything needed. But I have to leave now, sorry to let you stay alone but I know it doesn’t make any difference to you. Good luck with your last paper and GOODBYE.

Happy New Year-Male Fire Monkey Year

As this day, the new lunar year draws nearer, I remember so many moments of joy shared among families, relatives, friends and dear ones in the past which is traditionally popular and celebrated as “Dawa Dangpai Losar”. It is very common for Bhutanese working and residing in different places to come and gather together as a family and shared moment of happiness, joy and blissfulness of the day. 

Usually, the day starts with rooster alarming the head of the family, father to prepare Thukpa, then mother forcibly pulling the blanket from brothers and sisters to make everyone’s presence wonderful for morning soup (Thukpa). It will be around 6:00am by then, when everyone rushes for final sip followed by Suja and Zow. Elders in the family usually prefer Ara instead of Suja insistingly reasoning over having no usual works, often breaking into smiles of excuses. We shared all the stories and experiences of the year among family. It will be around noon, by the time we resolved to have special meal of the day. We dance, create jokes, laugh, teased one another and sometimes engagements and marriages happens expectedly or unexpectedly on the same day.

Since, Losar is the only day in far-flung remote villages of Bhutan where they get to rest, interact, gossip and play traditional games etc., usually elders from among different region will have Archery and Khuru tournaments. I still remember how my father used to eagerly wait for the day to come and won’t sleep the whole night before Losar preparing his bows and arrows. Archery is his favorite game. He even would make one ready for me. :)

Today as we celebrates the day, though away from home which seems bit unfortunate, I would like to wish my family, relatives, friends and fellow Bhutanese a Happy New Year. May this day reminds all of us about the impermanence and the interdependency of our existence on this earth. May all sentient beings, attends the path of liberation and the perfect place of immortality.

Happy 5^th Anniversary!!! :):):)

Tashi Delek

Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness the Gyelsey

Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness the Gyelsey.

Congratulations to your Majesties and to the Nation.

I am proud and happy to be Bhutanese today

To hear the news of your highness being born.

On this joyous day of celebration

I join nation to wish your highness

Good health, long and blissful life.

May the peace and tranquility of the nation flourished

Prosperity manifold thousand times and

Spirituality prevail in everything

For the nations and its people under

The blessings of your Highness

Tashi Delek