Whether it is because it is such a small country with few people which opened to tourism only a few years ago, or because of the King's campaign to promote "Gross National Happiness", the people here are wonderful. They are happy and sweet and always willing to help.
In elementary school, they learn English as a second language which is why all the signs everywhere are in both languages. They have a recycling campaign, don't allow those nasty grocery bags in the country (no white plastic blowing across the landscape - thank you), have bins everywhere requesting citizens and visitors alike to "pitch in", and much more.
The streets are some of the cleanest I have seen in Asia.
Everywhere you see pictures of the King and his wife. I asked if that was law, and was told that they love their royal family and so gladly display their pictures in shops, hotels and on the name badges of hotel workers where I stay.
Which is the real beauty in Bhutan. I cannot state enough how wonderful the hotels here are. From the Taj Tashi in Thimpu to the Uma hotel chain in Paro and Punaka, employees bend over backward to make sure that your stay is a good one.
I am also in love with the Uma Paro as one of the best hotels I have stayed in throughout my career in the travel industry! Everyone is assigned a personal butler. I would love to pack Garab, my personal butler, in my suitcase and take him home. He makes spa appointments, brings me breakfast in bed, encourages me to eat foods that won't burn my mouth off and makes sure my villa is spotless. he even folds and hangs my clothes. All of this with a bow and a smile continually ....and an occasional joke. The Bhutanese people have a great sense of humor!
I love Bhutan and the Uma Paro and Garab, my butler....and the closer I get to my flight home...the sadder I get.
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