Many happy returns to my self :)

I didn't have time to write a blog post after posting day 1 in Bhutan. I was too busy enjoying my limited time here, traveling and browsing places, meeting old and new friends, taking photographs to make sure I have all the memories for me to keep, feeling the warmth of families who have uphold families values in Bhutan despite what happened mostly in current situation,  picnicking, drinking, and so on.  

Today is my last day staying in Bhutan. Tomorrow I will have to fly back to where I came from. I'm not sure when I will be able or if I will be able to come back here again. But I always made this trip as if it's my last so that I would treasure more on my present moments and live life to the fullest. Not only for myself, but also for others. But many were optimistic enough expressing that I will come back again. Some even wanted me to come here once every year hehe... I don't dare to expect much as I am afraid of disappointment. However, let nature takes its course ba!

So, yesterday was my birthday. Another year has passed. My age has increased one year at figure. However, people here in Bhutan were all too kind to me to believe when I told them I was only 23 years old. Passu was even trying to make me happy yesterday by asking what was my secrets of youth that I looked just like his high school students hahaha...

Well, wherever I went people were all wondering and curious about my age. But people here didn't really bother if I was saying the truth about my age because as long as what I told them was justifiable with my look, they were content enough. Hahaha...

Noodles eating on Birthday means long live :)

I woke up early at 5 am yesterday to get myself prepared for the journey back to Thimphu from Bumthang. Our bus left at 6.30 am. Before leaving, I had two plates of fried noodles made by Riku's sister (Lachi didn't want it so I had her portion of noodle - that's why I took two plates :P it was delicious anyway hehe...). She wanted to ensure that we were full and had warm stomach before leaving and had energy to go through our 10-hour journey. Thank you Muna sis! She was also the first one who shook my hands and wished me Happy Birthday followed by her husband, Suneet, who had been so kindly letting me stay at their house, inviting me for their picnic, and brought me for a quick 1-day tour around many Lhakhangs and also the famous Mebar Tsho or known as The Burning Lake. I am grateful for both of you kindness and hope many happiness will return to you and your families too!

Lachi and I had a smooth and fast journey back to Thimphu. We reached at 4.30 pm and directly went home to unpack and take a bath before going for meeting with seven Bhutanese bloggers and one Singapore blogger, Yee JJ, who is also a politician. There were total 9 of us and we met at the Dept of Youth and Sports' cafeteria. 

Bloggers meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan

I was glad that finally being able to meet Passu in person (later on I managed to meet his wife and daughter), Nawang Phuntso, Sogyel Tobgyel, Peldhen Sonam Nima or PSN who came directly from Paro, Dema Yangzom (the only Bhutanese woman blogger who appeared yesterday - Oh where were the rest of Bhutanese women bloggers hiding to? I thought I could meet more of them), Riku Dhan Subba, and our Joker for the night who was complaining whose phone kept ringing like hell which actually belongs none other than himself, Tshering C. Dorji :)

In Bhutan liquor is a must in every gathering.  There were K5, Special Courier, Raven white wine, and also ara from Bumthang. It melted our hearts in a cold night and allowed us having a warm and hearty conversations over the bonfire. 

It's not very common for me to experience bonfire in Singapore. Maybe never had it before there. The last time I had maybe during Senior High School time back in Indonesia. It felt good ya to have that in this cold weather. I could feel my both cheeks hot and red like apples (not tomatoes :P). We had dinner and drink, having a great time. 

There was no birthday cake on my birthday. No celebration either. I received many well and warm wishes from families and friends through what's app and Facebook. Thank you very much for remembering and wishing it for me!!! 

Later on I received only one present and card at night. Oh I was wondering when was the last time I received a birthday card. Since Internet was so commonly available, everyone would only prefer to send their wishes online. So I was very happy receiving the birthday card and the present.  

My birthday present :)

Actually when I was in Bumthang, I entered into a shop and was thinking of buying these 8 lucky objects in Buddhism but was made of paper but I found the price was too expensive for such material so I thought of finding it in Thimphu. I never thought I would get it as if he could read my mind and know what I want. Thank you Riku! I love it so much :)

Thank you again everyone, especially to Riku, who made my trip to Bhutan memorable and I have had wonderful time during these 3 weeks and simply feel so grateful for everything that has happened to me. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!! :)