Lomba - A story from my Grandmother's diary

On the dusk of colorful Lomba,two of my friends decided to have Lomba dinner together. They loaded buckwheat dumplings to the brim of their stomach. Riding on a Chetak Bajaj scooter, upon reaching babesa expressway, much to the joy driven by festive mood, they fail to recall the presence of bump.The one sitting at back threw the inside dumpling out, like cricket ball off the pitch.

Jokes apart,there is always this curiosity in being a child raised in Haap and Parop’s family. Just like what my Angay did when she was young and agile; we use to put together all requisite bits and pieces ranging from plant species to finest costumes before the twilight sets in.The Lue torma (human figure made from flour cake representing our good being) clothed in its luxury outfit is surrounded by nine important grains. With handpicked attire such as brocade and silk etc,the lighted butter lamp and chibchey(ritual cake prayer) signifies a humble gesture of all our goodwill wishes for the fruitful new coming year.

When the night crawls in, it is time for Lue's departure.Lues from every household are believed to be setting their expedition together.We reach Lue to a certain space so they can catch up their voyage with other Lues. The tayoeee ahug hu sound flag off Lue’s long travel followed by lighting of firecrackers into the virgin sky.

While Haaps are known for making artistic Hoentoes,Parops do make mengey, also known as bjomja (Rice pizza). People in my village normally use dried leaves of turnip,yak butter, fresh cheese, steamed cabbage ,walnut and many more. My grandmother and other elderly people say that we must eat to our best. Our weights would be assessed on this eve by spirits.

The first eve day is usually set off by many. Often people initiate their day by washing clothes while others take pleasure in river rock stone bath that provides exotic therapy and soak away stresses of life. The following days would begin by archery tournaments, celebrations and a family get together with large celebration feasts .And truly, 29th day of the 10th Bhutanese month is a new year for all Parops and Haaps.

May this Lomba brings Seasons greetings, peace,prosperity and long lasting Happiness.

Happy Lomba Greetings!

