The journey started on October 1st, 2000 and took us to Darjeeling and Sikkim; I travelled together with friends, a couple, both journalists. The actual stay in Bhutan lasted from October 6th, 2000 (arrival day) to October 16th, 2000 (departure day). The pictures have been shot with an automatic camera (Nikon Nuvis 160i) with a good zoom (f=30-125 mm) on APS (Advanced Photo System) film material (Advantix / 200 ASA). It still has been the age of analog photography, but APS has been discontinued in the meantime. The pictures here are scanned from prints (10x15 cm), so they are below the usual quality.
Why do I write about this old journey through Bhutan? Because I didn't have the time before and also because I'm preparing to go there again. Also it's interesting to see how I travelled before and now. What caught my interest then? And I'd like to share some impressions of this hidden kingdom (in the year 2000 that is); the Bhutan Tourism Corporation advertised: “Bhutan. The last Shangrila.” Though you can expect much of Bhutan, please don't expect too much from my diary notes.
A sad story near the border of Sikkim to Assam. One little monkey had just been killed in a road accident. Others gathered around him and as another truck neared, they went off. The one going off here was holding the dead monkeys arm for a long time. It was trying to get the dead one move again. And then we had to move, too.
6th
of October
We started in Sikkim and went via the tea areas (Assam)
and Siliguri (or Shilguri) on the road to Jalpaiguri, maybe the
national road 12, then on the 17 (?) to Jaigaon, the border town, and
crossing the border to Phuentsholing in the late afternoon. Arrival
at the Druk Hotel. The passports can only be processed on the
following day, because after 5 p.m. there is no longer an official
at. The hotel is only 50 meters away from the immigration office.
Nami is the name of the young Bhutanese guide and Nami Dorje is the
driver. Nami Dorge speaks good English, too, as he used to work on a
Swiss project. I obtained some betel.
Prayer flags
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