Of Lochoes, Juvenile Monks and Economics

In 2011 

Couple of days ago, I was in my wife's place. I was there to attend an annual offering ritual popularly known among Bhutanese folks as Lochoe. Having missed two such Lochoes while I was away for my studies, it was my father-in-law's intention to have a grand one this year. To do that, he was willing to spend his entire two months pension income for the same. And expected nothing less from me and my wife. It is understandable because Lochoe to an ex-monk, I think means somethings that transcends mundane description. So to make him happy I think we did our best. We have no savings but as a civil servant, we took our salary in advance.

Pictures From Lemjakha

Here are some pictures I captured in Lemjakha. Lemjakha is actually my wife's place. It is under Toeb Gewog of Punakha. For slow walkers, it takes little over 30 min from Thinleygang town. It is connected with Thinleygang town by a farm road, that looks more like a drain. But when the weather is dry, it takes little over 10 min for average car to make there.

Happy New Year 2014

Well what can I say now? 2013 is gone for good. All I can see around are few crazy people, seemingly busy with their mobile phones sending each other an endless new year wishes. some too lazy to type their own, are seen forwarding the very messages they received from others. I think some people are welcoming the new year with anything but with a plagiarism without a guilt.

Reflection and Contemplation Day

Today is 21/12/2013 and I take it as a very special day of my life. This is because one year ago, for no apparent reason, I decided to make 21st December(s) as my reflection and contemplation day. I remember writing a post that day. I think wrote a post thanking few beautiful people including my Kings. I also remember making a wow to write about some more people who have played a role in making my life beautiful, meaningful and memorable.

FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives in Bhutan

Bhutanese Officials receiving the FIFA World Cup Trophy.

 20/12/2013 will be a very memorable day, not only for football fans but also for those people who have come all the way around the red aircraft (as shown in the picture).
Look at the picture above!. Almost all the people working in Paro airport are out to have a glimpse of the most coveted sports trophy landing in Bhutan.  I am surprised because some of the biggest Rimpoches' and lamas' did not have that many people to receive them! 

FIFA Trophy

Although there was no display of the trophy, the overwhelming crowd refused to leave the craft side. To some of my friends, I had to tell them that the trophy is hidden in three identical boxes and its safely locked and cleared already by the security officials. But most of them wouldn't listen.

As a Customs official, I had the privilege of inspecting the boxes from outside. They all look so good and secured. I didn't  know which box contained the gold cup. Along with me was my other colleague doing the inspection. And both of us made sure that we at least touched the boxes. Later, while we were inspecting the podium and other shipments, I told him to touch them as well and we both laughed.

106th National Day post

In celebrating our national day on 17/12/2012, (i.e one year ago) I posted our national anthem and the picture of our beloved Kings on my blog. It was our 105th national day then. Now that its 17/12/2013, we are celebrating 106 years of progress and happiness one more time. 

Some Similarities Between the Korean and Bhutanese Architecture

I took the pictures below in Suwon, another city in South Korea south of Seoul city. All the pictures are in the vicinity of King Jungjio's palace. By the way King Jungjio was the 22nd King of the Joseon Dynasty. The guide told me that King has been the most powerful and popular king of all time. However he lived a troubled personal life because of his political rivals. Surprisingly, the rival was his own grandmother, who was just 16 yrs old that time. The place is full of history.   

Most of the structures, I was told were rebuilt after being destroyed. Once in Korean war one by the invading forces of Japan. It is now UNESCO heritage site. 

Nelson Mandela and Korean Beauty

Nelson Mandela

Yesterday, the hot news in the main stream media was the death of a man who, I believe, lived his life in service to the humanity. Former President of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla "Madiba" Mandela, was a known freedom fighter. The way he rose from his humble background to fight against the discriminatory policies based on the skin colour of his countrymen is all the more admirable. Many leaders around the world think that his death is a great loss to this entire humanity. Therefore, he will be missed dearly everywhere. And on this sad occasion, I would like to join the world community in remembering and paying respect to this great soul. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

And here is another thing I would like to write:

When I was planning my travel to South Korea, besides the low temperature and importance of having warm cloths, there was another thing that my friends talked to me; -Beautiful South Korean People. Yes, I was told that I would have the opportunity to feel like the ugliest person on the planet. I think they must have meant beauty externally. But I took it otherwise. I have known South Korean people to be not only beautiful form outside, but from inside too. Perhaps that is why I presume many youngsters in Bhutan are trying to copy the looks of Korean people. 

But when I actually reached Seoul, I came to know from a guide as to how much Korean people care to look beautiful Externally! He told me that to compete in a job, the first thing one need is to look beautiful. He calls it as a first impression. Now it seems that there is a competition among Korean youngsters not only for jobs, but also in their looks. By looking at the numbers of plastic surgery clinic around, it says it all.

Anyways, plastic surgery or rubber surgery, its up to every individuals to decide. Go for it if you have the means. In Korea, I was told that it would cost USD 5500/- to just to lower the nose by an inch.

But for me, three night stay was enough for me to fall in love with that beautiful country. Seoul, the capital city is wonderful. Everything is so so beautiful there, The streets are beautiful. Food is beautiful and yummy (although little expensive) cars are beautiful (and unlike Gujarat,cars never honk) and so are girls and ladies, Kids are beautiful andeven men are looking beautiful too. 