Photo Courtesy:Ben Henritig,The Happiest Place

With Layaps in My Village

Image source:aworldawaytravels.com

Tshering is in his mid 30s.This is perhaps his first visit to my village.His Apa use to do often barter system and known for his trade smartness and polite greetings to his owners(often termed jindas for sheltering 2-3 days)during his business.
Along with him a boy called Phuntsho,age-15,with cute fair complexion,eyes swollen and greyish hair, wearing little north-face jacket,he studies in 5th Standard.Phuntsho young by age,shoulders a bigger family responsibility like a bold businessman.His Apa couldnot make this time, due to some tight schedule at home.While Tshering had a wife and two children back in Laya,he supports a family of four including himself.Phuntsho has been Tshering's neighbour and they had come to my village in Paro located on the banks of river Pachu,a distance of 3-4 kilometres from the main town through a farm road or by crossing a temporary winter wooden log bridge from a black topped road.They had started the journey all the way from Laya.
Tshering had 6 sacks of sangzey(a herbal dried incense combining balu-sulu leaves and other essential ingredients from high mountains,on burning that gives mind calming perfume and for liberation of sentient beings that are within its reach ).While Phuntsho Carries 4-Sacks on his strong back.They are here in Paro,to do a barter else called exchange with parop's reknowned red dried Chillies.
My Apa filled their cups with creamy butter tea followed by red rice and a dish of dry red chillies ,a raddish steamed with local lean porks.Tshering and Phuntsho had a good smile and optimistic enough to sure get another serve of tea as they walk to another house.My mother took two sack of Sangzey, one each from Tshering and one from Phuntsho.
Tshering says,business is good here.In Thimphu they are many competitors.And moreover Dried Chillies seemed to be often expensive from Nu.300-400 a kilo.Its much better in the village and ," I won't mind walking from house to house".His friends narrated him once, while on business in Thimphu tells stories of losing money and sleeping stuffs.Crime is more in the town.Its more important to be careful.Thats why we are here from generations.Back in Laya,Tshering says Chilli is one of the most important ingredient in the mountains.Once they also tried with dried chillies that comes from south,but he says it gets rote soon with fungus and unwanted greeny stufss that finally spoils the taste and color.Thats the reason they are here in the village.Phuntsho is sound in academic although he finds difficulty with English.He is much better and brighter in science and maths perhaps.But he realized the worth of education and promises to be a tougher guy and never drop the school."Often Our elderly Layap boys drop the school from certain grade,stating,with the license from the government ,they find a net profit in picking up cordyceps on the mountains.Its infact a kidu from our Majesty for the Layaps,since its difficult to grow most of the crops and sustain family income upthere owing to harsh weather and climatic conditions".Phuntsho had indeed old head on a young shoulder.
Phuntsho doesnt state, of becoming a doctor or engineer like ordinary kids.What he will do is to score a good grade and obtain handsome marks in his annaully academic record."This would be my answer for now".
With a smile and much contentment,these two strong boys now walk to another household being optimistic enough for a good response and a delicious meal from another house owner. Once they finish the sacks,they would go back to Punakha and collect all the rations and needs for their next summer,while staying for 2-3 winter months spending days in making income from thier horses while carrying and trasnporting goods and also loads for tsachu-goers(hot spring goers) along the chhubu and gasa in the past.
Its indeed inhaling the happiness,making it simple and practical.The Layaps like Tshering and Phuntsho had made it like others.Through interactions,politeness and courtesy,dedications and sweat of hardwork,they had impressed most of the people in the locality while keeping good name of their presence.Its a recollection of past through present,a small existence of past Barter System in this fast modern trade.
Its 3:30 pm,Sunday.I m now travelling back to Thimphu.I told you earlier,i feel much better as i once returned back from my village.Its my Village that taught me many simple yet remarkable values and lessons of happiness.I wish to go back often to work,to help my parents and to watch the season change,the fields,the trees,the river.I m refreshed and with new ideas ready to work again.

Of Steaming Bathu and Wintry Nights...

While most of our bhutanese dishes and cuisines are reknowned among ourselves for their extreme heat,spicy,thick,aromatic and mouth watering substance,still i feel its the rice and curry that dominates every meal schedule.
some people have changes such as snacks for light breakfast,rice for lunch and parata or sukha roti for dinner,its not surprising to see most of our bhutanese prefer rice for all the 3 meals.

In a Himalayan country like ours,winter is cold.A hot steaming aromatic vapour of dried pieces of yak bones containing crispy well scorched meat well cooked in a pressure cooker ,after all in another pot of boiling water mixed with corriander leaves,a chopped scraps of garlic,slices of raddish in combination with green leaves of either spinach or local sag added finally. ,Its a soup that is first being prepared before flour being pounded and made into fine pebble balls of well pounded maida and luke water.I often add 3-4 eggs so that the balls of pounded maida that is made into a fine furnished balls.It depends ,the way of cooking bathu on individuals.
Just like noodles,puta,bathu although hasn't been orginated from our country,most of us are known to this unique food item in order to beat the harsh cold winter.Its a perfect match especially during the snowfall or either as winter night meal.In Thimphu,you will get in most of the restaurants at cost ranging from 35-45.A popular meet place is Zangtopelri complex where you will get in a bowl.Flavour Variety ranges from veg,mixed vagetables,chicken,beef,pork.i dont go often,but when i visit i prefer mixed all the time.

Now let me continue with my home preparation where i left,because one good thing whenever i prepare my bathu,i make sure its organic..ie i dont like adding artificial flavours like taste maker.The turnip or raddish slices are normally added after the balls of pounded maida being cooked well for 20-25 minutes.Sag/spinach is added at last,s o that the green leaves would add good color combination to the overall mixture.
Finally add salt pepper and of course local red chilli powder
Your home made bathu is now complete,its time for family to bring bowls and spoons.Its now about a wintry battle.Some people often dont go for maida items for a reason of gastritis or stomach ache,but m sure its how well you cook meals after all.

