Australia Bhutan Friendship Association (ABFA) News

For those who don't know...

In 2004 an unknown cricket team went to India in search of one last glorious innings. They made history in the Kingdom of Bhutan!

Like so many kids, they once dreamt they'd be famous cricketers, representing their country. But funnily enough, things haven't turned out that way.

So 20 years later, on the cusp of sporting oblivion, they return to the game they loved as boys and form The Guild Cricket Club - former backyard heroes assembled on the strength of their imagination more than natural ability. They set their sights on India in search of one last glorious innings.

Building to an historic showdown in the Kingdom of Bhutan, BEYOND THE BACKYARD is the remarkable story of The Guild Cricket Club's bold quest for a little sporting glory.

The film was recently nominated for Best Screenplay at the Palermo International Sport Film Festival.

You can view the trailer at:

http://www.suitcasemurphy.com/index_01.html

or on YouTube at:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HXjg_tjuAQE

Further information can be seen under OTHER LINKS in the Left Hand Column of the website.

THE GREAT TRAIN SHOW is a 16-episode podcast series hosted by Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and well-known train enthusiast.

Featuring a tantalising mix of rail news and engaging stories from and about the world of rail, the series is very much built around the show’s host. Well known for his great passion and near-encyclopaedic knowledge on the subject, it will draw on Tim’s extensive knowledge of all facets of the industry here in Australia and internationally.

Each week Tim will present a round-up of the week’s rail news and will focus on issues affecting the industry today. The series will highlight heritage rail operations around the world including some of the best steam locomotive recordings available.

Tim is also keen to hear from rail enthusiasts with their stories and ideas and will feature interviews with unique railway characters recalling their behind-the-scenes experiences.

"The 21st Century is seeing a worldwide swing back to rail as a mode of transport, both passenger and freight" says Tim Fischer, "Join me on THE GREAT TRAIN SHOW for an express ride on the railways, past, present and future".

THE GREAT TRAIN SHOW will be launched via a live national ABC Local Radio broadcast on Australia Day Saturday 26 January 2008 at 9am. Hosted by Tim Fischer with Jeff Richardson from the ABC Local Radio program The Coodabeen Champions, the broadcast promises to be a fascinating reveal of all things rail.

To download your free podcast or to email Tim Fischer, simply follow the links to the website:

http://www.abc.net.au/backyard/greattrainshow/

Available from Saturday 26 January 2008

Tim Fischer is available for interviews. For interview requests, please contact Susan Atkinson on (61) 2 8333 2418 or 0419 620 440

"If over the next few days a spare moment arises and the relatives are driving you to a happy form of madness, think of Gross National Happiness and then Google Maps and focus on Punakha to Gasa Dzong valley.", wrote Tim.

"The new road to Dumji is very clear and Tourism Bhutan might call it the "Great Zig Zag Zig". It means the Gasa Hot Springs are now just 2 to 3 hours walking from the 4wd vehicle car park. Imagine young of heart sixty year olds will make it in a canter!" added Tim.

"And a very happy Christrmas and safe New Year to you and your family Tim." replied David Jobson, recently back from another motorbike ride, through India in September 2007.

"Firstly, before, all of us catch the New Year fever and switch into party mode, I would like to wish all a Happy New Year." writes Tshering Tashi.

"May 2008 help all of us obtain work and life balance and increase our efforts to promote world peace and happiness. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for helping fostering closer relations between the people of Australia and Bhutan." he added.

Lastly, on behalf of ABFA we would like to congratulate our ABFA member, Lachlan Harris for being appointed as the Senior Media Adviser in the new Government." said Tshering.

Benjamin's contact details are as below:

Benjamin Nichols

Desk Officer

India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives Section

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

R.G Casey Building, Barton ACT 0221 Australia

T: +61 2 6261 3465

F: +61 2 6261 2248

Email: Benjamin dot Nichols at dfat dot gov dot au

Please visit http://www.abfa.bhutanconsultancy.com/ and share your news, views, ideas, recipes, etc.

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Greetings All,

May I offer a salute to the Royal family of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the crowning and enthronement of Ugyen Wangchuk as the first King of Bhutan on the 17th December 1907 at Punakha.

Bhutan can be very proud of its many achievements and especially proud of the unity of purpose and progress the five Kings of Bhutan have delivered over the last 100 years, against considerable odds. The very location of Bhutan, wedged in between two giants, China and India, points to one aspect of the mighty challenge over the decades but it is a measure of the success of Bhutan that both China and India fully recognise the independence of Bhutan.

John Claude White sat at a nearby table to witness the enthronement 100 years ago on the 17th December, it was the British Empire and the British Government that gave early recognition, but it was the Bhutanese that unanimously created the Raven Crown and set Bhutan on a united forward path. Well done to Bhutan then and now.

Yours Sincerely,

Tim Fischer AC

Former DPM Australia

- The new double laning work of the Paro to Thimphu road has commenced, also work on parts of the road Thimphu to the Indian Border, south of the Confluence.

- The Paro runway has been extended down the valley about 100 metres and Drukair has sold the two heroic BA 146, as soon as crews are retrained they will depart for Germany. The two new A319s do great work, as long as the emergency door chutes are not deployed whilst the jets are stationary!

- Expats are in good form and tourism is on the up, new hotels are coming online around Thimphu and Paro, where the pace of life I sense has quickened in recent years.

- Election preparations, with political parties operating for the first time, are in full swing, but the concept of His Majesties Loyal Opposition is not yet well understood.

- Finally and most importantly I had the privilege of calling on His Majesty the King, and also on the King Father. Both continue to be very dedicated and focussed on moving Bhutan forward with the new Constitution and elections. I always find their observations to be very thoughtful and wise, reflecting their dedication and determination. It was good to catch up with Bhutan's Leaders, despite their busy commitments.

There were many other great activities and meetings and observations, all heading into the book, what book? Both Tshering Tashi and I have nearly completed a joint book on Bold Bhutan, hopefully out next year, during the auspicious Coronation Year of 2008!

Tim hosted an ABFA night in Benez on his last night in Thimphu. Tim also met several journalists from Bhutan Times and Kuensel who gave extensive coverage of his visit.

Tim reading his interview in Kuensel discovered a third child and wondered how his wife Judy and his two sons would react!! In addition, Thimphu's popular FM "Radio Valley" also interviewed Tim. The interview was aired on the programme "What's your story" on Sunday September 16, 2007 at 6:30 PM.

Given Tim's interest in Bhutan and his tireless efforts to promote the relations between the two countries, it was no suprise that it was Tim's seventh visit to Bhutan. After all his visits to Bhutan, he continues to be baffled with the warmth of the people; the beauty of the landscape; the philosophy and the wisdom and the dedication of the kings.

Tim's experience and knowledge on Bhutan will translate into a book, "Beckoning Bold Bhutan" scheduled to be released next year in time for the coronation. As the co-author, Tshering Tashi, seized every opporturnity with Tim's free time to discuss the book, which is now seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

Tim has not had enough of Bhutan and now plans to visit Bhutan next year with his family.

Like most people of my generation, in Bhutan I grew up with some influence of the American culture. I grew up playing basketball, listened to Elvis Presley, and watched Clint Eastwood movies. I dreamt of visiting this great nation of US.

My recent visit to the US has confirmed the vastness of this country. It is immediately evident in the size of the supermarkets, cars and architecture and the food. So far in the US, I have not finished a meal. The denim clad waitress in ‘The Cellar’ in Macy’s, New York told me, "I haven’t seen any one eating the appetizer as a meal before." She may not be aware that the generosity of her servings having contributed to making the US a nation of the obese. The US Government considers obesity to be the single largest public health crises.

New York State has been historically known as the gateway for immigration to the USA. It is and has been a leading destination for international immigration. According to a 2004 estimate, "20.4% of the population that live in New York are foreign-born". Today the majority of the Bhutanese in America can be found in New York City (NYC). As a result NYC enjoys extraordinary social and ethnic diversity.

New York is known by many names: ‘Big Apple’, the ‘City that never sleeps', and ‘Zoo York’. However, back home some Bhutanese know New York as the land of ‘Big Ray go Lama and Nani ko Ama’ (Land of spoilt Lamas and baby’s mother). This is because many Bhutanese getays (disrobed monks) and middle-aged Bhutanese mothers venture into the city to make a fortune. Most of them have made it. We in Bhutan have felt their successes manifested in land inflation and the construction boom in Thimphu.

One week-end I ventured into NYC from Princeton. I arrived at Port Authority, NYC, and bus terminal on 41st street where I had arranged to meet up with an old Bhutanese friend on 48th Street.

I waited for a good thirty minutes on the 48th street for my friend Kuenga (name changed) but he was nowhere in sight. NYC is a user friendly and a well-planned city and it is difficult to get lost - but I managed to do so within thirty minutes of my arrival.

When I left Bhutan, to avoid the rat race, I vowed not to use a mobile phone and had given mine away. But life in NYC without a mobile phone is unimaginable. So I bought one from ‘Radio Shack’ and made contact with Kuenga. I confirmed the street number and gave him my location. I waited but he did not show up. It took me a while before I realized why not. Most Bhutanese work in Manhattan but live in Queens, which has the biggest Asian American community. I was on the wrong Island.

My host, Kuenga is not an ordinary Getay. He completed his Lho Sum Cho Sum (three year mediation retreat) at a very young age. He gave up his chance of obtaining enlightenment in a monastery in Bhutan to join his sibling to live and work on the streets of NYC. He confided in me that he is happy to be able to send money to support his ageing parents and educate his siblings. Like many Bhutanese I met, he told me too that, "I will return home when I have made enough money to buy a land and build a house."

