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 Lanka, Thailand, Laos,  Vietnam
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Pabu's Little Village

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The Okey Cokey! We were lucky enough to find Pabu Ki Dhani (PKD) online , translated as Pabu's Little Village, in a list of attractions near Jaisalmer. Both of us felt the need to get off the beaten Lonely Planet track and this looked like it would deliver. PKD is run by Pabu and Capucine - Pabu is from the Bil tribe, a low-caste desert community, and Capucine from Paris. They met 7 years ago in the desert when Pabu was Capucine's camel guide, fell in love and have started a small charity to support Pabu's community. They've bought a plot of land in the middle of the desert and built some traditional mud huts to provide accommodation for tourists. And adjacent to that is their house. It's incredibly peaceful and feels so remote. There was just us and an older French couple when we were there. PKD at sunset Staying in the house were Pabu and Capucine and 5 children, 2 from Pabu's previous relationship plus one of their own and a couple of cousins. Lovely
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Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok

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