The Other Side of Glamour

If Happiness is water,i wish i could get a soak of it.But it isn't.Long ago,when i was a little kid in school days,I use to be infact the first culprit to object people saying,"Money is the root cause of all the evils".No I cried,its a disgusting starkly annoying phrase.Tell me how many people can survive without money.If you don't have it,you even have not enough confidence to face a crowd.I use to say Tagore's famous prose,"where the mind is without fear,head is held high"and where the world is without money,head is always towards earth.I grew up,always looking to be someone surrounded by island of wealth.Money to me can be everything,it talks,it makes you bold,it gives you power,fame ,name ,popularity,relationship,what else nameless things.
But today,my perspective towards wealth has totally changed.Even if the world becomes a little place and a competitive one,I would be brave enough to not crave or go after wealth.Just a place to walk and little money to survive would be my contented assets.But let me justify so that you would not mistaken me and say,"then please deposit all your money into my account"or would be saying,you must be Janchubsempa.I m not.
In a crowded city like Thimphu,dominated by lust and desire for wealth,inner Happiness is just a sack of air.People have all the sorts of facilities,infrastructure and modern architectures.Its in early morning in a small,yet reknowned temple like changangkha,located amidst a hill,which i call a little mountain,you wake up and a glimpse of scented pine in the early dawn,along with people of much contented minds and of older age,you feel life is much peaceful up there.Its a rare occassion.Health has become one of the serious issue in our populated city.Its atleast good that when you come for a physical exercise,you automatically gets connected with mother nature,and then you realize how beautiful and peaceful when our travelling mind gets controlled by a little spiritual and breath taking sceneries.Its otherwise call a happines,though for a short term.
What i have observed through hearings and of my own study is that,when you have enough wealth,sometimes its natural that we forget one of the most important priority of life,our inner happiness.I firmly believe,of course people need certain percentage of money to survive.Especially with friend,relatives,life in Thimphu is bit challenging for individuals who live independently.Today you visit friend's new born baby,tomorrow its someone's relative cremation rites,day after tomorrow,somewhere someone gets promoted to higher post.Then comes your electric power consumption,water charges,telephone bills,Tv rent,house owner running after you,your relatives need some amount from you to purchase a land somewhere in babesa.
On the other side,when you have handsome possession,you feel like having more.Its not a criticism but a concern that I have observed very few wealthy people tend to spend life in a very peaceful manner.Sharing is loving,when they tend to gain more they also become conscious that they have to surrender everything once the icy hands of death holds and grab them,they must leave behind everything ,including people to whom they are so attached.Most of us tend to lose the true sense of happiness.We always want to make our sons and daughter face up the world with much wealth,thereby we lose health to gain more and more.I m sure,if an individual karma or what sometimes called 'Lungten hasn't been inscribed on one's forehead',the possessions gathered by parents on uncle or aunts will not lead us to successful trail.Even in business,some people flourish like anything,while some even though clever and knowledgeable fail at the most.I m sure its always a matter of past's path that lead us to our destined dreams.Some successful in businness making,some in politics,some in relation making,some in problem solvings,negotiation,its after all individual's uniqueness and karmic actions that define us in distint ways.
In this fast moving world,a balance between materialism and spiritual connection is utmost an important philosophy inorder to channel a happiness in one's mind.An excessive wealth possession creates chaos and family troubles,even at worst leading to court cases and enemity even among the family members from great grand parents to their future generations.An individual is born with thier own kind of spoon written according to karmic justice and good deeds of the past.Our sons and daughters fate cant be predicted with our own belongings.Someone can be rich overnight,but he cant stand there longer if he isn't destined to become.Happiness is just a simple concept,when you feel within that you are satisfied with the world,and you know that you are very fortunate of existence,when you cant stop making someone's day,a good turn,inspite of your whatever conditions you are in and a smile on someone's face,you will earn the credit,thats the contentment not even medicine can give you for long term.
An educated higly learned husband,sends his wife for a degree course in abroad at his own expense.She comes up with good knowledge ,a degree and work experience,earns much better than her husband.Now she pays the credit by putting a divorce case.What happened to her,she meets someone much wealthier than her ex husband.Modern society had changed a lot.You can even desigh your own life's lab.But how long it would take a seed of happiness
to germinate and fully grow into long branches.
Some are forced by circumstances,some by intense desires,while most of us fail to architect happiness for our own good.In Thimphu,we build strong and good walls for our own security from neighbour.We don't want to interact with people nearby.We travel in luxurious cars.We dont want to walk.We pollute air,the environment with our junk deposits.We get introduced to different varieties of modern diseases such as cancer,gastritis,mental stresses,ulcers,piles,asthmas,tb,obesity,HIV aids.We want to have more late night partys,where we can breath fresh carbondioxide and carbonmonoxide.We dont want to unnecessarily spent time on true love,we lust for sex.We want to have more gamblings,dont want to spend time with our own children.We marry one wife,and finds a mistress somewhere.We become corrupt and dont mind for sending to jail.We return to our cold graves with dissatisfaction and regrets that would even haunt our spirits.
Even rural places have been affected with air of glamour.Most of agricultural land are now being sold like hot cakes,for exchange with Santafes,Prados,or Tucson,for the sake of construction of resorts,5stars,and private buildings.What will we eat if all our food sources are being cut from India one day.The root of happiness dies owing to lack of extreme side effects. I wish i had a son who can become a good monk,meditating and practising the dharma,while helping his old parents enlighting the light of happiness through mind controlling.But thats just a dream,i wont cry for it,because it would also be destined to deserving only.
In the end life is beautiful and i m satisfied,what i had felt i could atleast express in my little way.May your life be showered with happiness through your own reflections and shadows.If there isnt a shadow then i guess its high time to research the path we travel by.