Like most Bhutanese in NYC, Kuenga has found that adapting to American work culture can be a challenging task for foreigners who have not been exposed to western culture before.

An average Bhutanese working in NYC can earn more in a month than a college graduate can make in a year in Bhutan. But making money in NYC is not as easy as receiving it in the Western Union in Thimphu. The working hours are long and living in the noisy city can get lonely and depressing.

The Bhutanese women in NYC find it easier to get a job. Most of them work as baby sitters for the lawyers and earn more money than their counterparts. Kinza (name changed) works as a baby sitter for a lawyer who has 2 year old twins and a 4 year old daughter. She told me, "The children call me Ama (mother) Kinza and treat me like their mother." However, she says, "The chilip (foreigner) kids are smart and cannot be fooled."

Kinza is as happy with her job as her employer treasures her. She is proud that her American children know more about Bhutan than any adult on the block. But other Bhutanese women have a harder time. "Being a baby sitter is not easy especially when they remind you so much of your own kids back home." Pem, a mother of 2 children told me with tears in her eyes.

There is no dearth of jobs in NYC for those who are ready to take the risks of fines, imprisonment and deportation that come with illegal work. Bhutanese men can be seen in the streets of Times Square selling posters or handbags. "The fastest selling photos are those of the Statue of Liberty and Robert De Niro." Namgay told me, "With my earnings in NYC I have been able to make changes in my village in Gasa."

Bhutanese women also enjoy the heightened sense of anonymity, independence and empowerment that the big city offers them. Karma, a Bhutanese woman told me, "But we have to be careful of our conduct lest it leaks to the Thimphu rumour factory that seems to work overtime all the time." Penjor sheepishly said to me, "Because my girl friend earns more money than me, she calls the shots."

NYC is a haven for shoppers and gourmets. You can find bargains any time of the year in the various departmental stores. They are also various restaurants serving cuisines from every part of the world. The favorite restaurant of the Bhutanese is the ‘Yak’ a restaurant run by the Nepalese in Jackson Heights in Queens.

As for Bhutan like the 192 other Member States, New York is the Head Quarters for the United Nations. Historically, New York has great significance for Bhutan; in 1971, Bhutan joined as a member of the United Nations making her debut on the world stage.

Before I left Bhutan, I was told, "If you have a problem locating the Permanent Mission of Bhutan Office (PMB) in New York, just get on a helicopter. The office is the one with the red chilies drying on the roof." However, I did not need to be airborne to find the office. It is one of the few red brick buildings on the 43rd Street located majestically just opposite the UN building.

During my stay in NYC, I visited a few of my friends and noticed that all their homes have a photo of our Kings and a lam (Bhutanese teacher) and their fridge stacked with chilies. The Bhutanese love chilies and the Himalayan winter sun dried red chilies are cooked only during special occasions. Back home in Bhutan, their parents would devote a lot of time drying them on their roofs. The farms houses with red chilies drying on their roofs are part of the landscape of the Bhutan. The further the Bhutanese are from home the fonder they seem to become of their country and religion.

NY is a busy city and one can easily get distracted. It is also a city where a six pack of Miller beer cost (US$ 4.79) is cheaper than 24 tablets of Tylenol (US$ 6.49). The high cost of medical care is a source of worry for the Bhutanese who are used to free health care. "My greatest concern living in America is the cost of my health care." A Bhutanese student Eutha told me.

As I gazed at the high rise mindlessly, I noticed a blonde lady and stared at her chest. Her T-shirt read, "Money can’t buy happiness but for everything else there is New York Summer."

I have walked with few thousands of people in Manhattan during rush hour and not seen a single person smile. I realized the people here have to take time off to watch stand up comedians or tune on to Comedy Central to have a few laughs that comes naturally to us Bhutanese.

The Bhutanese are increasingly known as ambassadors of happiness. I hope that as the Lawyers pay wages to their Bhutanese baby sitter, they are learning just as their children are that there is more to life than just money.

Tshering Tashi

"A great piece of writing Tshering! I really enjoyed it and I felt it painted a fascinating view of New York from a Bhutanese perspective.", wrote Kyla-Jane Hunt the Business Coordinator from Melbourne Cares in Victoria.

"Thank you for your entertaining and reflective piece on New York.", also wrote Christine McMahon the Country Director from SNV Bhutan and SNV Bangladesh.

"I'm sure those of us who are sometime-visitors to the UN Headquarters will never again be able to go there without thinking of the chillies drying on the rooftop just opposite :)" she added.

"The dedication and determination of Lyonpo Dawa Tshering was well known, he made an enormous contibution not only to Bhutan but to the World, through his UN level activity. His support of the advent of SAARC helped lead to greater regional stability and security in recent years."

"I salute this outstanding citizen of the Kingdom of Bhutan and citizen extraordinaire of the World, who gave so much over the decades and even after departing the Foreign Minister role, batted on despite health difficulties and helped set up the Australian Bhutan Friendship Association, being its inaugural Co-chair. I extend deepest sympathy to the family from all members of ABFA." added Tim.

"John and I would llike to convey our sincere condolences to you and your wife and family on hearing of the passing of Lyonpo Dawa. We do fondly remember his attendance at the early ABFA meetings in Thimpu in 2003 where we all eagerly awaited his arrival and looked foward to his speeches." also wrote Penny Richards and John Weiss.

A hospital spokesperson said that Lyonpo Dawa Tshering was suffering from haemochromatosis, which is a condition of excessive iron deposition in the liver. He was admitted to hospital on Monday evening at 9:15 pm.

Lyonpo Dawa Tshering served as foreign minister of Bhutan from 1972 to 1998.

With a deep throaty mumble, the older monks recited the ancient Buddhist scriptures laid out before them on the wooden floorboards, interrupted only by a blast on long trumpets and the rhythmic beat of ornately decorated drums.

A young blond-haired girl chewed the fingers of her Barbie doll, caught between fascination and fear.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan sells itself as "high value, low volume" tourist destination, consciously excluding the backpackers who roam neighbouring India by insisting visitors spend at least $US200 per person per day in the peak season.

And yet, word is spreading, and what was once an exclusive retreat for the well-heeled is steadily joining the tourist circuit.

Hollywood stars like Uma Thurman and Cameron Diaz are reported to frequent Bhutan's boutique hotels, but it's groups of elderly Americans who most visitors are likely to encounter.

Bhutan is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success.

"We should put the brakes on a little," said Thuji Dorji Nadik, joint director in the Department of Tourism. "Every destination has its USP [unique selling point] and for us exclusivity plays a large role."

Last Shangri-la

Sandwiched between India and Tibet, Bhutan is billed in tourist brochures as the "Last Shangri-La", the mystical paradise of James Hilton's book "The Lost Horizon".

At times, it lives up to the description, conjuring up a mediaeval world of Buddhism mixed with ancient animism, a culture deeply linked to that of Tibet yet one which avoided the heavy hand of China or the tempting touch of the West.

Men still dress for work in knee-length gowns with huge white cuffs, and four-fifths of the population are farmers.

But Bhutan is slowly modernising and opening up to the outside world. The first car arrived in 1961, television was finally allowed in 1999, and Shakira now dominates the discos of the capital Thimpu.

More dramatic changes are on the horizon as the country plans for its first democratic elections in 2008.

Last year, more than 17,000 tourists made it to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, or Druk Yul, as the Bhutanese call their state, a 27 percent jump on the previous year and nearly three times as many as in 2003.

Nor does that include 30,000 to 40,000 Indians who are allowed to visit without visas or paying the statutory charge.

These days, the price does not put off as many people as when it was first fixed and visitors first allowed in 1974 -- especially when hotels, food, transport and a guide are included.

Most tourists head for the monasteries and awesome fortresses or dzongs, which dominate every district and host the exotic religious festivals, or tsechus, swirling dances which last several days at a time in spring and autumn.

Another, hardier group trek into the high Himalaya, some walking for days for views of 7314m (23,997 feet) Mount Chomolhari.

Bhutan is off limits to mountaineers - its people believe the peaks are abodes of the gods - and boasts the world's highest unclimbed mountain, the 7570m (24,836 feet) Gangkar Puensum.

But it does offer what is often said to be the world's most arduous trek, the 23-day Snowman Trek, most of which is above 4000m (13,000 feet). Many people are unable to finish.

Lessons learned

Bhutan says it learnt many lessons from the way Nepal threw open its doors to tourists in the 1950s and the problems which followed.

Environmental protection is strong here - 72 per cent of the country is still forested. But litter and erosion are beginning to spoil the trails.

A group of four tourists on a typical luxury trek can be accompanied by up to dozen horses, carting dining tables, chairs and tents up the mountains.

"We tried to impose a 'limits to luxury' principle, but in practice that is not really being done," said Nadik. "Tour operators feel it's in their interests to provide as much luxury as they can."

Yet 59-year-old John Witorz and two friends from Melbourne had no complaints after two short treks.

"I have been just about everywhere in the world and this has to be one of the best," said the white-bearded Australian. "My face still hurts from smiling for a week."

"It is quite a high price compared to other Third World countries," he added, "but it was worth every cent."

But Witorz, like most visitors, was unimpressed with Thimpu, a sprawling city where garbage disposal is a growing problem and aggressive stray dogs prowl the streets.

The emphasis on festivals and trekking creates another problem - tourism is strongly seasonal, with more than 80 per cent of arrivals from March to May and September to November.

