Coexistence of Birds in Mining Areas

 

Mining is often regarded as threat to environment and living entities. In general, people see its negative impact more than its positive ones. Any human activity today has its both advantages and disadvantages. The modern technology offers us the most comfortable lifestyle at its worst negative impacts to the history of mankind. Only handful of people today live the life that is of the purpose. Similarly, mining has been the human tool for civilization and modern development. The contribution of mining in modern era is unmatched to any advanced global industries. Not to forget that even the basic necessities like water, food, shelter and infrastructures are the results of mining and yet the polemic stand of the people for mining still exists.

The negative impacts of the mining to the environment, human and the wildlife are inevitable yet controllable and mitigable. There is no direct or immediate threat to lives unlike the fishes we are losing in the dams to light our home which we call the Hydropower a Green Energy. A friend of mine who is a teacher always reminds me of Green Mining in future and is not far from the truth that it is covered in our only development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. However, this dream must be the dreams of all Bhutanese not only of my friend and me. Dreaming is not enough unless it is executed.

The concept of the same is already in mining industries across the globe in scientific and ecofriendly mining methods but with less results. The plans are best laid down but with minimal execution in the fields. The failures and the negative impression of mining is earned either by the unfaithful industries or the geography itself.

The mining cycle of exploration in the virgin forest and mountain, development and extraction of minerals and final reclamation of the mined-out areas is of decades activities. While in the process of mineral exploration and active operations, the habitats of the birds and the animals are affected although with no direct threat to lives as it moves to nearby areas. However, the birds mostly adapt with mining activities and thrive in the atmosphere over the periods.

The coexistence of birds in mining area is best observed compared to other animals. As such, most of the birds’ species inhabit near human settlements and activities for food and shelters against the predators. They still trust some human can protect them. Interestingly, mining attracts different birds’ species for feeding ground and habitats for many. The Paddy field Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Wagtails, Thrush, Stonechats, Bushchats, etc love open and dry grounds in the Mines.

The beautiful and shy Wall Creeper visits the Mine in winter season in southern areas and forage the spiders and insects in the open mining benches. After escaping the cold winters in the higher altitudes, it again beats the summer heat by migrating to higher altitudes in late spring. The Red-wattled Lapwing often feed and dwell in the abandoned mining benches. The common Krestrel and other Raptors or Birds of Prey often hover over the mining areas to hunt for its prey.

Figure 1: Wall Creeper at Pugli River , 23rd  February, 2023.

The most prominent habitat is for the Nightjars which feeds and breeds from post spring to summer till they leave in autumn for some time to come back again in the same dry and abandoned or reclaimed benches. Three Savana Nightjars Juveniles and one Large-tailed Nightjars Juvenile got successfully fledged last year (2022) without being disturbed by the mining activities though some minor disturbance are observed in the nesting period due to noise pollution.  Both the Savana and Large-tailed Nightjars inhabits the Penden Limestone Mine at Satergang (Khanigoan)/Nyoenpaling (Pugli), Phuntshopelri, Samtse. It is thus, more advisable to leave some barren or abandoned mining benches for these and other species. The mining reclamation in future must be focused on birds’ habitats creation than just high value economic trees or land development purposes for buildings or structures.   

Figure 2: Savana Nightjar with two Juveniles at Penden Limestone Mine, 21^st April, 2022.

Thus, mining creates birds’ habitat rather than destroying the same as most environmentalist or regulators would see. The Black-throated Thrush also inhabits the abandoned benches. In what it looks so dry and unsystematic mining benches thrive beautiful birds’ species. Not far from the mining site at Pugli village, the first sighting of Black-headed Cuckooshrike (Lalage melanoptera) which was new to Bhutan shows that new species can also inhabit. It was recorded on 19^th May, 2021. It visits the same site annually in same season. Likewise, the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) which was second record to Samtse after 1960s and the Dark-sided Thrush (Zoothera marginata) from Pendenling (Gomtu) which is also a third record to Bhutan as per the experts are the significant records of various birds’ species in the vicinity of mining areas. The first record of Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Blyth) in Phuntshopelri, Samtse from Gomtu in January, 2023 was another milestone in Phuntshopelri Birds Lists to 223.

Figure 3: Large-tailed Nightjar at Penden Limestone Mine, 21^st April, 2022.

