Vietnam Bhutan

Ming Mang tomb Vietnam's long history

homesick

 

This night I woke up with stomach pain…too much good food yesterday...

 

I could not go back to sleep…

 

A few days ago a friend sent me a link to a website of a journey of a Swiss choir on a singing tour in Bhutan. I had not had the time to watch it, so instead of turning around in my bed I decided to look at it.

http://www.rts.ch/emissions/passe-moi-les-jumelles/4274211-un-choeur-au-bhoutan.html

 

The moment I saw the first images of the Swiss group arriving in Paro airport/Bhutan…I could smell the fresh air, I remembered the mountains, the smiling faces…

 

I felt homesick!

 

Every day I miss Tho and my children so much and I am looking forward so much to see them soon again!

 

This is my last week in Hue. Next monday I'll go back to Bhutan,

 

My program is so packed until I leave, I will have no time to be too home sick for Tho, my children, grandchildren….and Bhutan,

 

Vietnam and Bhutan truly are so different! And yet the same!

 

Different in geography, demography, history, development,

 

And both are wonderful countries in which my heart has found a home:)

Vietnam/Bhutan are ONE:

 

Here in Hue, Vietnam we are at sea level altitude (I think even under sea level).

 

In Timphu, Bhutan we are at 2500m altitude and the highest peaks are over 7000m

 

In Vietnam agriculture is so rich: rice, vegetables, fruit, fish

 

In Bhutan only 2% of the land is agricultural land

 

Vietnam has 2500km of coastline along the ocean

 

Bhutan mountains mountains mountains, no ocean

 

Vietnam is very densly populated  80.000 000 inhabitants.

 

Bhutan has about 700 000 inhabitants

 

Vietnam was colonised by the French.

 

Bhutan never was colonised

 

Vietnam suffered from long complicated wars, with the French, Japanese, Americans and before Chinese.

 

Bhutan did not have a war for very long time

 

 Vietnam was an empire and is now a socialist republic.

 

Bhutan is a democracy with a very Beloved King (A King like in England)

 

Vietnam has had many influences over centuries: Chinese, French, Russian, Communist, Japan, Americans etc, when you visit Hoi An the old town there are houses Portuguese style, Japanese style, Chinese style etc

 

Bhutan has been very isolated and cut off from foreign influence 

 

Vietnam develops fast…with no (clear) guideline (?)…? Sorry for this remark, but I do not understand how Vietnam envisions development. But actually Vietnam develops according to GDP guidelines and this gives a chaotic impression...?

 

Bhutan develops very slowly, step by step with GNH as a guideline

 

Vietnam's GDP is rising

 

Bhutan's GNH is rising:)

 

Bhutan is very conscious of environment

 

Vietnam…?

 

In Bhutan buddhism is "State religion" and very present in every day life

 

In Vietnam, buddhism, catholicism and other religions are private matters

 

Bhutan has a no car day

 

Unthinkable in Vietnam:) 

 

Bhutanese cuisine is simple:)

 

Vietnamese cuine is very elaborate:)

 

But the rivers in Vietnam come from Bhutan (or Tibet)...the air, the earth, the sun is just ONE:)

I know if I walk steadily up the rivers I'll always be on the same mother earth,breathe the same air, feel the same sun and rain:)

And the joys, the pains, the laughter, the tears, the friendship, the hopes, the people are just the same everywhere:)

At last Bhutan/Vietnam for me are ONE

 

 Ps Our Nephew An Lac is making a PHD study of the different approaches to development between Vietnam/Bhutan...surely very interesting to read! 

Everywhere people pray
Nature is our mother and inspiration everywhere
Walking meditation in Tu Hieu Pagoda, Hue

Commentaires

14.04 | 09:07

Je progresse un peu en anglais et j'ai presque tout compris. Merci Lisy pour ton magnifique engagement dans cette belle réalisation qu'est TTG.

11.04 | 01:36

Looking forward to your next article beeing amongs the friends and development of TTG.THANK YOU And all the best.

08.04 | 08:20

Beautiful Lisa,- yes for sure being among the clouds gives a whole wonderful other dimension, - if we listen into it, as you did. Thank you

08.04 | 07:44

Wonderful blog entry, than k you Lisi