Most hotels are mediocre by international standards and the buffet food hard to stomach, many tourists said.

Poor-quality food ranked as the top complaint of foreign visitors in a Department of Tourism survey, but most were very satisfied with their visit.

"The people were so friendly and our guide was superb," said 63-year-old Jo Eschenbacher from St. Paul, Minnesota. "It is still sort of unspoilt."

How the country copes with the ever-growing demand will determine whether it stays that way.

The following comments were received by a number of ABFA members.

"A shame about westerners bringing along their expectations for luxury though. I think they are missing the point in many ways!" wrote Emma Lees.

"I visited Bhutan four years ago on a motorcycle trip and just loved every minute of the adventure." said David Jobson. "Friendly people... and I think we were privileged to experience it before there were too many tourists there." he added.

"However all travellers are tourists to some degree and we all bring examples of our culture (and money) to the locals. I have mixed feelings about the march of progress in Bhutan and I just hope, really hope, that we Westerners respect the people and their ways and customs. Just enjoy the friendliness, the magnificent scenery and everything Bhutan has to offer. It is an unbelievable country." David concluded.

Tim Fischer also stated "It's good to observe some wise observations on the need for Bhutan to strike the right balance and for westerners to behave when visiting the Gross National Happiness capital, the Kingdom of Bhutan."

"I hope to return to Bhutan in September, travelling light and leaving a minimum footprint." added Tim.

It often comes as a bewildering surprise to Americans that not all people think democracy is the best system of government, even when they value its ideals. Often, a fear of insecurity or a preference for well-being over free-for-all politics is at the heart of this.

Singapore may be the classic example of a country that has grown in a generation from run-down equatorial backwater to a high-tech nation with living standards rivaling those of Europe - but with a controlled political system that falls short of full democracy.

Last year in Thailand, when the army, backed by the much-revered king, overthrew a populist, democratically elected prime minister, Thai intellectuals surprised Westerners with their defense of the coup. Latin America's current crop of strongmen with anti-democratic agendas are coming to power through majority votes.

Over the weekend, the faraway kingdom of Bhutan practiced democracy. Although it was only a mock election - the real parliamentary voting is scheduled for next year - it served to remind the Bhutanese that the last Himalayan Buddhist monarchy is about to be dramatically transformed. The move - a political shift from near-absolute rule to a democratically elected government - is being greeted by nothing more positive than apprehension. A lot of people think that this may be a terrible mistake. Iraqis aren't the only ones skeptical of the promises of democracy.

No invading armies or sectarian violence in Bhutan, however. No grass-roots groundswell for change. It was the king himself, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ordered democracy by royal prerogative. Nice touch.

The move had been on his mind for years. More than a decade ago, long before turning over power to his son in December, he told me he was aware that his kind of monarchy was no longer politically fashionable, though he had his qualms about democratic government. Nevertheless, he soon set to work on a seismic political change in this country of about 700,000 people scattered over a mountainous realm slightly larger than Switzerland.

So why aren't the Bhutanese jumping for joy? After all, theirs is the only country in South Asia without some kind of elected government. Even Pakistanis and Bangladeshis vote with reasonable regularity between military coups. Ironically, this democratic neighborhood is the problem. The Bhutanese look around them and see democracies racked by political, ethnic or ideological violence - in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - and infested with debilitating corruption setting back development across the regional map.

Lhatu Wangchuck, who was Bhutan's ambassador to several neighboring countries and its deputy chief of mission at the United Nations before becoming the director-general of the tourism department (which, undemocratically, discourages mass tourism to save the culture and environment) says his fellow citizens are just not very confident of what's ahead. "We have seen what corruption can do to democracy," he said recently in an interview in Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. "It can cripple government."

Bhutan, while not perfect as it is, has much to lose. It is a poster child for environmental protection. (Mountain climbing is banned because the peaks are sacred.) Its living standards are rising steadily, outpacing those of some other nations in the neighborhood, especially in health and education. Development decisions are made locally. Women have considerable equality. The entire country has more or less been declared a no-smoking zone. Not surprisingly, one of the major initiatives of Jigme Singye Wangchuck was the establishment of an anti-corruption commission, on which a lot of ordinary people pin their hopes in case a new national parliament, to be elected next year, sinks into money politics and electoral skulduggery. A constitution has been written. The United Nations is helping guide the nascent election commission as it tries to teach Bhutanese what voting means.

The King has given his son, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 27, a year to work on entrenching constitutional monarchy before his formal coronation at the end of 2007. Khesar will be the fifth king in a dynasty enthroned in 1907 with support from the British, who were never able to make rugged Bhutan a colony and had to settle for influence. Before monarchy, Bhutan was a theocracy with warlords.

The new king will no longer rule, though he will remain head of state. But the powerful Buddhist hierarchy will lose its political role. As the last royally appointed government is about to be dissolved, political parties are forming. At the top, events are moving fast. Meanwhile the country watches and waits. Says Lhatu Wangchuck: "We can only hope that good sense will prevail."

"As we mounted the many steps of the ancient Lakhang, the voices of children in the school below proudly singing their national anthem filled our ears, and the fresh morning air filled our lungs." wrote Megan.

"We completed our turn around of spinning the prayer wheels, lit many butter lamps on behalf of all who were absent, and were privileged enough to enter the monastery at a time when the monks were reading from one of Bhutan's most beautiful and ancient scriptures. All chanting peacefully from scripts made on bark and inscribed in gold. Truly a reverential backdrop from which to dedicate a moment of thought for those who have gone before us." added Megan.

Megan then added, "Thank you Tshering for once again making it possible. Hopefully next year we will see the return of a few more Aussies (and even the odd Kiwi or two!)."

Megan went on to say, "In the tradition of my good mate Chris Faris, I am attaching (as he has on previous occasions) what has now become my favourite piece of writing about how to make some sense of the contradiction of being a peace-loving people who each year stand to commemorate their war-dead. It's a speech written by Don Watson for Remembrance Day 1993, and delivered by PM Keating at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Shrine of Remembrance in Canberra."

"Wherever you may be today, I trust your ANZAC day was equally special." concluded Megan.

Jenny Biven of ABFA also wrote, "This description gives me a memorable image of Anzac day in Thimphu with you both (sic Megan and Tshering Tashi) in attendance - thank you for commemorating this day."

Following is the article about the Unknown Australian soldier.

We do not know this Australian's name and we never will. We do not know his rank or his battalion. We do not know where he was born, nor precisely how and when he died. We do not know where in Australia he had made his home or when he left it for the battlefields of Europe. We do not know his age or his circumstances - whether he was from the city or the bush; what occupation he left to become a soldier; what religion, if he had a religion; if he was married or single. We do not know who loved him or whom he loved. If he had children we do not know who they are. His family is lost to us as he was lost to them. We will never know who this Australian was.

Yet he has always been among those whom we have honoured. We know that he was one of the 45,000 Australians who died on the Western Front. One of the 416,000 Australians who volunteered for service in the First World War. One of the 324,000 Australians who served overseas in that war and one of the 60,000 Australians who died on foreign soil. One of the 100,000 Australians who have died in wars this century. He is all of them. And he is one of us. This Australia and the Australia he knew are like foreign countries. The tide of events since he died has been so dramatic, so vast and all - consuming, a world has been created beyond the reach of his imagination. He may have been one of those who believed that the Great War would be an adventure too grand to miss. He may have felt that he would never live down the shame of not going. But the chances are he went for no other reason than that he believed it was the duty he owed his country and his King.

Because the Great War was a mad, brutal, awful struggle, distinguished more often than not by military and political incompetence; because the waste of human life was so terrible that some said victory was scarcely discernible from defeat; and because the war which was supposed to end all wars in fact sowed the seeds of a second even more terrible war - we might think this Unknown Soldier died in vain. But, in honouring our war dead, as we always have and as we do today, we declare that this is not true. For out of the war came a lesson which transcended the horror and tragedy and the inexcusable folly. It was a lesson about ordinary people - and the lesson was that they were not ordinary. On all sides they were the heroes of that war; not the generals and the politicians but the soldiers and sailors and nurses - those who taught us to endure hardship, to show courage, to be bold as well as resilient, to believe in ourselves, to stick together. The Unknown Australian Soldier whom we are interring today was one of those who, by his deeds, proved that real nobility and grandeur belongs, not to empires and nations, but to the people on whom they, in the last resort, always depend.

That is surely at the heart of the ANZAC story, the Australian legend which emerged from the war. It is a legend not of sweeping military victories so much as triumphs against the odds, of courage and ingenuity in adversity. It is a legend of free and independent spirits whose discipline derived less from military formalities and customs than from the bonds of mateship and the demands of necessity. It is a democratic tradition, the tradition in which Australians have gone to war ever since.

This Unknown Australian is not interred here to glorify war over peace; or to assert a soldier's character above a civilian's; or one race or one nation or one religion above another; or men above women; or the war in which he fought and died above any other war; or one generation above any that has been or will come later. The Unknown Soldier honours the memory of all those men and women who laid down their lives for Australia. His tomb is a reminder of what we have lost in war and what we have gained. We have lost more than 100,000 lives, and with them all their love of this country and all their hope and energy. We have gained a legend: a story of bravery and sacrifice and, with it, a deeper faith in ourselves and our democracy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian. It is not too much to hope, therefore, that this Unknown Australian Soldier might continue to serve his country - he might enshrine a nation's love of peace and remind us that, in the sacrifice of the men and women whose names are recorded here, there is faith enough for all of us.