Update From Seoul, South Korea

I went to Seoul, South Korea representing Bhutan Customs administration to I attended a seminar on "Fight Against Cross-Border Crimes in Asia Pacific region". As a panelist, I also gave a short presentation on Tobacco free policies and administrative outcomes in Bhutan. I think the presentation went well. I spoke little bit on our recent Tobacco control law. I tried my best to convince the floor as to why Bhutan Government is justified in passing a 'harsh' and 'unmerited' law.  

Plight of Building Wall in Punakha. Part One

Our House in Punakha

As I said in my earlier post, I had the most busiest weeks of my life in my recent past. I found my self engaged hundred percent; both officially and personally. I told my wife about how much rest I deserve (after my masters course in Economics) but the irony is that I found myself engaged even on the weekends.

November is Here

First up, I would like to wish our beloved king a very happy coronation day. May his Majesty live long and continue to guide us and bless us. Secondly, I feel sorry for not being able to tend my blog for so many days. Believe me, each day I look at my blog, it broke my heart.. It pained my heart to see my blog become like a haunted house.

Transfer Time!

After eight long years in Paro, I am finally planning my maiden transfer to a Place other than Paro. In eight years of my service, I had the opportunity of serving my office to the best of my ability. It was pleasure working in, what many people say a "sensitive place". In terms of work knowledge, I have profited immensely under various Regional Directors. I had the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated and resourceful officers and inspectors alike. Some day I would like to write a separate post on this. 

But for now, let me write as to why I have to move from this beautiful place. I have both official and personal reasons. Le me keep my personal inconveniences aside.

Thanks to Typhoon Phailin

Thanks to typhoon Phailin in Odhisa, it was rain for three consecutive days in Paro. Downpour was ferocious; lot bigger than the ones we normally get to see in monsoon. The cold wave was bitter. It engulfed the entire valley in no time and sent many people rushing for jackets and heaters!

Longchen Thongdrel Consecrated

Final Thongdrol of Longchenapa

Models

His eminence the Namkhai Nyingpo Rimpoche consecrated the Thongdorl of Kuenkhen Longchen on 12th Oct 2013 inThimphu. The Thongdrol worth more than million Nu was built by the people of Shingkhar village along with the support of other Longchen devotees across the country. My cousin monk who took active part in the process told me that it is to purely to bring harmony and happiness not only in Shingkhar, but also in Bhutan and world at large. Thongdrol will be soon taken to Shingkhar and will be unfurled once in a year coinciding with the annual Shingkhar Rabney.

Happy Royal Wedding Anniversary Post

I would like to join my fellow country men and women in wishing our beloved King and Queen, yet another happy royal wedding anniversary. May their unison last till eternity and may they continue to be the guardian of our peace and happiness for eons. 

Bonfire with Heated Arra

Usually I am a sober person and I normally do not drink much. But today I am happy and I am little drunk as well. I don't know the exact reason myself. However I would like to admit that we have a very important guest (VIP). I am told that our Finance Minister has specifically ordered to arrange a dinner honoring the Secretary general (SG) of WCO and the Head of ROCB for Asia Pacific Region who are here on a good will visit.

By the way, WCO means, World Customs Organization and ROCB means Regional Office for Capacity Building (for customs)

I am writing this post, drunk, but touched altogether. I feel wordless to thank the Secretary General, WCO and the Head of ROCB AP for visiting our country. I am deeply moved by the kind of affection WCO have for Bhutan Customs administration.  Even in my drunken  mood, I am hopeful that such affection, care and gesture will go a long way in furthering the capacity of our administration. Thank you WCO and Thank you ROCB AP.

We are Bloggers

On 23 Sept, few fellow bloggers have initiated a blogger's meet in Thimphu. I got the invitation a week before. So thank you Passa, Sogyel, Nawang and Riku. You can read more about it on Passu's blog @http://www.passudiary.com. 

I remember attending one such meeting in 2011. Back then I met not only senior bloggers like Mr. Dorji Wangchuk, Mr, Jurmi Chowing, Mr, Tshering Tashi, Mr. Tashi Pelyang, Ms. Sonam Peldon, Ms. Manju Whakley but I also had the opportunity of meeting many budding Bhutanese bloggers too. I still remember the lively conversation and a sumptuous dinner we had at Aue Dorji Wangcguk's residence. 

Training Experience I Shared during the Closing Ceremony

Honorable Director, respected expert mission from RILO AP, respected commissioners, seniors and my dear colleagues. Today I, on behalf of my trainee friends and on my own behalf, stand here to briefly share our experiences about capacity building program mentioned under.

Office of the RILO AP and DRC has initiated a capacity building program for Bhutanese Customs Officials. Three day workshop on “Intelligence Analysis & Risk Management using the CEN Database” was conducted by Dr. Gryphon Sou, Mr. Wang Liang and Ms. Sung Im Lee from RILO AP. 

Ketamine from Bhutan to Thailand

Disclaimer: I am a Customs Officer. But please be informed that views expressed here are my own and in no way represents the views of my office.

Image courtesy: www.moct.net

Few days ago, we all saw the news of a Bhutanese woman being nabbed for running an errand in Thailand go viral. Every soul now knows that she was involved in smuggling of a dangerous psychotropic substance called Ketamine worth Bt.15 million in Bangkok airport. It is very unfortunate case!. 

As a Customs Officer who work in Paro airport, I am hurt by Miss Zhimo's reckless act. The news of her arrest brought us not only shame but also pain in equal proportion. We were blamed at and ridiculed. She made our office look like a total failure. She disappointed not only Bhutanese and the Thais, but also those donor agencies who have, so far helped us in capacity building.

Pictures From My Chelela Camping

Name it.