It’s
quite hard to imagine a place on Earth which people haven’t yet discovered.
We’ve got science and brave travelers, archeologists and advanced technology.
And yet, there is a country which guests only 7000 tourists per year, has only
one airport, one asphalt road and has been isolated for decades.
Welcome to Bhutan, a small
landlocked country in Southern Asia . Being one
of 7000 tourists is hard to achieve but a possible ambition. Bhutan is located at the eastern end of Himalayas , the highest mountains in the world. They have
20 peaks over 7000
meters . The top peak in this country is Ganghar Puensum
(7570 m
above sea level).It’s the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Last four
expeditions were unsuccessful. So, you can still be the first!
Bhutanese heritage is based on the ancient Tibetan culture and Buddhism,
which was the only religion in the whole
country to 2006. Culture is very unique and rich, because they were isolated
from the rest
of the world till 1960s. They have a specific national dress, architecture and sport. Let’s
stop at sport. The most popular sport in Bhutan
What is needed in order to get to Bhutan
Secondly,
extensive knowledge about history, manners and culture is desired. If I didn’t
want to do it, how would I know that the Bhutans
don’t use GDP but HPI (Happy Planet Index).
HPI = (Experienced well-being X Life
expectancy)/ Ecological footprint
The Bhutans
are one of the happiest society in the world! Guides and articles about Bhutan are a very
interesting read for me.
To
sum up, a model traveler needs qualities such as bravery and independence.
Well, we don’t really know ourselves until we reach the limits, do we?
Questions:
1. Would you like to visit/live in Bhutan ?
2. Do you think that the Polish Happy Planet Index is high ? Why, why not?
3. Do you know other interesting,
undiscovered places ?
Sources:
Comments
Answering your question about happy index, I think Poles are at the end of statistics. We are moody, we expect a lot from others, but don’t give a lot from us, we don’t smile and we are unlikely to help each other’s - probably, because we are also jealous. I don’t say that everyone is such person, it’s just general opinion. What is more, younger generations are changing these stereotypes for better. However it will take a lot of time, especially as long winters and not a lot of sun don’t help us.
2.About the HPI I'd say that it's an interesting indicator but it doesn't cover some crucial issues like political freedom, human or labour rights and so on (it results with countries like Vietnam or Bangladesh being on top of the list). Additionally I think that 'happiness' is very subjective term, which may influence the scores. Polish HPI is not high (as most western countries). The reason is, in my opinion, the fact that we already have fulfilled basic needs and want more and more, while in most developing countries people are satisfied when they have something to eat, wear and live in.
3.The whole world is interesting! It's difficult to choose this country or the other. They're all different, with fantastic cultures and traditions. I'd really love to visit as many of them as possible.
This place looks really amazing. I am sure that it would be a great experience full of attractions. The landscape looks really amazing. This mountain look like a great place for climbing fans.
2. Do you think that the Polish Happy Planet Index is high ? Why, why not?
As Kasia Kmieć said HPI index does not cover everything. How can countries like Vietnam or Bangladesh being on the top of the list. Those are still poor countries, where living is very difficult, and work is hard.
3. Do you know other interesting, undiscovered places ?
I always wanted to visit my friends in Canada and USA. I already been in United Kingdom and I really loved it.. But my dream is to go to Bora Bora. I have placed a link below.
http://bi.gazeta.pl/im/2/10414/z10414152Q.jpg
Why not. As far I have seen on your pictures or pictures from Internet I found it beautiful.
2. Do you think that the Polish Happy Planet Index is high ? Why, why not?
We're grumpy. Come on :)
3. Do you know other interesting, undiscovered places ?
I think that it won't take long. There are many mysteries hidden in our masurian forests like forgotten bunkers which I loved as a kid to explore.
Wiktor your picture from link looks very beautiful as some graphic from photoshop :)
Kasia and Wiktor , poor life and low economic situation don't always mean that people are unhappy. Unfortunately, often in very high developed countries about happiness proves richness.
In my opinion Polish Happy Planet Index is very low, that’s because Poland is a developing country, with high rate of unemployment and still low salaries. But I think this Index is daily changing and when The Friday comes we are the happiest nation in the World, just after Bhutanians and their goats.
Poland and the whole Europe is full of interesting places and with low cost tickets you don’t need to sell a kidney to visit them, but Bhutanians do…