Two things Bhutanese are notoriously known for are firstly unpredictability and secondly the BST which is Bhutan Stretchable Time. I spent the whole morning confirming the dinner tonight. The list says 30 and the attendance says otherwise.

It has been proven that Bhutanese are better crises solver than cautious managers. Hence, I am not stressed with the attendance. It is these qualities that makes us one happiest people in the world.

Good Evening.

On behalf of ABFA, I would like to welcome David to our kingdom.

Firstly, I take this opportunity to thank David for hosting this dinner and bringing us together. Given the similarities of the people of Australia and Bhutan, ABFA dinners have always been a place to enjoy simple yet soulful conversations reflecting the similar personalities of the people.

The Bhutanese know their alcohol well, in-fact too well judging from the numerous bars. They are gaining a reputation for their fine taste in wine - something which the Australia High Commission is responsible for. We just hope the High Commission will continue sustaining this expensive habit of ours.

We trust David's visit will further deepen the trust and understanding of the people of our two countries. Tonight, we will miss ambassador John Mcarthy's company. It is no secret that Bhutan has a special place in his heart.

We hope David's too gets bitten by this bug and hope he will plan for a longer visit in the near future. Lastly, I like to inform you all that in continuation of the tradition of observing ANZAC Day we have arranged for butter lighting ceremony on 25 April 07 in Changangkha monastery in Thimphu.

Finally, I would like to request David to say a few words.

Tashi Delek

This special conference was designed to introduce and stimulate cross-cultural conversation on the human quest for happiness, covering topics on science, philosophy, religion and applied practice, particularly in the mental health areas. For the two afternoon plenary sessions we are honoured to have a faculty of esteemed and well-recognised people in their own fields from Bhutan, United Kingdom and Australia (see Invited Faculty below). A feature of the plenary sessions is that they will be open to invited local health workers from Bhutan (who are offered complimentary, free-of-charge places to the conference and dinner) as well as participants from the visiting workshop/study tour, hopefully, creating a unique opportunity to mix and dialogue with international colleagues.

Conference participants from Bhutan and the study tour are also invited to the conference dinner for further conversation and sharing of mutual professional interests.

The Invited Faculty

Lopon Lungtaen Gyatso

Principal, Institute of Language and Cultural Studies, Simtokha Dzong

Professor Felicia Huppert

Felicia Huppert is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Well-being Institute. She is interested in the life-course factors that make adults feel happy and fulfilled, in cross-national differences, and in the use of well-being interventions to improve the lives of children and adults.

Dasho Karma Ura

Director, Centre for Bhutan Studies, Thimphu

Dr Chencho Dorji

Chencho Dorji is a psychiatrist at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan. He has recently received the honour of being awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to study in the USA.

George Burns

George is an Australian clinical psychologist in private practice. He is Director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute of Western Australia and the Hypnotherapy Centre of Western Australia as well as an adjunct senior lecturer at Edith Cowan University. He has published six books that have been translated into seven languages, one honoured with a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Megan Ritchie

Megan is an Australian who has been living and working in Bhutan for the past three years. She works for an international NGO whose function is to assist The Royal Government of Bhutan in alleviating poverty. As a westerner living, working and loving in a Buddhist culture she has some unique insights into the daily challenges and blessings.

Conference Programme

Day One: Wednesday 18 April 2007

1330 Keynote 1 Professor Felicia Huppert The causes and consequences of happiness: What science tells us

This presentation will briefly summarise the results of recent experimental and survey research on the factors which influence our happiness, and the effect happiness can have on our lives. We will discuss methods for improving happiness at both an individual and population level, and there will be the opportunity to experience some brief interventions.

1500 Afternoon tea

1530 Presentation 1 Dr Chencho Dorji Applying Western Psychology concepts in Traditional Societies like Bhutan: Challenges and Opportunities.

Many rich traditions and practices in Bhutan promote happiness and well-being. Dr Chencho Dorji proposes that a spiritual dimension to health in general, and mental health in particular, will be valuable to understanding personal adversities and responding with equanimity to illness, disability and suffering.

1615 Presentation 2 Megan Ritchie

1700 Finish

1900 Conference dinner Bhutan Kitchen

Day Two: Thursday 19 April 2007

1330 Keynote 2 Lopon Lungtaen Gyatso

1500 Afternoon tea

1530 Presentation 3 George Burns Nature, Health and Happiness: Expanding therapeutic horizons and practice

Presenting multi-disciplinary research linking nature, health and happiness, this talk takes a challenging look at the basis of therapy, shifting the therapeutic paradigm that sees the client as an independent entity to one that views the person as an interactive element of the total ecology. You will be shown some step-by-step therapeutic applications in an experiential way.

1615 Presentation 4 Dasho Karma Ura An approach towards Gross National Happiness indicators

Presenting an overview of the current work being done on GNH index development by the Centre for Bhutan Studies, this talk discusses the various domains that fall under it: psychological wellbeing, health, education, cultural resilience, living standards, ecology, community vitality, good governance, and time-use.

1700 Finish

Only 9 altogether, which included 5 year old Tenzin - but it is always a treat to get together now and then. Unfortunately last time a lunch was arranged it turned out to be a 43 degree day in Murray Bridge where we met - our Bhutanese friends seemed to survive the heat better than those of us who had grown up in it!!! We now check the weather forecast beforehand if possible!

Although a small group in South Australia - we are happy to assist anyone who ventures this way.

Zhabdrung and the Jesuit priests

Following is a close-up of the Zhabdrung Thongdroel in Punakha dzong.

The 17th century saw the invention of ice cream, unprecedented growth of English literature, advancement of science, and the building of the Taj Mahal.

For Bhutan the period was one of unification and the emergence as a nation state under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan.

The only available written Western account of this era during the time of the Zhabdrung is the notes of Father Stephen Cacella S.J, one of the two Portuguese Jesuit Priests, who passed through Bhutan in 1627.

Father Stephen Cacella S.J notes on Bhutan were recorded, "from the house of the king (Zhabdrung), on 4th October 1627." The notes bear the caption "From the kingdom of Cambirasi (Bhutan)".

These notes, which remained buried in the archives of the Italian Vatican for over three centuries before it was translated, provide an insight into the little known personal life of Zhabdrung.

The notes also reveal the dedication of the Jesuit priests to introduce Christianity and in particular their quest to change the faith of Zhabdrung.

Father Stephen Cacella S.J and Father Cabral were the first Europeans to enter to Bhutan, Sikkim, Central Tibet and Nepal.

Founded in 1540 by an injured Spaniard military officer, the philosophy of the Jesuit order stressed on values much the same as the Gross National Happiness. The Jesuits were known for their motivation to travel, learn and teach in greater Asia. It took the death of two priests to further inspire these two young Portuguese priests to venture into the heart of the Himalayas. Wessels in his book entitled "Early Jesuit Travellers in Central Asia", records in detail their challenging journey including their north bound journey from Cochin on 30 April 1626. Some believe that the priests were despatched to the area in search of the lost Far East tribe or grouping of Christians referred to as ‘Cathai’.

After a series of false starts, the two priests departed Cooch Behar for Bhutan on Sunday 21 February 1627. They journey through the mountains infested with robbers and the intrigue of the local leaders to reach Paro on March 25, 1627 where they were amazed at the sophistication of irrigation channels and architecture.

On April 5, 1627 the priests leave Paro to receive a warm traditional reception and their first audience with Zhabdrung. "We found him in another tent, richly ornamented with silk. The king (Zhabdrung) was sitting on a high seat, clothed in red silk embroidered with gold."

This was probably the first time Zhabdrung met a foreigner, "Never any foreigners had come in those mountains and nobody remembered having seen any."

A monk from Tsaparang who spoke some Hindustani was the interpreter for the long laborious conversations that were held every day. Zhabdrung, impressed with the Jesuits motivation to exchange ideas assigned the Tsaparang lama and, "urged us to study the language so we could speak with him clearly."

At that time of the Jesuit’s visit, Zhabdrung was "33 years old" and called the "Dharma Raja". He was both "together the king and the Head Lama of this kingdom of Cambirasi (Bhutan)".

The notes carefully record Zhabdrung’s personal life including his dietary habit, "he is not eating rice, meat, fish but only milk and fruits." It seems that Zhabdrung is worried about a relative who is kept in captivity due to repeated grave offence. Zhabdrung says that, "he wants to give him his freedom, not having the heart to give him another punishment."

The priests learn that Zhabdrung had just completed his three-year retreat. "During this retreat he stayed in a small house built on the very steep side of one mountain, he did not see and was not seen by anyone. He was receiving his food by means of two ropes which were descending from his hut to the house lower below, without speaking to anybody." Zhabdrung’s description of the retreat in present day Cheri monastery has been recorded as, "he said that he was passing his time praying and when resting occupied himself by painting images, still preserved." Zhabdrung took particular pride in an image sculpted in white sandal wood. He took, "great pride in this gift of painting" and tried to copy the image of S. Raphael.

The priest travelled with Zhabdrung and his retinue of 100 Guelongs (monks) for two months. During the travels they lived in tents and could access many villages. Zhabdrung’s Guelongs distinguished themselves from other lamas because they, "keep the celibacy, are eating only once, just after midday, are not taking rice, meat or fish, nor wine." The priests observed that the monks spent major part of the day and night in prayers.

The travel ends in his place of retreat which is also his house and residence of his monks. Zhabdrung’s house has been described inhabitable by modern definitions which was built for strategic reasons.

