Last month I was travelling in the weird and wonderful kingdom of Bhutan. Officially the happiest country in the world and arguably also the strangest and most beautiful, this Shangri La tucked away in a sheltered niche in the Himalayas, is a true land of superlatives. I’ve always been reluctant to name a favourite country, perhaps because I’d never been here before, but now I’d have to say Bhutan is it.
This tiny country on the southern border of Tibet is ruled over by a king on the principles of Gross National Happiness. The last king, who abdicated in 2008, was married to four sisters. Why marry FOUR sisters you might ask. Well, the reason is because the fifth one refused to marry him. Here you will also find the cult of the Holy Madman, whose symbol is the flying penis, usually with a ribbon on it. Apparently, he preached to his followers wearing nothing but a ribbon around his organ. His sexual prowess was legendary as attested to by a vast number of the kingdom’s women. Nowadays, you will find depictions of his erect penis painted on the walls of many of Bhutan’s houses and wooden carvings of it above doorways. You will often look up and see one above your head.
The scenery, architecture and culture of Bhutan are all stunning.
HAHA! That's kind of funny. And I think it's interesting that after years of traveling, you've found your fav country...Penis land. hehe. But seriously, the way you describe the country peaks my interest! You now must provide more info about this place if it is your favorite!!
That first picture is amazingly beautiful! I showed this post to my husband because, in past semesters, he has taught a university course about human sexuality. I thought this would be an funny subject to cover if he ever has to do that class again.
It is interesting isn't it how comfortable some people are with their bodies. Apart from the scenic beauty of the place, couldn't that be a point contributing to the happiness? Just wondering...
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You are back! Lovely first picture. Second one reminded me of the Vejigantes in Puerto Rico, and the third one ... well, I'm speechless.
ReplyDeleteWelcome... back... with great photos of Bhutan ? I hope you're fine.
ReplyDeletefunny land !
ReplyDeleteian
ReplyDeleteit really looks a funny place!!
the view from the first shot took my breath away!! it's amazing!!
happy weekend ian!!
hhaa.. that's weird.
ReplyDeleteTho, according the first picture the place is beautiful <3
HAHA! That's kind of funny. And I think it's interesting that after years of traveling, you've found your fav country...Penis land. hehe. But seriously, the way you describe the country peaks my interest! You now must provide more info about this place if it is your favorite!!
ReplyDeletewah... tq. your adventure and all of your is the best on me. hehe
ReplyDeleteWelcome home! I want to hear more about Bhutan, it sounds like a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is amazingly beautiful! I showed this post to my husband because, in past semesters, he has taught a university course about human sexuality. I thought this would be an funny subject to cover if he ever has to do that class again.
ReplyDeleteI love that first photo - it is exquisite! Yay for finding a new favourite country!
ReplyDeletewell the title of this post certainly caught my eye -- what a happy place! welcome back!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting isn't it how comfortable some people are with their bodies. Apart from the scenic beauty of the place, couldn't that be a point contributing to the happiness? Just wondering...
ReplyDeleteAnother place to add to my "must visit" list.
ReplyDelete