This morning we attended the second day of the Tshechu Festival in Thimphu. We went early in the morning and I think all of Thimphu did the same to avoid the heat of midday. What I think is really nice about the festival, is that tourists make up a fraction of one percent of the crowed. You know you are watching an authentic event for the Bhutanese people and not an event tailored for tourists.
Before heading back to the city centre for lunch we went inside the Tshechu Dzong. The festival use to he held in the courtyard of the Dzong, but it is too small for the number of people who attend so the area just outside the Dzong was built for the festival. Once again I find it impossible to describe the inside of the temple, it was spectacular. You are not allowed to take photos in any temples in Bhutan, so since I can't give temples the justice in words they deserve, you will have to come and see them for yourself.
After lunch we went up to an enclosure above the city to see deer and the national animal Takin. At one time these animals had been part of a zoo, but the king ordered the zoo to close since it did not follow the Bhutanese way of life. However when the animals were released in to the wild they kept returning to the city. For their safety the enclosure was built to house them.
After visiting the enclosure we went to a local farmers market, lots of chillies and spices on sale as well as a big variety of fruit and vegetables.
After the market I had a browse amongst the Bhutanese craft stalls.
By the way I passed the 500th photo milestone today!
Tomorrow we walk up to the Tigers nest monastery, I just hope I'm up to it since I'm coming down with a cold.
Phil
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