Gross National Happiness

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So we've discussed this topic between ourselves, and with others, at length. And at one point it looked like we were going to write an entire essay about it on here. Instead we reckon these signs just about sum it up...

 

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gross [inter]national happiness

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The Tiger's Nest (aka Taktsang Palphug Monastery), Bhutan What's in a name? One of the inspirations for our decision to go away travelling was an article entitled  'Find a Kingdom of Happiness' in Colors magazine about a small Himalayan country called Bhutan . It introduced us to a country that uniquely bases its policy-making and measures its success on Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than Gross National Product (GNP). Suitably inspired by this wonderful piece of fresh thinking , and more than a little depressed by the state of the economies of the western world, we decided it was a fine time to jack it all in and head east in search of mysterious cultures, beautiful scenery, friendly people, peace and quiet, hustle and bustle, new flavours, sights and smells... and our very own slice of happiness. We departed the UK on 18th October 2012 and returned on 4th June 2013 having visited  Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma,  Sri Lank...
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To Siem Reap or not to Siem Reap?

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The end of our wonderful journey was almost nigh and we started to wonder about visting Siem Reap the gateway to the Angkor temples. Did a pair of atheists really feel the need to see yet more temples? The long journey to the North West of Cambodia meant we would have less time in Vietnam and Bangkok, places we both loved. So, we’d taken to asking everyone we met what they would do? To Siem Reap or not to Siem Reap? That was the question. If you're reading this as a previous visitor to these temples in Cambodia, you'll know the answer everyone gave. I have to say I was sceptical. I mean, what was going to beat the pure beauty of Bhutan's buddhist stupas. Or ballooning over the temple-strewn plains of Bagan? Or the intricate carvings in the Jain temples in Jaisalmer. Or the mother of all shrines: The Flippin’ Taj Mahal? Well, thank goodness we ignored me and my atheist scepticism , and listened to everyone else. We were utterly blown away by this collection of ...
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Pabu's Little Village

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