from plucking stars to shedding tears...love's misery is yet life's valuable poetry

"If the only place where i could see you is in my dream,then i would sleep forever,"well more than that,what else, i would pluck a star for you,and plant a beautiful rose in sahara,script your name on the colors of rainbow....
hehe love has gone so much advanced for now.Just like our small country getting rapid urbanisation,from oral proposals to blue ink and white paper touching love letters,from electronic mail to sms,love cards,valentine greetings,cute gifts,roses,dinners,breath taking songs,partying,taking ride along sangaygang and lover's point,late long hour night calls,a chat on person.com and match meetings,what more all our films now are depicting the definition of love.
love is in the air everywhere.Heart is one of the magical organ,beautifully embedded inside the body.If handled with care just like money,it would be worth while,but on contrary,if mishandled,it would create a disaster.There are unique individuals who beautifully potrays all those happenings of love,the betrayals,trust,in a much spicy and thought provoking tales.
Yet Someone searches in bhutan times,"deki where are you,m sorry for my mistake",please call back to me and pick up the phone.Lonely hearts,"beautiful girl wants to date a tall handsome guy",please contact this number.I don't know,but its always true,love can happen anywhere.But i wonder how many people really value true love.
Now i must be true also there are also lots of impacts,when right meets a wrong.I see people not being true to words.Fake promises,thats why,modern love is bitterly sweet,much faster than bullet trains.I wonder how many people really keep true promises.for me,"i miss you sounds much better than,"i love you".i don't know how far you believe.But its however an individual's perspective.
Now lets come to concrete idea.From plucking stars to shedding tears,unheard cries,yet within someone's thought,its a valuable poetry.Life isn't perfect is old acronym,but it also makes a part of life's history unerased in individual's mind. Life goes on with much lessons and bold personality.From fragile mind and heart to experienced professional" betrayed one",yet you never lose who you are,and you would never fall down without your own consentment.From sugar heart to spicy individuals,you have learnt greater chapter of love and now inside your mind you have enough default vision of detecting a decent and defined love bird.That's you,The power of one.This will be another chapter and topic that every one carries ahead.
love is a beautiful art,and it always needs a right artist.Every artist has their own way of expressing their art.love is kid's fun game for children,an accompany and a refuge shelter,Love is a burden and hurdle to school going students,distraction to an academic performance,a matter of chance in finding freedom from studies for college mates,a second chance test for bachelor's personality before marriage,if a married couple seeks another Mr or mistress,its another story infact part II of life,Its about complicated heart.Its an indication of your heart controlling your mind.So better be watchful,ofcourse its also applicable but its more disheartening.
Animals in the nature too have a strong sense of love relationship.At the end what i have found is ,"its not by falling in love with someone,that ruins your life,but when you keep going with things in right track,its a balanced life,that one need not turn back to life with regrets,but with sense of contentment that you have made someone's day with good smiles on their face.So my moral is love the people who treat you right,forget the ones who do not.
Have a dedicated love,truth and trust.Thats it..cheer up!!

