A Halloween Treat in Bhutan

I start my day in Bhutan with a three mile walk up through the beautiful farm village of Pangbisa. The snow capped peak goes with the crisp fall air. The farmhouse and general store add to the natural beauty of the place. It's breathtaking. 
I am looking forward to watching my student Tshering Palden present on privacy risks on the internet to high school students. But first, my students have their favorite driver take me to my favorite Thimphu coffee shop for lunch. They want to treat me to something I enjoy - a simple sandwich and artisan coffee - for a change.

Tshering Palden waits until we arrive at her old high school to tell me her father is a Vice Principle there. He greets us warmly, clearly proud of his daughter's work. Over tea he tells me how the school had made sure his daughter would attend there until she aged out. We also met with the principal.
We are surprised to find 150 students and teachers waiting for the presentation. The students work together to make things run smoothly. Tshering Palden is unfazed by the crowd, or at least she shows no fear. I thought it went well. Some students were a little restless, but not unduly so. 

At the Memorial Stupa, Thimphu, with Ugyen Tshomo, Tshering Palden, and Tenzin Dema.

​After the high school presentation the students decide to have our driver take us to the Thimphu Chorten so I can do a little sightseeing. It was built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972). It feels quiet, peaceful, spiritual. They explain to me that Buddhists will circumambulate the stupa 108 times while praying on their prayer beads. If not 108 times then an odd number. We walk around it 3 times.
I love working with students, learning from them, and seeing the culture and traditions through their eyes.