Having said this, we can’t be complacent to protect them in sync with our developmental activities. Birds are important species on earth and they play vital role in the ecosystem. Development in unity without having to comprise the lives of Birds and other species are of paramount important. The mining and any other industries must play active role in protecting and conserving the birds’ species. For example, the artificial vernal pool created by Penden Cement Authority Ltd. (PCAL) in one of their Mines in Phuntshopelri, Samtse is attracting birds and wild animals. The Dusky Thrush which is new record to Samtse was recorded by the side of this vernal pool. Likewise, we choose the plant species which attracts birds with its flowers for their natural habitats. The Ficus religiosa or pipal tree grows in a degraded area and its fruits are diets for many birds. The other tree species PCAL tried in Uttare Mines is the Coral tree/ Erythrina a fast-growing species in this region and its flowers attracts various birds’ species.

The industries and companies do practice eco-friendly operation but without an active employee or the leader with nature loving heart, the environmental mandates may be compromised. Thus, the industries and institutions ought to play proactive roles in conservation than the conservation organizations in reality. More industries and developmental activities are in pipelines and we can’t deny the economic progress of the country. Nevertheless, our efforts to conserve the birds’ species in vicinity areas of the existing and upcoming projects in the future is must.

 

Figure 4: Indian Paradise Flycatcher (Blyth) first record of this species in Phuntshopelri Gewog, Samtse from Pendenling (Gomtu) on 27th January, 2023 by Yoga Prasad Chapagai at his work place(PCAL) . The above photos were taken on 21st and 17th February, 2023 respectively. 

Mother’s Love

Thou Love Fair And Undying,

What Holds Thee Unconditional?

For Thou Young And Old Offspring,

Never Has Anyone Seen Thee Irrational! 

 

Thou Eyes Vigilant And Rich In Care,

Yet Unfortunates Ride Wrong Flight,

The Blessed Cherish Life Without Fear,

For Thou Love Always Shine Bright! 

 

Thou Hunger Ceases For Little And Giant,

Making Them Feed On Hard Labored Food,

For Thou Love Is Here Determined Blind,

Poor Some Still Fail To Understand The Root!

 

Let Thou Love Bless All A Lot,

May Thee Achieve The Merit Of Good Deed,

For Thee Came In Disguised Soul of God,

To Protect And Shower The Love In Need!

Picture source: Freepik.com 

Nurse Nurtures-The Art of Life!

In your arms I took my first breath,

In your arms I cried my voice in gust,

In your arms I suckled on soft breast,

In your arms I shall breathe out my last!

 

Your audacious voice was so soothing,

To my mother fighting with labor pain,

Your spotless hands were so bolstering,

Your service to the humanity not in vain!  

 

You’re awake in duty when I was asleep,

Sacrificed your precious life to save mine,

Your love and care for patients are deep,

Your act of compassion to embed in shrine!

 

I keep my hope in you when god fails,

I surrender my body second life to begin,

I listen to your story that tells life to sail,

I close my eyes in poise to animate again!  

 

My body and skin are delicate once again,

I come to your loving arms for final adieu,

I know my form this time would not regain, 

For you I owe nothing but immense thankyou! 

Picture source: Bridging Healthcare

The Bhutanese Exodus in The Wings of The Dragon!

 The people of Bhutan are considered one of the happiest human on earth. The small Himalayan Kingdom sandwiched between the two giants- Chaina in the north and India in the south is sometimes called the last Shangrila. The country is keeping its pace to move on with the everfast changing world under the visionary leadership of our Kings and the dynamic government.

The small country yet with the standards and values has led the western world believe in Bhutan. The unique tradition and culture with the highest priority in nature conservation attracts thousands of tourists annually. The very development philosophy of Gross National Happiness balancing the minds and the materialistic world is the core value of this small nation.

Bhutan is the only Carbon Negative Country in the World sequestring about 6 millions tons of Carbon annually by its pristine forest. The concept of biological corridors which connects all the national and nature reserve parks shall uphold the constitutional mandate of maintaining 60% of forest cover in all times to come.

With less than eight hundred thousands population, the country's economy depends on tourism, hydropower, agriculture and mining. The new tourism policy of 200$ per day per person as a Sustainable Development Fee( SDF) for international tourists came surprise for many but tourism policy of High Value Low Volume is what makes Bhutan unique from rest of the countries in world tourism industries. 

The covid-19 pandemic lately shook the world and Bhutan stood firm and handled the virus effectively than many of the most developed nations. Now with the new normal, BHUTAN Believe shall take a new path towards end of this year graduating from Least Developed Country ( (LDC).