Another Day-The Wrong Downpour

Perhaps there might be some holes in the corner of sky.The stitches need to be carried out.Its been heavy down pour in bhutan.The rain started from last night and now it would continue till tomorrow midday according to Norwegian Meterological site.Its much foggy along the way especially when you get into a car and take a drive.I m sure the river might have changed its color somehow.School students along the way soaked with cold bath.While most people carry umbrella,its been muddy along the paths.Its 3:48pm and still looks like the sun gone beyond the horizon and night spreading her black garment.I was thinking that the blessed rainy day would be the last rain but it turn out to be the different one.I m sure this wrong time rain has not much significance to do with our farmers,except for Hydropower generation,the country's revenue .
In Paro,along the vales,most of the farmers have initially started the harvesting work.Fortunately,it was just beginning and carried out in smaller portion.Last time it was the H1N1,then the Earth Quake,then stormy winds followed by downpour.But lets hope we prepare for everything.Lets be aware all the time.Lets not lose faith in our beliefs.our forefathers have been brought up through harsh and turbulent atmosphere battling every hardships despite of having no modern technologies.Its now upto us whether our set of beliefs are slowly getting extinct as we step into another era of less of beliefs and more of scientific practicals.


Weather forecast for Thimphu (Bhutan), 2737 m.

Updated at 13:12. Next update is expected at 2:00.
source:Norway meterological
Institute.--->>www.yr.no

Thimphu: capital in Thimphu (Bhutan). Located at 27°28′59″N 89°35′59″E. The forecast shows local time for Thimphu.




Forecast for Thimphu Wednesday 07/10/2009

Midday 15:00 – 18:00
Heavy rain 10° Light breeze, 2 m/s from north-northwest
Heavy rain. Light breeze, 2 m/s from north-northwest. 0 mm precipitation.



Night 18:00 – 00:00
Heavy rain 11° Light air, 1 m/s from northwest
Heavy rain. Light air, 1 m/s from northwest. 44 mm precipitation.



Forecast for Thimphu Thursday 08/10/2009
Morning 06:00 – 12:00
Heavy rain 9° Light air, 1 m/s from north-northwest
Heavy rain. Light air, 1 m/s from north-northwest. 8 mm precipitation.

Midday 12:00 – 18:00
Heavy rain 11° Light air, 1 m/s from northwest
Heavy rain. Light air, 1 m/s from northwest. 22 mm precipitation.


Night 18:00 – 00:00
Partly cloudy 11° Light air, 1 m/s from west
Partly cloudy. Light air, 1 m/s from west. 0 mm precipitation.



Forecast for Thimphu Friday 09/10/2009
Morning 06:00 – 12:00
Partly cloudy 9° Light air, 1 m/s from west-northwest
Partly cloudy. Light air, 1 m/s from west-northwest. 0 mm precipitation.


Midday 12:00 – 18:00
Fair 15° Light breeze, 2 m/s from south
Fair. Light breeze, 2 m/s from south. 0 mm precipitation.

