Just when I was feeling sorry for myself that we were missing all that wonderful food and friendship for Thanksgiving----YIKES! an invitation to join the King and Queen for Thanksgiving brunch at the palace!
We all duded up---kiras for the women, suits or ghos for the men---and waited outside the palace gates, having no idea what this would be like, and trying desperately not to have high expectations.
We were all blown away by what followed:
Lavish outdoor seating, under umbrellas (the day was gorgeous and sunny), complete with white table cloths and the King's china, seated dining, the waiters wearing white gloves, fresh flowers on the tables.
If you have never seen a picture of the King and Queen of Bhutan, they are almost like fairytale people: the youngest (and poorest?) monarchs in the world. He is a mere 38 and she a young and beautiful 23, yet wise beyond her years. Both have been educated in the US and UK, so their English is impeccable...but better yet, they are charming and easy to talk to. The "Royals" went around to all the tables and sat for awhile at each, conversing easily about a variety of topics--gardening, basketball, motorcycles, health care, higher education. We shared stories with them as well---(I got to explain how I had been a chick mom at the International Crane Foundation). I suspect they both enjoy having chillips to talk to---as we will talk to them. The Bhutanese people are very deferential and won't look them in the face, making it a challenge to have a conversation. But talk we did! And laughed, too. The other impressive thing were the other Americans there--so many of us doing many interesting and beneficial things.
The food was an interesting combination of western (French toast) and Bhutanese (bangchang, a mildly alcoholic yeast drink) plus bowls of saffron rice (always done on special occasions). Yummy!
If you've never seen a picture of this famous couple, here are a few.
And here's another famous couple:
Yeah, I know--there's no comparison....
We were not allowed to bring in cameras of any sort---but the King and Queen always have their official photographer at these events, so we each got a glossy 8 x 10 of the whole group. Below is a scan of that photo:
Where's Waldo? K and Q standing behind the little girls in pink.... Rick and I to the left and behind the guy with the white kabney (ceremonial scarf). I know I know...not a great picture, but proves we were there!
All in all it was a really delightful and unexpected Thanksgiving---and I am oh so thankful for this wonderful time in Bhutan---and also so thankful that I will get to see many of you soon...the best of both worlds!
We all duded up---kiras for the women, suits or ghos for the men---and waited outside the palace gates, having no idea what this would be like, and trying desperately not to have high expectations.
We were all blown away by what followed:
Lavish outdoor seating, under umbrellas (the day was gorgeous and sunny), complete with white table cloths and the King's china, seated dining, the waiters wearing white gloves, fresh flowers on the tables.
If you have never seen a picture of the King and Queen of Bhutan, they are almost like fairytale people: the youngest (and poorest?) monarchs in the world. He is a mere 38 and she a young and beautiful 23, yet wise beyond her years. Both have been educated in the US and UK, so their English is impeccable...but better yet, they are charming and easy to talk to. The "Royals" went around to all the tables and sat for awhile at each, conversing easily about a variety of topics--gardening, basketball, motorcycles, health care, higher education. We shared stories with them as well---(I got to explain how I had been a chick mom at the International Crane Foundation). I suspect they both enjoy having chillips to talk to---as we will talk to them. The Bhutanese people are very deferential and won't look them in the face, making it a challenge to have a conversation. But talk we did! And laughed, too. The other impressive thing were the other Americans there--so many of us doing many interesting and beneficial things.
The food was an interesting combination of western (French toast) and Bhutanese (bangchang, a mildly alcoholic yeast drink) plus bowls of saffron rice (always done on special occasions). Yummy!
If you've never seen a picture of this famous couple, here are a few.
And here's another famous couple:
Yeah, I know--there's no comparison....
We were not allowed to bring in cameras of any sort---but the King and Queen always have their official photographer at these events, so we each got a glossy 8 x 10 of the whole group. Below is a scan of that photo:
All in all it was a really delightful and unexpected Thanksgiving---and I am oh so thankful for this wonderful time in Bhutan---and also so thankful that I will get to see many of you soon...the best of both worlds!
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