With all these exemplary policies and enevrionment yet the young Bhutanese are opting greener pastures in Australia or Canada. Today almost every youth aspire to go Australia for study or work. The trend recently have been so strong that no one wants to miss the opportunity if they can afford. Earlier, only the government scholarships candidates and handful of privately funded master degree students were in the group. But,  today there are more undergraduates and diploma candidates opting Australia privately. Thus, making the numbers of Bhutanese leaving Australia alarmingly high for such a small nation.

Initially, Bhutanese leave for 2 years study and 3 years TRP work visa but most opt for permanent residence in Australia. The Bhutanese in Australia and overseas has made a significant contribution to the country through remittance and maintaining the foreign reserves. However, the question of who all will come back is a concern for all of us. People are already worried that only the senior citizens and  illiterates will be left behind. I warned myself and a friend that we are leaving our children behind to pursue the dream and those who are already in Australia not planning a kid even nearing 40s.

At first, dreaming a dream is beautiful but never an easy start when we have to leave our infants and young children back home with our old parents. It's always an emotional challenge and the attachments we have in the home to break and come out of comfort zone which makes it even harder. People, see it prosperous future for those who are opting Australia but we can't predict our fate with the money we earn.  Nevertheless, people are after the financial stability for themselves and thier children.

Visiting Thimphu and Paro these days are more of seeing off friends and family to abroad than just official or holiday visits. The only busiest and crowded city of our small country is becoming empty and silent daily with no charm as before. The shopkeepers say there are few customers and not a quarter sales as it used to be. The offices are with empty chairs and those who are still holding on to it are also trying their luck. The banks and passport sections are flooded by overseas aspiring candidates.

The trend is more contagious than a virus as even a most dedicated civil servents are leaving the system for abroad. The answer is definitely the greener pastures other sides and the less income in home land. But how much is more money and how much is less for the human desires? We suffer the same amount either in more or less and this is tricky in life. The answers for all the Australian exodus for now would be leaving for the future of our children and later we might regret them for being the largest diaspora in foreign land. Are we worrying much about their future too early forgetting thier childhood and our own manhood? I still have a doubt.

The early birds were those who caught the worms. The Debsi Town often called the Mini Australia and the early Australian cohort invested there for their dream house. They gave thier toughest five years or more in Australia and came back. However, the trend is already changing again with the permanent residence scheme and people are investing here itself. For example, the remittance curve for mid 2021 to end 2022 was negative. Hopefully, the curve gets reversed soon. The land price in Thimphu took a sudden fall recently from exorbitant price of Nu. 1 million per decimal to almost 50% less in Thimphu. The second hand vehicles price are bargained so much that buyers got abundant choices despite the extension of vehicles ban lift. The supply is more than the demand and is a concern for our small economy.

I just wish all these things gets back on track for our home land. Let that Crying Hill in Paro be Joyful Hill for the parents when thier children come back home. What if we put in the same hardships we do here in our own homeland? How long does it take Bhutan to move ahead with the modern world with her new national brand BHUTAN Believe? If only we all come back and invest with our skills and some savings, we give back what we got so far.

If only all those who left shall come back will the Wings of The Dragon continue!

Bideshi Sapna

Dallo Pari Gasko Bhari,

Boknay Maila,
Australia Po Janay Hare!

AbaTa Teoi Namla Lay Pani,
Dhuk Do Raicha Thaplo,
Bani Sarai BikReo Haw Hamro 2!

Usko Bhai Lay Pani,
Charan Jannay Gai Bechay Ra,
Guwali Ma Bannay Jarsi Gai Palaycha!

Hola Besi Dud Dincha Banayra 2,
Tara Kay Garnay Besi Paisa Ganayra 2!
Teo Hamro Mali Gailay Jhan,
Kati Mitho Dud Dintheo,
Sabai Jana Lai Pugtheo 2!

Bis Hajar Ko Hal Goru,
Bechay Ra Asi Hajar Ko,
Power Trailer Po Kinay Cha,
Suru Ma Ta Dherai Joteo,
Tara Hamro Malay Goru Banda Pani,
Dherai Breakdown Hudo Raicha,
Salay Lay Ghas Banda Dherai 2,
Tell Po Khoda Raicha, Kay Tha Malai 2!

Ani Usko Daju Pani,
Engineer Boni,
Salary Cum Bayo Bhani,
Dollar Ko Pachi Lagnay,
Sarai Bigreo Hamro Bani 2.