Night 18:00 – 00:00
Partly cloudy 13° Light breeze, 2 m/s from south-southeast
Partly cloudy. Light breeze, 2 m/s from south-southeast. 0 mm precipitation.




source:
Norway meterologicalInstitute
weblink:www.yr.no

A Soft Autumn Caress

One of God's most beautiful creations is the changing of the seasons. It’s a time that heals all things, both good and bad. As the sun rises and sets, I can feel autumn and winter approaching. My humble wish for this winter is a snowfall that will cleanse all the misfortunes of the upcoming year. I long to see our snow-capped mountains bathed in the golden rays of the sun.

I’m not rushing into the future; autumn is here, and the days are growing colder. Thankfully, there’s been no heavy rain or landslides on the Phuntsholing-Thimphu Highway, and we haven’t heard of any H1N1 or swine flu outbreaks. In Paro, although apple buds were damaged by hailstones last spring, we ended up with a good harvest. I hope for a smooth continuation of democracy, despite the challenges faced by villages in the far east. I trust that time will gradually heal these difficulties.

Life is often unpredictable, but we must prepare for whatever comes our way. While life can be tough at times, it’s a force beyond the reach of astrology, and it has a way of healing gently over time.

With autumn’s arrival, the paddy harvest is nearly upon us. I hope for a peaceful and successful harvest for all our hardworking farmers. Their efforts are crucial to our nation’s pride and the dream of food self-sufficiency, as we work to alleviate poverty.

Autumn is a beautiful season, with the earth blanketed in golden hues. At twilight, as the sun sets below the horizon, take a deep breath of the cool, crisp air. It’s a sign that autumn, like a gentle kiss on the cheek, is healing the wounds of our weary journeys.

A Garden within my Mind

Each morning, around 5:00 a.m., I follow my routine of rising from the warmth of my bed. I take a quick look out the window, where my gaze meets the drifting clouds over Phajoding. This sight has become my solace, offering relief from the day’s stress, the hectic traffic, and the noise of increasing vehicle congestion. Before I face the mess and remnants of my dreams, I pause, take a deep breath of fresh air, and savor these perfect, tranquil moments—they’re the highlight of my day.

Instead of fields, I see a growing number of construction sites and confusing road intersections. Despite having access to a variety of fast foods, 24-hour internet, modern conveniences, and a caring girlfriend, I still feel something is missing—my cherished home. On Saturdays, I wake up, have breakfast, and head back to my village in Paro. That’s my true remedy, my source of comfort and peace for my restless mind.

In the golden waves of autumn paddy, I find myself completely immersed and at peace. My mind, overwhelmed by the lush greenery and golden hues, feels connected to the familiar scent of home. This is where I was raised, and where I wish to spend my final days.

I wander through the mountains, searching for birds, delighting in sparkling brooks, and smiling shyly at the beauty around me. The turquoise Pachu River dances through the green valleys, and the willows gradually turn yellow. The gentle air, the rosy scent, and the sound of cicadas create moments of immense joy. These experiences are a perfect blend of history and nostalgia from my childhood.

Late at night, I often find myself crying in my dreams, longing for my beloved home. It has always been my constant companion, and its impact is deeply personal and hard to explain. It’s a secret place within me, a beautiful landscape that I hold dear. I envision it as a garden in my mind, and though I can’t show it to everyone, it remains a cherished part of me.

Even now, on weekends, I seek out the familiar comfort of home. I dream of it being an untouched sanctuary—free from cars, waste, and disturbances, a perfect retreat for contemplation and peace. This small, cozy wooden home nestled in the woods is what I consider my soul’s true healer—a secret I keep close to my heart.

The Train

image source:rightmoney.com

Before college, I’d never even seen a train, let alone ventured south of India. I used to fantasize about epic train journeys, sketching landscapes or flipping through star magazines, just killing time in the most glamorous way possible. Well, dreams do come true, folks, because I was about to experience a train trip so legendary it might as well be the stuff of novels.

