Witnessing students hugging their guides this morning showed how significant this experience was for them. One student was crying while hugging her guide and said, “I don’t know why I’m crying?”. I think it is safe to say that our guides were, in every sense, our guardians, our friends, our protectors, and our teachers. When they said goodbye to us this morning, they called us, their “Brothers and Sisters”. This is in no way lip service. They meant every word of it, and we were all moved by their sincerity. This is the Bhutanese way that we have come to know. When Sonam and Sangay said to the students, “I hope you come back again to visit us”. It is truly from the heart as they have grown as fond of the students as the students have grown fond of them. (Even as we wait in Bangkok airport, Sangay and Sonam have been messaging us to make sure we are ok)

 

After an exciting take-off from Paro airport with the sweeping left to right climbing move of the Druk Air pilots, we were on our way. We had a quick landing in India, before carrying on to Bangkok. On the flight we sat with some Bhutanese passengers that were excited to hear our stories and love of Bhutan. In fact, Marcelino sat with the Mayor of Thimphu! They wished us well and hoped we would return again for another visit. The Bhutanese have a great sense of identity in the world that they have carved out in their own, forward-thinking way.

 

One last note. Upon arrical in Macau, we realized who was flying our Air Macau plane! Daniel Suarez Figueiredo! He graduated from TIS in 2012. Not only that, he was a student in Mr. d’Entrmeont’s grade 9 class back in 2008! So proud to have a TIS alumni fly our Expeirence Week group safely back to Macau. Amazing to see success come full circle.

Also Last Night:

Last night we had the great honour of participating in some cultural events with a local farming village. We were greeted with Butter Tea and puffed rice. The local villagers then displayed their archery skills with simple bamboo bows. They were shooting at a 30 cm target from 145 meters away in the wind! Our students then gave it a try and we could experience the challenge! Students started to get the hang of it with Anthony and Francis hitting the target.

Afterward we went to local farmhouse for a bonfire, with cultural dancing, music, and singing. We moved into the house and were treated to more dancing and a memorable “Nomadic Yak herder dance that left a few students…speechless (and permanently afraid of clowns!).

It was hilarious. Later we danced together with the villagers as a farewell.

Before supper, Sangay and Sonam showed us how to make Chili Cheese, the Bhutanese famous dish. It was delicious.

See gallery below: