Thursday 18 October
After lunch in town, our afternoon began with a drive up to the Buddha which overlooks Thimphu town. 8 years in the making, but still not quite finished, it does afford great views up and down the valley.
Just down the road we started on a walk, largely downhill, to the valley floor. Through pine forests and flowing streams - most of which seem to have been captured by the local population to provide a private water supply to there houses.
The trail ended at one of the most interesting temples we have seen. Very old wooden structure dedicated to the Divine Madmen.
And then a short drive we headed to the massage we had booked which is provided by visually impaired staff. As the temperature was falling rapidly Stuart was pleased to learn the the massage beds were equipped with electric blankets.
As we were being to tire of hotel style buffets we headed out into the Clocktower Square to find a restaurant. Things were quiet as it was election day so everything was closed. But we did find Ga-Wa promising 'Haute Cuisine Bhutanese fare'. Actually the set meal was nice - soup, beetroot salad, cornmeal fritter with veg & fried bananas!
After lunch in town, our afternoon began with a drive up to the Buddha which overlooks Thimphu town. 8 years in the making, but still not quite finished, it does afford great views up and down the valley.
Just down the road we started on a walk, largely downhill, to the valley floor. Through pine forests and flowing streams - most of which seem to have been captured by the local population to provide a private water supply to there houses.
The trail ended at one of the most interesting temples we have seen. Very old wooden structure dedicated to the Divine Madmen.
And then a short drive we headed to the massage we had booked which is provided by visually impaired staff. As the temperature was falling rapidly Stuart was pleased to learn the the massage beds were equipped with electric blankets.
As we were being to tire of hotel style buffets we headed out into the Clocktower Square to find a restaurant. Things were quiet as it was election day so everything was closed. But we did find Ga-Wa promising 'Haute Cuisine Bhutanese fare'. Actually the set meal was nice - soup, beetroot salad, cornmeal fritter with veg & fried bananas!