Let me tell you, if you’re picturing southern railway food as gourmet, prepare for a shock. My 54-hour marathon from New Jalpaiguri to Salem (yes, the mango paradise) felt like it could single-handedly tilt the Earth off its axis. But Indian Railways has its own charm, and it’s all about patience. The trains might be gloriously late, but they’re an adventure.

Packing is a workout in itself, especially during boarding and deboarding. You start with a cup of coffee at the station, followed by a parade of mineral water bottles. For a tasty start, indulge in puris, bread omelettes, and cutlets. Then the train arrives—her majesty, dressed in maroon and blue, looking like she just stepped out of a royal procession.

Once on board, the real fun begins. In sleeper class, you get to meet all kinds of people. You might shed a tear for someone missing out on fancy shoes while you’re lamenting your own lack of luxury. It’s a rollercoaster of empathy, with some moments straight out of a Shakespearean play. And let’s not forget the “chhakas” in sarees who’ll try to sell you everything from lipsticks to hand creams, while calling you by Bollywood star names. It’s all part of the experience—and your wallet might be lighter for it!

The sleeper class is a world of its own. It's not about comfort, but about making the most of what you’ve got. Another round of chai (or maybe just tea if you prefer) pairs perfectly with youthful guavas and spicy cucumber slices. As for the food, don’t expect momos or thukpa—this is Indian Railways, where you might find yourself eating egg rice or, if you’re lucky, some train chicken.

The scenery is breathtaking: buffaloes cooling off in homemade ponds, bungalows surrounded by coconut and banana trees. And if you’re ever on the hunt for cashews, be prepared for a bargaining showdown. Picture this: a cashew seller, trying to hawk his wares to a friend named Chettri, who’s holding out for a bargain. The seller’s reaction to Chettri’s low offer was so hilarious, we all nearly split our sides laughing.

Train rides are also a great opportunity for some social time—whether it’s playing cards with a bit of palm slapping or trying to ration your dried fish and beef. And after a vacation, walking back to college feels like a breeze. Just a tip: for bathing on a train, bring a jug and prepare for an unexpected steam bath. You’ll want to refresh yourself after a standing shower experience that’s as memorable as it is essential.

You’ll pass through major stations and witness sunrises and sunsets that could inspire poetry. When it rains, the droplets on the window create a magical effect. The trains might not always be punctual, but they’re always full of stories.

I’ve never had an AC seat, but those southern train journeys are a chapter of joy and adventure in my life’s book. I’ve promised to return because, for me, those moments of simple happiness are worth everything.

Angay BOU- A Tale of Suja and Wisdom

Dear Bou,
It's been 7 years.How have you been?. I always confide myself that ,by now you must have reborn as a good human being somewhere,someplace.Well except for your baba  (She believes tobacco consumers would be punished in hell) and your little wild anger,I have no doubt your meritorious deeds would out law your little mischief.Your white stars must have given you wings to discover your own good path.It was one dull summer evening. I just got down in Thimphu after the completion of my degree from India.The Mahindra bolero  taxi had left a lasting smell of diesel on my carry bag.So much powerful that I had a complete fuzzy dizzy feeling throughout the journey.

The mid summer rain beat down the tender branches of trees along the road side and my heart ached.The journey had been  a rough ride ,unexpected surprises and I knew something was wrong.

Tears roll down my youthful cheek and I silently cried with a heavy blow.I arrived there just one week after her final rituals.

In this picture,my niece Shelkar spending a quality moment with Bou

Time flew by. We shared,we cherished and lived the moments. Your immortal words remained inscribed in me and I found in myself, a beautiful me.Her goiter is her signature and I lovingly call her angay Bou.

Bou is energetic,Bou is a confident woman.Bestowed me with her thoughts of old time stories,struggles of life ,poetry,folk songs and jokes apart.I always see in her,high level of tolerance and acceptance.life has not always been a perfect ride.I am often a keen listener opening my mind's eye to those intuitive wisdom, bountiful insights and life's thrilling challenges and experience.

