Paro and new software

To combine some of my Paro photos plus show the highlights, I used a new program (for me) called Collage Creator.
The highlights of Paro are

• the dzong - once a fortress and now a combination of monastery and municipal centre
• the National Museum situated in the spiralling, shell-shaped former watchtower that overlooks the dzong
• Paro airport - the place of arrival for most visitors with stunning views from the plane as it descends in. Only Druk Air, Bhutan's own airline, flies into Bhutan and has just two planes!
• Tigers Nest Monastery - unbelievable location, located atop a 400 metre high sheer rock face and only accessible by foot. A tough hike to get there and some stunningly ornate and highly decorated to see when you get there.
  

Bhutan

Been a bit slack lately but have just come back from 8 days in Bhutan and 6 days in India. Bhutan - what can I say, all of us thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to return. Fresh air, mountains, forests, friendly people, stunning architecture and great food. What more could a person ask for.

Here are a few of my favourite photos - others to follow later.

Monk at Punakha Dzong

Paro valley & dzong

Tigers Nest Monastery

Punakha Dzong

Haa Valley farmer

By the way, we travelled with Bridge to Bhutan.

Aussie Rules arrives in Bangladesh

Read about the arrival of Aussie Rules in Dhaka here. Articles such as this one in the Financial Express, were published in all the English-language newspapers last week after a game at ISD that was supported by the Australian High Commission.

Sightseeing around the Bandarban

When we got out and about, this is some of what we saw.

Golden Temple or Pagoda

While in the Bandarban, we took a short trip through the pouring rain to visit the Golden Temple or Golden Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Bangladesh. It was spectacular with lots of gold paint plus had spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
Here it is:

This was taken while travelling back down the 4WD track from the temple. Not quite how it was meant to work out but I like it all the same.

Hillside Resort in the Bandarban

More than a week ago, a group of us went on a long weekend trip to the Bandarban. This is a forested, hilly region of Bangladesh on the Burma border. It was so good to get into the fresh air, amongst the greenery and away from the crowds of staring people.
Here's some pictures of the resort we stayed at: Hillside Resort
Breakfast with a view

Our "home" for the weekend

What a view! This is from the verandah outside the restaurant at the Hillside Resort.

River Trip again

One of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dhaka is to take a river cruise - a chance to escape the crowds and beggars, get a cooling breeze and get further away from the stares. I think this one was cruise number three. here are some photos.