The notes further emphasize the political intrigue and differences Zhabdrung had with his rival claimant. The spot was chosen, "in order to defend himself against another king, who is living at a distance of eight days journey. He is called Deb Tsangpo, he is the most powerful king of Potente (Tibet), Tsang and is making war to the king of Bhutan since a few years because he is refusing one of the bones of his deceased father, which he is asking very pressingly. The king himself is saying this and for this reason he had to renounce to inhabit one of his cities beautiful and big, named Ralung, a distance of 5 days journey from here."

After returning from the tour, in what may be modern day Cheri monastery, Zhabdrung accepts and attends the invitation of the priests to attend the feast of St. Ignatius. He is accompanied by "an old lama, his teacher for whom he has strong veneration, and by other lamas."

Zhabdrung’s subject had great reverence for him who practiced the phowa rituals. "All have a great esteem for the king and the great lama and give the part of their goods in order to be sent by him to heaven after their death." Phowa is a simple Buddhist ceremony to transfer the consciousness after death.

The priest record this ceremony as follows: "When one is near to his last breath the king is called to come to assist him by his prayers and as soon as he dies, the king is pulling the hairs of his head, accomplishing for him this great work of mercy which is called sending the soul to heaven." The priests preached Zhabdrung about the life of Jesus Christ which Zhabdrung showed, "great pleasure in hearing it." However, "realizing that between himself and us, there was a great difference regarding the truth of faith", the priest’s propose to exit the nation. Even with Zhabdrung’s support of 2 monks aged 12 and 19 and with a promise of an adult who would become Christians, the Jesuits fail in their mission and exit the nation.

Zhabdrung’s main revenue is the voluntary contribution of his people. As a Buddhist king he is, "especially preoccupied not to offend anyone" allowing many liberties and freedom. "Many times, the King is speaking for his lamas said that though they are most submissive everyone is his own master to do what he likes."

"The lamas do not carry weapons cut their hair short, some, but few let their beard grow. The king has a beard, big, and reaching to the belt. Generally he has it enveloped in a piece of silk. He has long hair of about 3’8". It seems that he is proud of them and carry them as a sign of nobility."

It also appears that Zhabdrung was obsessed with his heir when the priest says, "But he says that he will cut them as soon as he has a son to succeed him on the throne; then he would retire and forsake the world as he does not want that the death should surprise him with them, as it has happened to a king, his predecessor, causing a great scandal to everyone."

The monks during that time were not much different from monks we know. "The lamas are clothed in a vest which cover their chest, letting their arms uncovered. All the rest of the body is covered with a great piece of cloth which they never take out."

A truncated version of a chapter from the upcoming book, "Beckoning Bold Bhutan", by Tim Fischer and Tshering Tashi.

"There's still a little snow this morning on the hills around Thimphu, it's very quiet at the dzong - only a single person there sweeping the front steps, all looks peaceful and happy." writes Christine McMahon, Country Director for SNV Bhutan and SNV Bangladesh.

The following anonymous poem was also posted by Tashi Wangchuk.

I wish you health,

I wish you wealth,

I wish you gold in store;

What else can I wish you more.

- Anon

Tshering Tashi added, "All my best wishes for another year of good living minus toothaches, heartbreaks and empty pockets!! Happy Losar"

Another student, Karma, studying at Orange in Central Western New South Wales, also said "My good wishes to all for a Happy Year of the Pig". Hopefully we will consume much much less of them."

All the Bhutanese students living in WA (except two) attended, therefore we had about 32 students and some friends and family of mine.

With an introduction to BBQ ettiquite held, most of the 'blokes' became familiar with holding a pair of BBQ tongs in one hand and a drink in the other whilst turning sausuges on the BBQ and talking about 'bloke things'.

The women on the other hand took rest and chatted amongst themselves.

It was a very hot day, with 40 degrees recorded at 6pm. However with the BBQ starting at this time, there was a breeze starting and it did cool us down a little. The BBQ was very relaxing and capped off with a spectacular fireworks display held as part of Australia Day celebrations that could be seen from our very good vantage point at Lake Monger. (Yes, Lake Monger.. similar to Mongar right?).

Everyone enjoyed themselves, and we are now looking forward to gathering for Losar celebrations on 18 February, and for another ABFA function to be held before Easter.

The way Bhutan is developing its democracy and the institutions that support a more liberal society is a model for many states. His Majesty's leadership is also a rare display of wisdom among leaders today.

"In this regard my salute of His Majesty the King of Bhutan in his step yesterday towards the elevation of the Crown Prince. Always His Majesty is ahead of the game, thinking years ahead on a wide canvas of critical issues." added Tim.

"Secondly my salute of SIR Kinley Dorji and hir Red Scarf, very well deserved for this hard working graduate of Charles Sturt University Bathurst NSW (Media School), a kindly but very dedicated man." Tim then said.

"Finally my best wishes to all students from Bhutan down under. Dare I say, your challenge is to match Kinley Dorji in your careers through determination and dedication." he added.

Tim concluded his remarks with "May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone "Greetings of the Season'", all the best for 2007 and I recall how quick 2006 has gone with our Prime Minister being introduced by Consul General Cathy Harris to Tshering Tashi on the second day of 2006 at the SCG, twelve months ago already almost but seemingly yesterday."

While there were less people and children than last year, the chapter looks forward to welcoming more Bhutanese students and their families in the coming months. Future activities discussed and planned include a trip to Healsville Sanctuary and some Yarra Valley wineries.

Sonam Tashi, a student studying Masters of Agriculture wrote of the night, "On behalf of the Bhutanese in here is a big 'Thank You' to Vic ABFA Chapter for making the National Day celebration at the Royal Botanic Garden a success....if only the Garden's gate had not shut down at 9 p.m. (is what many of us felt inside)!.....In the days to come, many of us will look back to it and cherish the good and fun time we shared."

Many thanks to all who attended - it was a wonderful evening!

Some photos taken at the Royal Botanic Gardens during the afternoon can be found at the following link.

ABFA Melbourne Chapter members celebrate National Bhutan Day 2006

AUSTRALIA BRITAIN TO FOLLOW?

Given the longer life span of the female over the male, most Monarchies have had plenty of Queen Mothers over the centuries, but a serious thing happened in Bhutan two weeks ago, the first King Father was created.

The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan located between the giants of India and China/ Tibet, has taken a bold step forward, when the fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck, stuck by his word and handed over the responsibilities of Monarch and Head of State to his capable son.

Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has overnight become the fifth Druk Gyalpo or King of Bhutan, a small but successful Kingdom that is just coming up to its 100th Anniversary as a Kingdom or Monarchy.

Given the fact the fourth King served for 34 years without break, and is the father of the new King, it can now be said Jigme Singye Wangchuk is the King Father. Most Monarchies pass down the generations on the death of the King or Queen, so he is the first King Father in decades, but not the first in the world.

Two relatively recent examples, last century after WW II, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and King Leopold III of Belgium were both King Fathers, having abdicated in favour of their sons, in the case of Italy the throne being abolished not long after, dare it be said in favour of revolving Presidents and Prime Ministers.

When King Edward the VIII abdicated the British throne, his father was dead one year, likewise Prince Albert died well before the death of Queen Victoria, but technically Prince Albert would not have been a King Father, even if he had outlived Queen Victoria.

Charles, Prince of Wales, could elect to do a year on the throne when and if he makes it, and then voluntarily abdicate, thus becoming a King Father as well. Alternatively Charles might decline to accept the throne or may pre-decease his mother, but both scenarios are unlikely and recently his courtiers affirmed it will be King Charles and also his wife, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, will definitely be Queen. Thus as things stand, it will then be Camilla, Queen of Australia!

VITAL TRANSFER

Is all of this important, in the case of Bhutan it is absolutely vital as Bhutan remains under subtle pressure from its giant neighbours, both of whom centuries ago claimed sovereignty over the beautiful medicine valleys of the Himalaya, namely Bhutan.

Smooth generational transfer of the Bhutanese Monarchy has weighed heavily on the thinking of the wise leaders of Bhutan, especially the outgoing King. He brilliantly led his Kingdom towards modernisation and led his army successfully against the Assam rebels or Indian militants, who threatened to swamp southern Bhutan at the start of the 21st century and posed a grave threat to Bhutan’s sovereignty.

His Majesty, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck also created the concept of Gross National Happiness, not as some vague feel good dogma for meditation, but as a serious attempt to ensure Government policies reached beyond the fiscal to ensure general well-being and happiness. It is based on four pillars, carefully worked out pillars to give Gross National Happiness great depth and is now used by Indigo Shire based at Beechworth in NE Victoria.

The concept is being taken up worldwide, especially in Canada, which has introduced Gross National Happiness in the form of an Index, a quarterly Index timed to match the four seasons.

Bhutan faces further changes, Constitutional changes in 2008 at the urging of the fourth King. He brought an end to the Absolute Monarchy of Bhutan in 1998 and now wants to see Bhutan go further down the path of an enlightened democratic Constitutional Monarchy, geared for the challenges of the small kingdom with its high mountains and beautiful and productive valleys.

Bhutan’s economy is not a basket case with its millions of dollars of export hydro power and also millions of mandarins dominating export performance, along with the vigorous Himalayan potato. The potato crop was introduced by the British Diplomat and Sub-Continent wanderer George Bogle, over two hundred years ago around 1774, and now results in many gourmet potato dishes along with rice dishes being readily available.

The potato is also is a big export crop for Bhutan, due to its new breeds of potato featuring hybrid vigour and protein, all of this helped by the CGIAR movement and the International Potato Centre in Peru, cross breeding various potato breeds collected from around the World, for growth and vitality.

