After a little morning hike up through the pine trees up the mountain we saw Bhutan’s national animal, the Thakin. Hunting is strictly prohibited in Bhutan, and all living animals are cherished. As our guide Sangay said, “We are rich in natural resources, and and we could all be wealthy tomorrow if we cut down our trees, slaughtered our animals, and dug mines, but we will not sacrifice those things.”

 

 

 

 

The rest of the day has been dedicated to creativity. Needles to say, Ms. Sonmez has been beaming at the stunning artwork we’ve seen from Bhutan’s young artisans. We visited an art school for secondary students. They are between the ages of 16-18. Their tuition fees for the year…90 MOP! The Bhutan government provides lots of subsides for their citizens.

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These are the students doing metalwork

 

Afterwards we visited the vocational school for students who have special needs. The work being done there is simply amazing! Wonderful students and teachers. Our student got to meet and interact with the students in the school. We made a donation for the school as well.

 

 

Afterwards, we had lunch at a new trendy cafe in Thimphu. This was the best meal yet. Still…Chilli cheese was the spicy!

After lunch we visited a weaving centre and tried on some clothes followed by a paper factory where they make paper by hand using “Daphne Bark”, and Hibiscus starch. Having Daphne on the trip…hilarity ensued…

 

Students are now enjoying some free time exploring the city before we have a private concert with the most famous band in Bhutan, “Misty Terrace”.