Yo Sapna HoKi Bipna Ho 2?
Jindagi Ta Asal Hunu Parnay,
Jhan Dodhar Po Vo 2 !

Dara Mathi Ko Chautara,
Ani Dhalnu Atay Ko Ghar Lay,
Heyri Rancha, Ani Gungunau Cha,
Yo Rai Sanyasi Ani Damai Lay Pani,
Sukayo Dhan Kheti,
Kati Dherai Phal Theo ,
Choti Dhan Ra Makai 2,
Khorsani Ra Alu Ropay Ra,
Bigareo Sabai ko Mati 2.

Khola Ko Sisnu Ghari Lay,
Parkhi Rancha Gai Goru Aucha Bani,
Ani Khola Lay Bancha, Na Parkhi Abo,
Sabai Australia Gayay Holan,
Mailay Pani Asar Ko Bhelbari,
Parkhay Ko Thuprai Sal Bhayo,
Katai Mero Jhor Pokhari Ko,
Mohan Pani Sukdai Po Gayo Ki 2!

Khola Kinar Ko ChapLati Dunga,
Eklai Gham Tapi Rahan Cha,
Sadai Pauri Khalay Ra,
Halfpant Ko Jumra Herdai,
Nangai Basnay Ghothalay Kayto Pani,
Khai Australia Nai Po Gayo Ki ?

Golaytar Ko Mailo Patalay Ko Kancho,
Sabai Gayay Australia,
Chodi Gharma Sano Nani Ra Buddi Ama,
Birsay Tinailay Afnoi Mutu Ko Mamata 2!

Thulay Ko Mummy Bhanchin,
Mailo Kancho Sabai Tadha Pardesh Gayay,
Thulay Ta Basidiyay Huntheo,
Mo Birami Huda Upachar Garnay,
Thulo Aar Theo 2.

Akha Bhari Asu Banai,
Mero Ama Tollai Rahanchin,
Ani Tallo Ghar Ko Kaka Lay Bhanchan,
Maila, abo Australia Gayay Ra,
Dollar Kamaunay Hola,
Tara Hamlai Nabirsi Kana,
Ghar Chai Pharkinu Hai,
Hamilay Napharkhay Pani,
Desh Lay Parkhi Rahanay Cha 3!

The Eternal Love!

My Heart Fears,

How Can I Explain?

My Eyes Bleed Tears,

These Unconditional Pain!

Missing You Is Limitless,

My Soul Will Search For You,

Life Without You Is Dreamless,

I Don't Wana Whisper You Adieu!

Time Runs Short,

Not To Think Of You,

Love Grows Like Sprout,

Yet, It's Akin To The Morning Dew!

I May Be Silent,

To The Extend By Far,

And Sometimes May Be Voilent,

But You Are To My Heart So Near! 

Leaving You Behind, 

Is Part Of Your Soul In Mine,

With All These Emotions Defined, 

I Wrap My Heart That I will Be Fine! 

My Body Will ,

One Day Become Mortal,

But My Soul Shall Be In Love Seal,

And My Love For You Shall Be Eternal!

Photo courtesy: Hongzhi Li

The Toilet-The Happiness Room!

My door is always closed but open for you all.

I will welcome everyone with all my joyful heart.

You can always make your visit at your nature call.

You can feel free to breathe your lungs out with fart.

I often serve you at the lowest pay for your highest job.

I see no rich or poor but offer my service at same rate.

I always maintain your privacy behind the closed knob.

I always care your waste well as you did just after you ate. 

You visit me with your sick face but you return with smile.

You walk confidently to your place with your relaxed mind.

I want you to be at your best health to walk strong extra mile.

These vital services I deliver to you all is never your hard find.

I do offer extra services to you beside preserving your feces.

For some I offer my room as their own hot chimney tower.

For some my safe space provide the briefest romance places.

I surrender you my secure space as it is under your full power. 

Yet I get the least gratitude from the same patient I treated.

I am being discriminated from the crowd as they see me stink.

I am being slammed back hard and now I feel totally betrayed.

This is really bad problem with you all and really got to think.

You disgraceful human being now I will tell you who does stink?

It is your shit that fusses in your nose when you don’t care me.

Remember I offered my utmost service when you couldn’t blink.

It is you who disclosed your privacy drawing on my walls for free.

My walls and pots are dirty and stained yet you ignore it willingly.

I am thirsty all the time yet you never bother me to serve a water.