Bou proudly lived up to 86,devoting herself into evening and morning prayers.She  prostrates in the altar every evening, thanking god for letting her feel the presence and overflowing blessings.The Triple Gem in giving her strength in facing trials .She prays for the welfare of all the sentient beings.Her meal time had prayers with humble bow to the food she eats, as she lifts her daem (wooden bowl/plate) on forehead.I don't really question whether somebody above us do really watch our actions.But ultimately her good thoughts and humble submission derives her positive energy keeping her healthy and happy.Suja had been her favorite tea.As long as hot steaming butter tea fills her cup,she will not let even barley flour spill out of the cup's edge.The genuine smile on her wrinkled face resembles just like the bright glows of the moon at dark.

My journey into life has always been inspired through others' story of courage ,values and daring attitude.On my vacation and back to college ,she has the habit to wrap up a scarf for me. With ngultrum hundred in her hand and tears in her time-faded eyes,

 "Tashi,my only note for you is, avoid riding on bike in India".Be good and do good.Simple ,profound and precise wisdom indeed.The colorless hair and her body ache reminds me of her crippling age and withering strength.

It was until in my final year.That one day I had a phone call from home.It was my mother."Tashi,angay wants to speak to you",she said.

Angay bou's voice was at the brink of her death and she struggled in her last moments.She just uttered ,"My dear,you don't need not worry bout me mey",she said."I am confident that you will walk with good foot steps in life and please don't ride on bakbaa (bike/scooter)".Those were her last words.

There was never a sleep in my eyes and rest to my eyeballs .All the exams were finally done.It was time to go home.The bolero's diesel reminded me of that journey back home.

On auspicious occasions,I recall her smile by lighting butter lamps in the name of all sentient beings.

The living moments are always recaptured and recalled even today after 7 long years.

It is always good to remember:-

“A river never passes the same place twice,” says a philosopher. Our life's beautiful moment are indeed like a river.

Her Fury on Monday's Miss Call...

It was perhaps an unexpected moment.But sometimes its right that what can't be cured must be endured.I studied science,Geography and i also have trust in it.But m serious when coming to beliefs too,perhaps because may be i was brought up in my little mythical world,of gods and goddess,of trust and faith,of truth and karmic justice.At the end i always love my bhutanese perspective of viewing things.I linger in my mind all the time,exploring inside like a NASA space research.At the end its the inner peace ,the discovery i make.
As usual i was working in the office,when suddenly i felt my arm chair trembling.just wondering ,out of shock,"am i suffering some kind of driziness"?.i Just peeped outside through my small glass pane.A driver was wiping off dust from his troika without any feelings.I realized,it was perhaps just my psycho notion that doze me off.It lasted about 2-3 minutes.Then i realized,it was Earth shaking off her hips."Why of sudden she got pissed off?",i asked my self.We Bhutanese are so devoted and we love all the companions around us,we respect care and love her,may be somewhere something might have gone wrong.Is this a kind of mass punishment?,or can i call it perhaps a miss call of pseudo world that we bhutanese are slowly heading towards,the degrading values,moral ethics,an artificial smile on faces without an inner happiness.We might have in a little way wronged her.We dont deserve this,i cried.But gently this time we got to accept,we might have crossed our limits perhaps.This self realization had alarmed me several times and i thought to just put up in some corner to wake my fellow friends from the path of pseudo world that just lie untrodden.In the Evening was the news from different parts,killings,injuries,all of destruction and damages.I just stood silent and my inner mind wondered with many clouded thoughts,only i can do to the victims and injured was to cry within,the hardest thing,no tears but a feeling of sympathy and a shattered dreams of my bhutanese mates who have been this tragic victim.

At the end the best help i could do is to lit a butter lamp and say a humble prayer
for all those who have been affected.

May we show no envy and not fury her again by repeating the same mistake what other humans around the globe had done for the sake of materialism.
we create our own atmosphere and surrounding and lets not blame anyone for it.If anything goes wrong,its the impact of our own creatiion and cause.Lets be aware of this MOnday Miss CALL for it might happen someday again if we dont react .