Over the centuries, Bhutan has had plenty of problems, invasion from Tibet to mention one big one, but with the template of a King Father, who gets on well with his well educated son, they actually enjoy talking to each other, all bodes well for the future.

Any troubles that may happen will not spring from the King Father, the fourth King, or from his son, the fifth King or current King, but most likely from elsewhere. Recently China makes roads along the Bhutan Tibetan border, and in 2005 even built roads on the Bhutan side of the border, on Bhutanese land, but happily this has now ceased!

So hail to their Majesties, the King Father and his son the King of Bhutan, now if only the rest of the world was as happy and peaceful and prosperous as Bhutan at the start of 2007.

Copyright T A Fischer © Tim Fischer 2006

The fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has handed over his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes the full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo.

The time has now come for me to hand over my responsibilities to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck," said His Majesty in a kasho issued on December 9, the 20th day of the 10th Bhutanese month. "I am confident that a very bright future lies ahead for Bhutan with the leadership of a new King and a democratic system of government that is best suited for our country as enshrined under the Constitution. I have every confidence that there will be unprecedented progress and prosperity for our nation in the reign of our fifth King."

As the transition was formally announced on December 14, the 24th day of the 10th Bhutanese month, the day was charged with emotion, and a special sitting of the Cabinet in Tashichhodzong was unable to articulate a comprehensive discussion. Cabinet members and special guests that included the chief justice, the speaker of the National Assembly, and the chief election commissioner were overcome by emotion and sat in a long and stunned silence after His Majesty the King's announcement.

With a clarity that has been consistent in the royal views, His Majesty reminded the Cabinet session that he had already announced the decision to the nation last December and repeated it many times to the lhengye zhungtsho.

His Majesty explained that Bhutan could not hope for a better time for such an important transition. Today, the country enjoyed peace and stability, and its security and sovereignty was ensured. After phenomenal development and progress the country was closer than ever to the goal of economic self reliance. Bhutan's relations with its closest neighbour and friend, India, had reached new heights. International organisations and bilateral development partners were ready to support Bhutan's development efforts and political transformation.

The red scarf is the equivalent of a knighthood from the King.

Dasho Kinley Dorji

Dasho Kinley Dorji has a master of science in journalism from Columbia University, New York. In 1986, he started Kuensel as an official newspaper and worked as the editor of Kuensel. He became the managing director of the Kuensel corporation which became an independent corporation in 1992 and continued as editor in chief of the newspaper.

Speaking to BBS Dasho Kinley Dorji said that this was an award for Bhutanese journalism, entire media industry and media professionals in Bhutan. "Basically, in the past the red scarf is so significant for society and largely connected with the officialdom," he said, "and it is an award not just for what is happening now but what is going to happen in the future, all the political changes."

He said that this was the message received from the King that media had a very important role to play.

Dasho Pema Thinley

Dasho Pema Thinley is from Mongar. He was appointed as the education secretary in 2003. Over a career spanning about three decades, he has served in various capacities. Before he was appointed as the education secretary, Dasho Pema Thinley served as the director general of the Education Department.

He has a master's degree in education and curriculum from the University of New England, Australia. Dasho Pema Thinley was conferred an honorary Doctorate of Education by the same University in 2004.

"This is an honour bestowed to all the teachers and all the educationists, right from the community school teachers, to the Minister of Education, and I think this is an expression through me," said Dasho Pema Thinley.

"Congratulations Kinley and well deserved." wrote Cathy Harris, the honorary consul for Bhutan.

Michelle Hogan also extended hearty Australian congratulations to all, and particularly to Kinley Dorji, as the ABFA Director (and MD of Kuensel).

"As a journalist and writer I was doubly happy with the King honouring Bhutan's first journalist, Editor-in-Chief Kinley Dorji (Director ABFA) and novellist Karma Ura." wrote Dorji Wangchuk.

"The journalist fraternity met and drank and sang and danced till late into the evening at Dasho Kinley's house. The pleasant thing was the get-together was unplanned. But we all found ourselves there and realised we had all come with the same feeling - one of us now being honoured for the very first time." said Dorji.

"The same thing, I believe, although I didn't see it, Dasho Kinley mentioned in his statement to the press. And that the honour conferred on him is an honour to media and the role it will play in our society" added Dorji.

It is the 'Graduate Diploma or Master of Arts' in the Research School of Humanities at ANU by coursework, or a research degree.

If you are interested in museum studies, please contact the Research School of Humanities via the following page link:

ANU - Research School of Humanities

Another subject highly recommended to Bhutanese is the 'International Instruments for Heritage Protection HAND8010', run by two Cultural Heritage Lawyers with extensive experience working for UNESCO. There are many issues discussed that have particular relevance for Bhutan, for example: World Heritage sites and associated issues such as with tourism, prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, and intangible cultural heritage. In 2006 there was a student studying from Kabul, Afghanistan - using a computer hooked up to a generator!

Here is the link for further information:

International Instruments for Heritage Protection HAND8010

The scholarships would be spread over five years with two scholarships a year.

Of the 10 scholarships five would be in the field of environmental sciences where interested Bhutanese students could study environmental management, policies, education and urban and regional planning.

The other five would be left to the Bhutanese government to decide its priorities in any of the suitable fields in which Griffith University has post graduate studies.

According to the dean of faculty of environmental sciences in Griffith University, Professor Lex Brown, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Civil Service Commission secretary, Dasho Bap Kesang, the university was asking for an emphasis in environmental sciences.

"Now environmental matters are much broader, they really concern the sustainability of societies and sustainable development," said Professor Brown.

Professor Brown said that their university already had six Bhutanese students studying in Griffith University on half-tuition-fee scholarships.

He said that Bhutan got a significant proportion of the small amounts of money for scholarships the Griffith University provided from their budget over the next five years. Every time the Bhutanese government sent at least four students to the university fully sponsored by other donor agencies, the university would take in one more on full scholarship.

"That is because of the special development approach that is being taken in Bhutan, its concepts of a sustainable society," said Professor Brown. "These things certainly attracted our university to assist Bhutan with the scholarships."

The scholarship arrangements Professor Brown said was just an attachment to the memorandum. "It is much broader enabling other forms of cooperation such as exchange of academic staff, executive short courses in either of the two countries and research activities," Professor Brown told Kuensel.

The University has nearly 30,000 undergraduate students and over 20 percent are international students from more than 105 countries.

Kuzuzangpo,

1. For those of you, who are attending ABFA dinner for the first time, you may feel a bit awkward when His Excellency, the Ambassador is addressed as John. Just to let you know that in keeping with John's wishes we have done away with the formalities and ever since we have known the Ambassador by his first name and all our gatherings have been informal, candid, yet comfortable.

2. In the past the ABFA dinners have not only been a place where you can be guaranteed to be served the finest wine, but also a forum for like minded people to meet, even more importantly a place where hearts could meet, and a venue where the relationship between the people of Australia and Bhutan has been fostered.

3. ABFA was formed in the Bhutanese new Year Losar of 2003 in Thimphu, where Tim Fischer was finishing a trek in Gasa. I sometimes wonder if ABFA was a product of effect of the altitude.

4. Tonight, is without a doubt the largest gathering of Aussie's in Thimphu.

5. I have the pleasure to announce that as of now, ABFA has chapters in 6 states of Australia. All are active, some more so than others.

6. In New South Wales, an ABFA chapter is active in Sydney, Byron Bay and Armidale, Albury Wodonga, and there are also active ABFA chapters in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and in Canberra. Each chapter has a convener and co-convener with a board whose functions are directed by the ABFA objectives.

7. The highlight for ABFA in 2005 was a gathering of more than 100 people in the Sydney harbour side residence of the honorary consul for Bhutan, Catherine Harris, to celebrate the 50th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

During the celebration Tim, chairman of ABFA raised a toast to mark the occasion and noted the King's humility and promotion of a balance in life as a model for citizens in the West.

Tim, who is also chairman of Tourism Australia, then joked of the trouble he was facing from fellow board members for his promotion of Bhutan. But he said there were benefits coming back to Australia from his work: local Australian governments are now developing a Gross National Happiness index, which is currently running at a very contented range of 70 per cent.

8. It may be noted that Australia is one of the first countries to adopt GNH and may be the first to have a GNH index.

9. All the ABFA chapters have been active, from welcoming and bidding farewell to Bhutanese students to arranging invitations to Toad Hall in Canberra, to organizing a Bhutanese night in Byron Bay, having a Bhutan Room at Kosciuszko Education Centre, several restaurant nights in Victoria, a moon lit picnic in Adelaide, to organizing weekend trips along the Great Ocean Road. So far, ABFA has not had the opportunity of helping Bhutanese recovering from binge drinking and hope it does not have to.

10. Bhutan ABFA continues the tradition of lighting butter lamps in a monastery on ANZAC day and celebrating Australia Day and hosting and helping the increasing visiting Australians.

11. Tonight, I take the opportunity to apprise John that one of the problems raised in ABFA meetings has been related to visas that have often delayed students and worst lead to cancellation of their studies.

12. I have the pleasure to inform that as the Director of the ABFA I have had the honour of watching cricket with the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard. Sitting close to the Prime Minister, for a whole day, never in my life have I watched cricket so carefully and keenly. It was also my pleasure to join 89,000 Aussies at the Sydney Telstra Stadium to watch the Soceroos play Uruguay in the World Cup football qualifiers.

13. From witnessing these sports I learnt that Australians put their heart and soul into anything they do - and they like to win. Close Australian friends of mine admitted that they are not very good losers.