Instead you attend me with sticks and stones choking me deeply.

Disgraceful and disloyal human being can’t you treat me any better?

You feel shy to clean me up openly because you seek dignity of labour.

You turn your back as soon as you get relaxed with your same ego, 

But you make your way up to touch me again if money is in favour.

These filthy conducts of brainy human being is the first thing to forgo.

Photo Source:Google 

Lockdown Fever Then!

When the doors are closed, the windows are always open. So, let us look outside from inside. This lockdown may be nightmare for many of us but blessing in disguise for those who live the real life. It is the time to unlock ourselves inside out. It is the time we explore what is really Inside. Inside our house. Inside our garden. Inside our community. Inside our country and most importantly inside our Mind. 

Is our house clean enough to be safe from any common diseases not to mention the deadly Virus called COVID-19 which has paralyzed the whole World? Does our house qualify to be called as Home with love and peace within? For we are guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Do we have some flowers in the garden to beautify our surrounding? Do we have some fruits and vegetables at least for self consumption? If not our National goal for self sufficiency would remain as far dream. Does our community have same goal and mindset? Or do we simply leave it to the elected Local Government Leaders? We are fortunate Bhutanese under the leadership of our visionary Monarchs and dynamic leaders. Our country is the only Carbon Negative Country in the World which is our pride in all times to come. Our small country has handled this COVID-19 pandemic efficiently while most of the powerful nations  struggled.

The National lockdown was like a relief period for us unlike in other unfortunate countries. Few of us might have stranded in other places but our relatives and friends would be more than happy for the uninvited guest. Further, the government explored the alternatives of reaching out to the stranded people. What could we expect more than the essential goods and medical services delivered at our door steps. Do we really needed our frontline workers who were constantly safe guarding the porous border to simultaneously monitor us in those lockdown when there was a clear instruction from the government?. We had the easiest job in hand then to follow the lockdown protocols by staying at home. Where is our integrity as proud Bhutanese? It wss the time to reflect on old cliche of Being Human and Human Being. It is our mindset who we really are. It is the inner seeking that unfolds the purpose of life be it in worldly or spiritual path. 

While in the lockdowns, let me tell you the inside story of my garden besides fruits and vegetables in it. The Asian Koel often keeps on visiting my kitchen garden among many other feathered beauties. Bird watching has fascinated me over the years to feel the Nature closely. Some research concluded that bird watching helps mental stability. Some relate to meditation and this is an intriguing facts that I have come across my Birding journey. Yes to me it is more than just watching as one will be engrossed in the beauty of it. It develops patience with our mind constantly at the present moment which is one basic fact of meditation if I am not wrong. The breathe you hold to capture the birds in your frame after waiting them for minutes to hours is another fact of building the patience and breathing practice. Above all one shall begin to feel the real life with Nature. 

Let me share some metaphor of our life with this beauty. This brood parasite beauty sings aloud in Spring to Summer and becomes silent in Winter. Brood parasitism unfortunately happens in human too resulted due to unsuccessful marriage and divorce. It is a sad reality of human being. Where is that bond of love and promises that ended up to be a soul mate. Need to reflect on the cliche “Marriages are made in Heaven and solemnized on Earth”. The female birds are dull usually unlike male which are colorful and alluring. However, this beauty is exceptional with dark brown and white patches making colorful to her male partner which are in metallic black. While in humans its just an opposite make up where woman need to be more colorful and beautiful for a man who may soon turn to be the beast. Do we really need a beautiful face or beautiful heart to be a good human being?

They have time for everything right from mating to sleeping while we humans have jeopardized the whole system. We eat wrong food and we drink intoxicated water  after knowing the consequences. We are awake at night with an excuse of busy urban life and sleep the whole day. If we go to bed and rise at the same time bird does, most of us can lead a blissful life. They are so much synced with Nature and it’s existence but we humans are always against the Nature  in many ways. It’s is their ability to coexist so well in Nature where there is a possibility for human too. We need to cultivate our inner mind to coexist with nature and finally to find our own Human Nature.

Life In A Hospital~Some Reflections & Lessons!

Our forefathers probably didn't see a hospital in their lives but our generations life begins there and ends there. The first lap for them was their mothers while today's millennial was a the trained nurses in the labor room. It was then either at home or in the forest with or without delivery team. They were delicate and soft probably with closed eyes yet they grew strong and lived 100. The millennial was just opposite with open eyes to wink to the nurses and looked healthy yet it is hard for us to make through 60s. It was more of natural birth and healthy life they lived through unlike us in era of chemicals and drugs. We are the most advanced and comfortable generation to live on earth with the sophisticated technology today yet neither technology nor God is able to make humans most wished goal to live healthy and long possible. This is the irony of life.

