We saw this sign at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu Rivers. The tagline ("Happiness is a place".) certainly describes our first day in Bhutan.
Leaving Kolkata early this morning on one of the two remaining daily flights to Bhutan, we arrived at the reportedly most dangerous airport in the world. Actually, the flight was unremarkable. The food was excellent, and the little prop plane flight landed softly with plenty of runway to spare. As we headed off on the first of many winding roads, our guide (Tandy) mentioned that the straightest road in Bhutan was the runway.
Bhutan is a mountainous country. with very few valleys wide enough for a plane to fly into. That's why Paro is the home of their international airport. it's just wide enough, and deep enough for a runway. Over the past decade, the road system has been widened, and our trip to Thimpfu was pleasant and beautiful.
On the way, we stopped at a roadside market, and learned of Bhutanese love for chiles. We also toured a spectacular weaving museum, and were shown by Tandy and the exhibits how much clothing and its creation plays a central role in the life of Bhutan.
Before gathering at our hotel restaurant for dinner and a general briefing and introduction to Tandy, we walked around the town and through a very large vegetable market. In amazing variety, the stalls provided everything necessary to keep Bhutan gastronomically happy.
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