14. During the recent football World Cup, in the true spirit and fashion of Australia, ABFA members watched and supported the soceroos play live in a bar in Thimphu.

15. To further cement relationship between the two countries, there have been high level visits by the Bhutan Minister for Education, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, and the Secretary for RCSC. During the visit Lyonpo Thinley officially launched the Armidale ABFA Chapter. In his address at the inaugural meeting, he said: "We have had over 130 of our teachers come here to Armidale to be trained in the one teacher multi grade teaching system. They have played very important roles in the universalisation of primary education in Bhutan by taking up teaching in some of our remotest schools located among some of the most difficult terrains in the Himalayas.

16. Bhutan has been gaining good publicity in Australia and ever since the ABC Foreign Correspondent programe in 2004. Many other media have followed suit. On 21st September, lot of well wishers and friends of Bhutan watched with excitement as Bhutan featured as a Getaway destination on Channel Nine. We hope this media coverage will help bring more Australian tourists to Bhutan.

17. As a result of the publicity, we have had a few Australians stray in the mountains of Bhutan: the number of Australian tourist arrivals has increased from 315 in 2004 to 458 in 2005 and to date in 2006 we have had 390. Visiting dignitaries include the Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellors of UNE and the Armidale Convener Tom Maxwell. Also expected is a visit by Catherine Harris with a group of eminent business personalities and lawyers.

18. The exchange of visit has always been fruitful in more ways than one. Cathy hopes to create sister city links between Blue Mountains in NSW and Trongsa. During her visit she will also donate books and other relevant materials to schools. Also expected are the Wollemi pines that Australia so brilliantly revived and we hope it will survive here.

19. This year Bhutan has attracted its fair share of Australian personalities, scholars and internationally-reputed artists the likes of Tony Grey and Andrew Rogers. Tony, a celebrated businessman by profession, and an author by interest said: "In the west we have advanced so much, we were able to send men to the moon, but people are looking for something, there is void." Tony's journey to Bhutan was to look for that something which he knew lay in the mountains of Bhutan and in the hearts of the people who dwelled there. His findings will accumulate in a book called the "The Seven Most Spiritual Places in the World", Bhutan being one of them. Keep an eye on it.

20. As a follow up of Bhutan's first ever home one day international cricket match that was played last year with the visiting Guild Cricket Club from Melbourne, there is news that the Guild Cricket Club will launch a documentary called the "Backyarders" soon.

21. Just this morning, John, who is visiting his sister-in law, made a presentation at REWA, an NGO in Thimphu set up by recovering addicts to help people like themselves. Likewise, last week Megan Ritchie's brother and his mate who were in town donated 5 rugby balls to a Thimphu school and also coached the students. This is an indicator that Australians are taking sincere interest in Bhutan and its people. The Australian Government has acknowledged such interest by awarding the Order of Australia to Cathy for her role in helping Bhutanese in Australia amongst many other things.

22. Ladies and gentlemen,

23. From all this it is clear that Australia-Bhutan bilateral relations have progressed from very modest beginnings to today's very active and full cooperation. Until the 1960's, Bhutan lived in a self-imposed isolation. Bhutan saw its first international exposure in 1962 at The Colombo Plan Meeting held in Melbourne, Australia. Bhutanese have a number of quirky habits, traditions and beliefs which the West are seeing wisdom in, and one such belief is in omens. The Melbourne Colombo Plan Meeting was indeed very auspicious because we have never looked back since then in our efforts to end isolation, modernization, adopt changes keeping with time and building relationships with other countries and playing our small part in international affairs.

24. Even before the establishment of diplomatic relations, Australia has always been a strong supporter of Bhutan's endeavour to end its isolation and improve the livelihoods of our people. Although Australia's assistance to Bhutan covers many sectors, education today forms the cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries. Since the 1960's, 920 Bhutanese have received education in Australia through programmes like the Colombo Plan and AusAID. Many of them today hold very senior positions, (sometimes referred to as the "Australian Mafia") both in the Royal Government and other sections of our society.

25. Our parents and grandparents still remember fondly of the International trucks that that were provided by Australia in the early 1960's.

26. We hope as Bhutan prepares itself to embrace constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy we hope Australia and its people will continue to support us and further strengthen the relations between the people of our two countries.

27. Lastly, on behalf of the ABFA, I would like to:

28. Express our profound gratitude to the government and people of Australia for their openhearted all around assistance to Bhutan since 1962.

29. Thank John for his keen interest in Bhutan which grows by the day and also thank him for tonight's dinner. The tenure of John as Ambassador, saw an increase in the aid to Bhutan and in 2006-07 $2.3 million Australian dollars have been committed.

30. We would like to thank Megan Jones for all her help in supporting ABFA.

31. Thank all the people responsible for promoting Australia-Bhutan Friendship Associations, in particular, Tim Fischer, Catherine Harris in Sydney, Ray Marcello in Canberra, Wendy, Dylan, Katie Andrew and Jenny in Adelaide, Simon Wallis, Barb Green, John, Penny and Hardy in Victoria, Dr. Piyoosh, Dr Kamal and Baba in Queensland, Emma Lees in Sydney, Dr. George Burns in Perth, Jim and Jenny in Albury Wodonga, Suellen in Byron Bay, Tom in Armidale and many more.

32. I know I have a captivated audience but I will not take advantage of this nor push my luck too far. Tashi Delek.

33. Now I will request John to say a few words.

The following comments were received in support of Tshering's speech by various ABFA members:

"Tshering - Thankyou, it was a great speech you gave; you were able to make apparent the many varied links and connections between us all." wrote Emma Lees.

"It is always interesting to see also the observations other people make of the 'Australian culture'. I guess we are pretty sport-mad!" Emma added.

"I too was at the Australia-Uruguay game, and never have I experienced such hype, atmosphere and national pride." said Emma.

"Hi Tshering, read with interest your speech. Who is your speech writer? He or she has done an excellent job. Incidentally whilst noting your comments on cricket and rugby wonder how many people know that the cricket coach of Bhutan is from Australia. We might be able to get some sponsorship which is badly needed for cricket in Bhutan." wrote Baba Sourjah from Queensland.

"Dear Tshering, as one of the newest arrivals from Australia (end of July 2006), I very much appreciate your message and hope to contribute to the good relations between our two countries during my time living here." said Christine McMahon.

"Your words are great, well done and Bhutan is even known about here in Argentina, where I am addressing a Conference!" added Tim Fischer.

"Well done Tshering! What a speech, I hope to see some of you during my whirl wind trip next week." said Cathy Harris.

"Fine words! It's very encouraging to hear that the Thimphu dinner went well and relations on many fronts continue to deepen." concluded Ray Marcelo.

The Endeavour Postgraduate Awards provide full financial support for international students for up to 3.5 years to undertake a postgraduate qualification at a masters level or higher either by coursework or research in any field of study in Australia, which includes a semester of English language training (if required).

Up to 200 Endeavour Postgraduate Awards will be available over the next five years (2007 to 2011) (up to 40 each year).

Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The Endeavour IPRS programme provides approximately 330 new scholarships each year and enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers.

Scholarships are open to international students of all countries (except New Zealand) and are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years for a Doctorate by research degree. The Scholarship covers tuition fees and health cover costs for Scholarship holders, and health cover costs for their dependants. (It should be noted that the Endeavour IPRS programme is undergoing review in 2006 which may result in changes for 2007.)

More information on both of these scholarships is available at

Summary of Endeavour Awards

The contact at the High Commission is Professor John Webb, Counsellor (Education and Science.

Australian Development Scholarships

The Australian Development Scholarship program is administered by AusAID. For Bhutan, applications are made through the Royal Civil Service Commission - applications are not accepted from individuals.

For more information on these scholarships, please see

Australian Development Scholarships

or contact Mr K Pradeep, Country Manager, AusAID.

Despite the injured (left) leg, THANK YOU Simon for making time for us, wrote Sonam. Thank you too, to the rest of the members of ABFA Victoria Chapter for making the memorial trip possible.

Apparently, the weather on the first day was not on our side. Yet the intermittent cold rain and gloomy sky didn't deter us from hiking (and often running) to the fringes of the awesome vistas of the vast open Great Southern Ocean - that appears endless and seems to touch the far corners of the skies. Admidst the high and constantly pounding waves we gazed with fascination at the amazingly solid remnants of pedestal-like sand stone monoliths. Some of these are called the "12 Apostles", whilst the others, which are still conjoined on the upper surface, supposedly resemble London Bridge. Some years down the line, the bridging top surface will eventually be eroded by the waters, like the rest of the current apostles, and then it may have to be re-christened something other than London Bridge - maybe "20+ Apostles"?!!!

For some AFTER, and for some IN THE MIDST OF, a rigorous academic session, the trip came as a well-deserved balm to soothe our thumping heavy heads. And for the kids, notwithstanding the slight car-sickness, it was a yet another chapter of new sights, sounds and experiences rolled up in one picnic-like drive-away.

Among other beautiful memories, one that deserves mention, is the unusually peaceful rest in homely Port Campbell YHA Hostel. With its spacious areas and well maintained facilities including cooking amenities, it caters for a true "home away from home" experience and hence, those planning a visit to that part of the world may like to take note of this hostel that comes at a very cheap price of only $22 per head.

Other memories to be cherished are better captured in the attached photos. It would be interesting if other members could also take some time to share theirs and 'showcase their photography skills' writes Sonam.

The trip occurred on the weekend of July 8th and July 9th, 2006 with about 11 Bhutanese students and 2 Australian members.