Thus, one is sure to visit the hospitals atleaset thrice in a life time even if one is healthy and strong. Some unfortunate ones live most of thier lives in hospitals with uncertain illness or fateful accidents. For them, the wards become thier home and the health professionals working there become their family. I had the privilege to born on my mother's lap not in hospital but I couldn't escape the fate of hospital wards both as a patient and an attendants to my family. As a patient one goes through the stages of healing and new life again and as an attendant one goes through the reflections phases and realization.

There is another hope of life when you recover and rise from the bed. The gratitude and thankfulness you owe to the doctors and nurses swells in your heart and they simple take it through your recovering faces. The doctor-patient relationships is simply the communication of silence. The most fulfilling moment of doctors and nurses are when their patients recover back to life and the worst is when some unfortunate ones breathe their last on their laps. The routine continues and life goes on. Their noble job of 24 hours service to the human lives is simply unmatched with rest of the jobs. 

Their patience for patients is the test of their mental toughness and the professionalism they display. Since they are treating sick person not a normal human being which are bound to abnormal reactions and abusive nature of patients sometimes. The attendants may also out of frustration abuse the staffs and often the blame game of carelessness surfaces if patient dies despite their best efforts. The disabled and mental patients are more challenging to handle. What if one gets an emergency call at midnight or early hour 2:00 am call? The health professionals can't deny because they don't want their patients to die. 

To see all these affairs one has to be a patient or an attendant but only few see it to appreciate and rejoice the life. Because nobody wants to come hospital but they want to live healthy. It is not their choice but the result of open secret of unhealthy diet. If this is a place where life starts and the place must be life inspiring than place of despair instead. Whether one is sick or not, the place is of worship and life thriving. The prayers are heard more in hospitals than in church or temples because both the patients and health professionals put in their actions for life process. The touch (physical check) of a doctors and nurses to their sick patients heals more than by the medicine they prescribed them. Further, the soft words or communication with the patients simply does miracles because the humans are more mental and emotional than physical. Thier emotional response is more powerful than physical in recovery aspects. I have heard and seen the stern nurses and doctors but they do the best treatment among the professionals.

Health and education are given the utmost priority in any nation and Bhutan is no exception. We are fortunate to have life long free health services. Thanks to our visionary Monarchs and the government. When we have the top priority service it is definitely one of the  best services we are getting yet many don't agree because they feel it is one sided service. Their mandate is to get a token and be in a queue unless serious but we loose patience to wait. After sometimes, the queue gets broken and we start rushing. The queue continues from 9:00 am till 3: 00 pm and just imagine the load one person is taking inside the chamber. The services would be best served if both the party gets into each other's shoe sometimes. 

If you are not an OPD patient, you get to live the service they provide inside the ward right from food to your medicine. I can say we have the best nurses/GNM/HA and support staffs in the wards where ever I stayed as a patient or an attendant.  I recall my first NS drop at Damphu hospital where my father was attending me day and night. There my life was hanging in each drop of the Normal Saline. I was literally bed ridden for a week and hardly move. I used to attend myself at night gazing at each drop of NS after my dad falls asleep on the floor below my bed. I was making sure that no blood from my body should flow back to the NS bottle- the common misconception then. So, I used to let my father's Kera-belt loose down to his face to wake him up and call the nurse to change it. After I was referred to JDWNRH in Thimphu, I had a sound sleep as there were more staffs to take care of the patients. I miss those three times meal on time. We have no proper meal time at home which is killing us slowly. If we are to follow the hospital and monasteries meal time, we would invite less diseases.

It is a relieving moment to see the staffs taking the charge of their respective shifts duty from thier colleagues  in morning or evening. They make sure that patients history and medication for recovery are not taken for granted. The next moment comes more curious when doctors visit each patient to see thier progress. Some patients eagerly waiting for their discharge to rush home like they got freedom from prison. And that is the moment where they show thier hidden manner to stand or atleast sit on patients's tool after they wake from the vacant bed available next to the patient. Some attendants are mistaken for patients when doctors find them in deep sleep without medical prescription history on the edge of the bed. An innocent village attendant gets a call in a loud ring tone and he receives with louder response to the caller. The doctor and his staffs stand astonished when they were busy discussing the patients history. The nurse asks him to go out and attend and he is guided to the washroom to continue attending his call. There was a critical patient with soaring body temperature and fever which might invite convulsion. The brother ask the attendant to sponge his forehead to body trying to explain the consequences but the attendant was busy in phone. The long call ends and brother asks her to sponge the sick son. The mother replies , " let me finish my rosary beads count". Brother smiles and digest his frustration with compassion.

