Manaus serves as the capital of Brasil’s Amazonas state. This busy city is not only rich in history but acts as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. I have seen it described as the gaudiest city in South America, if not the world. Representing a mix of urban life and natural beauty, I am here to experience both. I lodge in the historic district, making it easy to explore major sites.
One does not tour India and leave unaffected. In 2005, I wrote:
“I know I will never forget India, nor will I ever be able to adequately describe her. A country where little has changed in 200 years, more people sleep on the pavement and in dirt than sleep in beds, people worship ornate elephant and monkey gods, and where modernity means the women now collect the dung with gloves.”
Today, a short 31-mile drive takes me to Paro, perhaps the best-known small town in Bhutan. Here, I find Bhutan’s tallest building at a staggering 72’, its only international airport, mystical Tiger’s Nest, and its crowd-drawing Paro Tshechu. It is where India’s Prime Minister Modi has been hanging out the past several hours. I am here to see all of it, unless rain, snow, or Modi causes it to be closed.
Bhutan hosts several annual cultural festivals. One of the most popular and significant is the Paro Tshechu. Tshechus are religious festivals celebrated in various districts across Bhutan. However, the Paro Tshechu remains particularly enjoyable because of its grandeur and cultural significance.
Bhutan is a country of mountains and monasteries. However, possibly the pièce de résistance of Bhutan’s plethora of monasteries is Tiger’s Nest. If one sees travel photos of a monastery in Bhutan, it most probably represents Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest.
