Thanks to all who came out
Ninety Rosslanders packed in to the Rouge Gallery on February 22nd to learn a bit about another mountainous country – Bhutan. Six Rosslanders – now known as the Bhutan Bhuddies – travelled to the Himilayan kingdom for 3 weeks of touring and trekking last fall. Dave Cornelius later pored through 5000 photos and dozens of video clips to produce the 45 minute show. It highlighted many aspects of the country: people (whose lives are governed by a happiness quotient), religion (Bhudist), architecture, culture and trekking.
The group ascended to almost 5000m, and were accompanied by guides, horses and mules. Their tour guides arranged for visits to Health Units, yak herders huts, schools for monks, and many other spots not usually accessed by tourists. This made for a rich experience and wonderful photography!
The group thanks all who attended for their interest and their generous donations. Of the funds raised, $500 will be sent to Tshering Dorji in Paro, Bhutan. Tshering not only runs Bhutan Scenic Tours but also supports several schools for young monks in Western Bhutan. The schools are not government funded, and many of the young monks are orphans or are from families who cannot support them. The schools are always in need of school supplies and soccer balls! The remaining funds, $350, will be used to support a Burmese family coming to Rossland under the auspices of West Kootenay Friends of Refugees.
Thanks also to the folks at the Rouge for use of their beautiful space!
Jill Peacock for The Bhutan Buddies