Despite free three times meal to the patients and to some attendants yet we expect our friends and relatives residing nearby by to drop delicious meals. We focus on taste not in healthy diet which is an open crime against oneself. We are what we eat and we know least about eating right food and quantity. We all know we eat to live not live to eat yet food is the least concern we give. We have probably forgotten what the hunger is because we have forgotten what life is too. Thus, no food serves it purpose. We have to clean this mental mess. 

The housekeeping is next to food in the hospital if any one of us have observed it. One can see the staffs cleaning the ward twice in a day-mopping and wet cleaning. However, as we reach the wash rooms and toilet areas, it is common to observe that those places are again neglected as Chaplop Passu sir always mentions and he has a beautiful message about toilet culture in Bhutan in his PaSsu Diary page. When it comes to the toilet culture we are poor in its management right from the space design to housekeeping. One would find only the door sized room toilet and healthy sized man would find himself suffocated. The flush tank would either be nonfunctional or missing in many cases. The only water connected to the toilet has its tap sticked to the wall just to fit in the small jug below. 

The worst part is people don't flush it properly be it in wards or public toilet. I wonder, if they do same in their home. This is a serious lack of self discipline. People don't leave even to spit the chewing doma in the pot and walls they come across. The floors are often cleaned but we neglect the walls and corners with spiders web around. The window panes are stained with either doma spit or tobacco leaves. So, what you do when you are sharing such toilets or washrooms? We have no other option than to clean it ourselves and make it homely. One need to involve in the act to get the result. Many won't understand and they lack simple discipline of life and they just leave it to others. The rest areas in hospitals or offices are all as per 5S policy except toilets. The area where we are supposed to keep cleanest is the dirtiest. It is bad. This area needs to be seriously looked into for clean Bhutan.  

The Tourist Within by Tshering Denkar

 

The Tourist Within by Tshering Denkar is about the amusing and thrilling stories of travel, nature, culture & tradition and some history of Bhutan. The book is divided into three chapters of Moments, Faces and Places. The author has put her persuasive story telling aptitude to hook the readers in every story until they complete the book. The narrative stories of her travel are inspiring and the documentary information of the places are truly enlightening. 

The first chapter takes us through her beautiful journey right from how it all began. The author reflects inner calling of her passion into reality when she was asked, 'How is the world outside?' by her inmate student in Thailand. She then decided to come back home and explore Bhutan as a first female solo travel blogger & vlogger.

Her first solo trip to Phobjikha in Wangdue would make us engrossed in the story where she meets crane Karma all by himself with his own reflection in the mirror. Coincidently the author begins her travel odyssey from the prison cell of this injured Karma and of her students back in Thailand. Her travel dream gets birth in the closed cells for herself and to the world outside. The Bhutanese belief of stepping in the heap of cow-dung came true for Tshering Denkar when she first set her foot on the valley of cranes. 

The stories from hitch-hiking in Doyas village in Samtse in the south to walking up the snowcapped mountains in the north would make us mesmerized. Many of us would be surprised to know that we have one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world-the Gankar Puensum. Will it remain virgin as it is in future or are we curious to explore it? Well the present status may carry more value than later. There, we have the world’s most expensive fungus plant called Cordyceps Sinensis (yartsa guenbub) which fetches about Nu.1.5 million to Nu.2.7 million per kg.

Likewise, the travel stories of Haa in the west to Merak in the east would never make you bore but keeps on rousing. Many of us would know more about our own home town and places after this book. For example, I was never aware of how my district town got her name Damphu having spent all my teenage years till high school graduation to this date. Thanks to Denkar’s Gateway. The hike to the most visited Tiger Nest-Paro Taktshang would make many of you nostalgic and of course remind the spiritual journey of one’s life. The toilet in the bush with 360° view of nature is to laugh your lungs out and for me it was a cowboy vertical view memory from a tree top and the sharp edge huge rock. Toilet culture in Bhutan is yet to be worked out right from homes to institutions to public toilets. It is a sad reality that many of us might have just left to the wet sweepers in public toilets to our baby sitters at home until we did ourselves in some foreign lands for few dollars. Thanks to Bhutan Toilet Organization for taking the right path.