ABFA Co-Chair, Dr. Tim Fischer, AC, was unable to join in, but sent his congratulations on the initiative, and also asked to pass on his regards and greetings to the Bhutanese.

This award is the second highest given in Australia. We are so proud of her. Here is the citation in the paper:

Ms Catherine Mary HARRIS, Sydney Markets, NSW. For service to community development through leadership roles in organisations related to education, health care, advancement of the status of women, the Catholic Church, the arts and sport, and to international relations between Australia and Asia, particularly support for Bhutanese people living in Australia.

"Congratulations and Tashi Delek to Cathy for a well deserved honour. It will indeed be a proud moment for Bhutan as well." wrote Sonam Tobgay, from ANU in Canberra.

The Order of Australia award is in addition to the Public Service Medal awarded to Cathy in 2000 and the Centenary Medal awarded in 2001.

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, great-grandson of Bhutan's first hereditary monarch and once the world's youngest King (when he came to power in 1972), rules his people more in the spirit of Buddha than of more worldly princes. To this day there is not a traffic light in the Himalayan kingdom, by law everyone must wear traditional 14th century clothing and the number of tourists allowed into the country over the past 10 years is lower than the number of fans who pile into a college football game. Television and the Internet have, it is true, arrived with the 21st century, and a few superluxe hotels are now coming up around Bhutan, but what hits you when you touch down in its only airport is the silence.

Almost 30 years ago, long before "positive psychology" became a boom in the West, King Jigme, now 50, suggested that nations be measured by "gross national happiness"; the rich are not always happy, after all, while the happy generally consider themselves rich. Four months ago, he launched an even more radical idea: self-deposition. To urge his people toward independence, he announced that he would step down two years from now (his son would officially take over) and that his country would hold its first national democratic elections.

King Jigme - who gave up absolute power in 1998 and last year sent every household in the land a new draft constitution that allowed for his impeachment - is setting a quietly revolutionary precedent. If most politicians are inherently suspect because they seem so eager to grab power and so reluctant to surrender it, what does one make of a leader who voluntarily gives up his position, as if placing his people's needs before his own?

Iyer writes often on Asia, and this article can be found at the following Time magazine link.

Time Magazine - The People Who Shape Our World

Following is the address by Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, Education Minister, RGoB, at the Official Launch of the Australia-Bhutan Friendship Association, Armidale Chapter (5th April, 2006).

Professor Pettigrew, Tom Maxwell, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The last time I was in Armidale was in 1991, exactly 15 years ago, as the then Director General of Education of my country. We had then only one Bhutanese student at the UNE and I was told that, after her, I was the only second Bhutanese ever to visit Armidale. I remember then at the Annual Dinner of the Earl Page College, where I was invited as the Guest of Honour, I had expressed the wish that one day we would have many Bhutanese students studying here at the UNE.

I am very happy to be back today at Armidale, especially knowing that my wish of 1991 had come true and then being asked to officially launch today the Armidale Chapter of Australia-Bhutan Friendship Association.

During these 15 years, we have to date 92 students who have studied at the UNE, including 4 at the Doctorate level. All of them are today back in Bhutan serving our education system very well. Besides, distance and remoteness are the two common features between an Australian "bush" school and a Bhutanese mountain school. Therefore, following my last visit to Armidale in 1991, we have now successfully adopted the Australian one teacher multigrade teaching system of its remote schools for our mountain schools. To this end, we have over 130 of our teachers come here at Armidale and trained in one teacher multigrade teaching system. They have played very important roles in the universalization of primary education in Bhutan by taking up teachings in some of our remotest schools located amongst some of the most difficult terrains in the Himalayas.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Australia-Bhutan bilateral relations have also similarly progressed from very humble beginnings to today's very active and full cooperations. It may be mentioned that till the 1960(s), Bhutan was still the "Last Shangri-la" or the "Forbidden Kingdom" pursuing its centuries old policy of self imposed isolation. The Colombo Plan Meeting held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1962 was the first international meeting of any kind Bhutan had ever participated. We Bhutanese being Buddhists believe in good/bad omens, and the Melbourne Colombo Plan Meeting was indeed very auspicious because we have never looked back since then in our efforts to end isolation, modernization and building relationships with other countries and playing our small parts in the international affairs. We became a member of the United Nations in 1972 and, soon after, members of all its sister organizations and many other international organizations. We have now full diplomatic relations with over 30 countries, including Australia, with whom full diplomatic relations were established in 2002.

For many years and even before the establishment of diplomatic relations, Australia has been always a strong supporter of Bhutan in its endeavour to end isolation and improving the livelihoods of our people. Although Australia's assistance to Bhutan cover many sectors, education today forms the cornerstone of relationships between the two countries. I am told that since the 1960(s), there has been 920 Bhutanese who have received education in Australia through programmes like Colombo Plan and AusAID. Many of them today hold very senior positions both in the Royal Government and other sections of our society.

Private and non governmental efforts have been equally responsible for the friendship between our two countries. We have a very able and active Honorary Consul based in Sydney in the form of Catherine Harris of Harris Farm Markets. We have very dynamic Australia-Bhutan Friendship Associations under the able leadership of its Chairman, His Excellency Dr. Tim Fischer, AC, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, with chapters in each of the major Australian cities. Today, we add Armidale chapter to that growing list.

I am, therefore, very happy and deeply honoured to launch the Armidale chapter of the Australia-Bhutan Friendship Association. I bring with me to this happy occasion greetings from His Majesty our King, the government and the people of Bhutan. On this auspicious occasion, I, on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan would like to:

(1) Express our deep appreciations to the government and people of Australia for the generous all around assistance to Bhutan since that auspicious Colombo Plan Meeting in 1962.

(2) Thank all those people responsible for promoting Australia-Bhutan Friendship Associations, in particular, H.E. Dr. Tim Fischer AC, Catherine Harris in Sydney, Ray Marcelo in Canberra, Wendy Joyce Miller in Adelaide, Simon Wallis in Victoria, Dr. Piyoosh Kotecha in Queensland, Emma Lees in Glebe, Dr. George Burns in Perth, Jim Toole in Albury Wodonga, and many more, as well as Tshering Tashi for providing necessary coordinations from Bhutan.

(3) My special words of appreciation go to our friend, Tom Maxwell, here at the UNE for many of his untiring efforts towards promoting Australia-Bhutan Friendship, such as, organizing today's functions, his contributions to the Armidale Chapter of the Association, his special attention to the Bhutanese students studying here and for looking after me and my colleague during our present visit.

(4) Our special appreciations also go to Dr. Jim Irvine, former Principal of Earl Page College, who hosted me during my 1991 visit to Armidale and who later worked in Bhutan as our Education consultant. Jim was responsible for building the initial bridges between Bhutan and UNE by arranging to send the first few groups of Bhutanese students here.

(5) Above all, we thank you all, the lovely people of Armidale, for making here home away from home for many simple and rather shy Bhutanese students, for many of whom their journey to Armidale would be their first journey outside their immediate neighbourhood in the Himalayas.

In conclusion, I would like to wish TASHI DELEK, which in Bhutanese mean "long life, peace and prosperity", to Australia-Bhutan Friendship.

Thank you

-o0o-

It would be a great opportunity for some of the Bhutanese students studying here to attend a concert in the Opera House.

Listed below are details of the performance and the web-site link.

Rhythm and Ritual - The Shock of the New III

24 and 25 May 2006

Presenter: Sydney Symphony

Venue: Concert Hall

*Gianluigi Gelmetti* conductor

*William Barton* didgeridoo

*Taikoz

Gyuto Monks of Tibet

Cantillation

Sydney Symphony*

Maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti weaves Taiko drumming, Tibetan chanting, didgeridoo and thrilling classical music into a kaleidoscope of surprising and energising sounds. The program will be revealed on the night.

SEASON

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 May at 8pm

PRICES

Adult $50/$35

*Full Time Australian Student $25

+ Booking fees may apply

Rhythm and Ritual - The Shock of the New III

Emma Lees, from Sydney ABFA, has suggested that if the Bhutanese students are interested, but unable to pay the $25 ticket (student price), then she would be willing to pool some monetary resources to make it possible. Perhaps anyone else wanting to come along might be willing to do the same - although this is not mandatory. It does of course depend on whether there are still tickets available + people are able to attend.

Please let Emma know ASAP so she can pre-book.

"It is indeed a very thoughtful and meaningful gesture." said Sonam Tobgay, from Canberra.

Following are some images taken at Changangkha Lakhang:

Barb was kept busy by her host Captain Tenzing and his wife Neyzang, and met with a few hundred Bhutanese. Barb was accompanied by her husband and her sister, and at a breakfast in Swiss Bakery, she seemed happy about ABFA and was keen to get it more organised.

Barb has visited Bhutan five times and has alway helped the Bhutanese students in Australia.

The tour, titled "The Exploratory Tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan" is a cultural tour with a natural history and birdwatching focus.

They will visit the major centres of Paro and Thimphu (the capital) and travel to central Bhutan to visit the culturally important sites of Punakha, Trongsa and Bumthang.

They will visit important sites such as the historic Dzongs or fortresses as well as many of the culturally important temples and sites in the beautiful Bumthang valley.

The tour will also visit the picturesque Gantey valley home of the rare migratory Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis). The tour is timed to coincide with the annual Black-necked Crane community Festival in the Phobjika Valley (on Sunday 12th November) where traditional folk dances and ceremonies take place.

During the 15 day tour there will be opportunities for ½ day and full day hikes.

The tour will also visit national parks and have opportunities for viewing birds, wildlife and plant life. (A bird list from the 2005 tour is available on request.)