I lost a day due to illness but finally back at it. Perfect weather in Bhutan. In Punakha, winter retreat for king & religious center due to lower altitude & more moderate temp. Came at ideal time. One time each year there are pilgrimages to the majestic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) which serves as a monastery and admin. headquarters. 15 days prior to the huge celebration they prepare with 24/15 days of round the clock praying and dancing (collecting demons and evil spirits). We felt like we were part of it --- dancers practicing for the celebration portion. Monks and the Chief Abbot in lotus position sit round the clock with breaks (about 15 - 16 hours total) each day. Younger monks, in praticular, were nodding off. The dzong is magnificent, built in 1637.
To get here traveled on the narrow road, all switch-back, NO guardrails and straight down. I saw little of the scenery due to trying to stay away from altitude & motion sickness. Picture cows, sheep, goats & sometimes old stupas in the middle of the road, not counting people walking.
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