The second chapter is more stimulating with the people she met and inspired more in her journey. One should be fortunate enough and brilliant to get the individual royal audience by His Majesty the King which she made it with her works. Isn’t it amazing to hear the stories of travel and other golden words from our own God Father? Many would live the dream of seeing His Majesty in person and this book brings you closer to the dreams of every Bhutanese. She also shares the brief moment with our Great Fourth.

Further, the inspiring stories of Denakar’s Gateway will never keep your eyes off every page you flip and wish the book continues. The story of Nomad Kencho and Tashi would melt your hearts that they are the ones who are keeping the culture of Yak herding and guarding the mountains in the fast paced world of modernization in capital city and other parts of the country. Her local travels would inspire many to explore the nearby places rather than dreaming for far foreign places. All places on earth are equally beautiful in its own way until we explore it passionately. We always think more of outside and seldom visit our inside nature. We have blessed pilgrims’ sites and temples yet people wants to travel far and out for more blessings. We have beautiful places to visit yet we want to take a luxurious vacation trips to some foreign lands. This book will definitely help us in turning inside rather than outside for our basic goal in life is to see within ourselves and live the life.

The last chapter will bring you more stories of places and its history. You will travel with Denkar to all the corners of Bhutan where many of us have not even explored our own hometown. The stories of freezing mountains in the north to the scorching plains to the south will bring you more present history of Bhutan than what a past history you read in your primary to high school. When we talk about history, the least heed we give it to because we were misguided that the subject is only for the Arts students. But one should realize our life is history in making and at least our children would read it if not others.

The stories of places should make us feel proud of how the places are named and its historical legacies that we live today. Her stories would attract more tourist and help boost the tourism industry in future for our economy but what is more important is that how every Bhutanese got to preserve and continue the legacy of beautiful Bhutan. Where would be the next cleanest village in our country next to Khetokha? Aren’t we excited to create another such village, community, town, for the high end tourism country? List are long for all of us to explore and her work would definitely encourage local tourism and you may come across the new word and subject called Dark Tourism and Waddling Tour.

This book is master piece of travel literature for those who want to explore Bhutan but no less piece of art to the blogger, writers, authors, historians, nature lover, environmentalist, so on. While the book sounds bit touristic but it has more insight to nature and environment than mere travel and history. Her stories of climbing the mountains and melting glaciers lake, there is a message to the world, how climate change is affecting the small tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.   

The book undoubtedly shall promote tourism through the stories of our unique traditions and culture right from food to dress code. The local tourism may boom sooner or later. The book is must for every tourist guide and I am sure there won’t be any facetious stories our guide has to tell the tourist like someone did for the Mebar Tsho- the burning lake in Bumthang valley. It inspires the film industry to make the documentary films may be the Mountain Girl or relevant movies from the stories.

The aboriginals Lhops (Doyas) community from the south to the nomads in the north are few realities of culture and traditions as tiny Kingdom embraces the ever changing world of 21^st century. The other minorities culture right from mother tongue to food is already in the verge of dying and this book is the reminder for all of us to hold on to our culture and tradition for Gross National Happiness. The rate at which Bhutanese leaving for greener pastures in foreign lands are alarming and will our children ever continue to stay back home and uphold these values, traditions and culture? Let this book be a guide lesson to our children and to the leaders.

I found my own passion subject in the very first page of the first chapter of the book and I guarantee bird lovers would never regret this book as you will find the location check list of rare birds like Beautiful Nuthatch to critically endangered White-bellied Heron. The birders would find more birding hotspots through the stories like in Jigmechu in Tala and Dewathang in the east.

The Tourist Within shall inspire and motivate countless mind especially the women across the country and around the globe for breaking the barriers of woman in the kitchen mindset society. The men will be equally motivated. The very title of the book itself is liberating for many. For example, our human nature is always outside centric and not inside. The wise are the ones who seeks themselves first and outer world later. The book also reminds us of the royal vison of Bhutan First and His Majesty’ quote, “We must breathe Bhutan”. The book will definitely inspire thousands of souls beyond Bhutan.

I have visited number of places from the book and I would take my family and loved ones for sure in future and add to my travel list. I am passing this great book to my wife and my daughters. You can also gift it to your children.