Bhutan doesn't really have noise. Not even in the city. There are no honking cars or shops blasting music. Everyone is quietly doing their thing. And yet people are having fun, too - I saw two volleyball matches and an archery competition today. 

There are no billboards or brands slapped on clothing. No giant yellow M by the road. No traffic lights. No streetlamps. 

But it's a clean and pretty developed country. I heard it's carbon negative. It exports hydroelectricity. 

I guess most of all, I appreciate the quiet but deep current of Buddhism in this country. People believe that helping others is the same as helping themselves. They feed stray dogs till all the dogs on the street are fat. They go to temples to sit and meditate. They love their king. 

It's a stark contrast from almost anything I've seen. This land is simple but beautiful. The people are kind. When I fell sick, as a last resort I asked the hotel staff if they happened to stock medicine. They gave me their own and refused payment. Our guide was going to call a doctor to come visit, until I stopped him (that was my ego speaking). 

I don't know. It's not exactly the same as what I read about since I was young. I see people everywhere on their phones, some taking tiktok videos in front of Buddhist statues. Construction is ongoing everywhere as money flows in from bhutanese working overseas. Things are changing. But if I can't stay off my phone, who am I to think others could too? If I actively seek our better opportunities, greedy though it may be, why shouldn't anyone else? It's a bit of a pity that this country may end up like any other country - loud, noisy, and colourless. But I think (or hope) that it won't really. Maybe the kindness and faith of its people will help the country grow and evolve in its own unique way.

I am not sure that I would want to live here, without the comforts I'm used to, and having to bear the bone chilling cold of its winter. I'm not sure I'd know what to do with myself, with all the free time. But if I was born here, I think I would be proud to be a citizen of the last Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom in the world, where everyone treats each other with kindness. I am glad I finally managed to come. I hope I can come back again before things have changed too much.