Consciously Frugal: Book Review & Giveaway: Married to Bhutan

Hey, Consciously Frugal is giving away 4 copies of MARRIED TO BHUTAN, and you have until Sunday, June 26th to get one.

I just can't figure out if she really likes the book. You be the judge...

Go here: Consciously Frugal: Book Review & Giveaway: Married to Bhutan:

Bhutan Dragons Meet U.S. Rockets

A link to the National Geographic article about Namgay's rockets and Married to Bhutan

Chorten Kora Encounter, 1995

This is Chorten Kora in Eastern Bhutan in 1995. I went there with a driver and guide on the way to Samdrup Jonkhar. We stopped nearby to have a picnic lunch, and a small group of little boys appeared. Not many chilips (foreigners) made it all the way to Chorten Kora. My guide said, "Would you like to say hello to them in their language, Sharchop?" "Of course," I  said, eager to have a moment with the locals. He said a phrase and I repeated it. He shook his head, yes, all innocent and helpful.  Then I said it very loudly to the little boys, and at first they looked startled. Then they all started laughing. I thought they were really surprised I spoke in their language. But no, that wasn't it. It turns out the guide had taught me something nasty and vile to say. I figured it out because after that the boys followed me everywhere, laughing and yelling the phrase. It still makes me laugh to think of this little trick. I never knew exactly what I said, but I know it must have been bad. Here's a picture of the little boys after I said it:

Do You Know this Woman?

This is Emily Achenbaum Harris. Isn't she good looking? She was a staff reporter for the Chicago Tribune, which I've heard is a big deal newspaper. And then she dropped out, downsized, simplified, went back to basics, got herself a baby (she had a husband already), and a garden and she's doing it all holding the baby-- with the other hand tied behind her back. She's one of my heros-- in the top 5 anyway, and the reason is that I kind of did all that-- downsized, dropped out, and simplified my life--but I had to go all the way to Bhutan to do it. I knew myself very well. I had to get away from the temptations of  Bergdorf Goodman online. I can shop online all day in Bhutan, but no one will mail anything to me, which seriously cuts down on the expense. And I had to get away from other stuff in the US that is oh so diverting. The truth is I lack willpower in a big way. But Emily did it, is doing it, without leaving home, so to speak. And most of all, she is hilarious. Honest to a fault, fun in the extreme, and she's already taught me a lot of stuff. She blogs about it here. Be sure to read this about Emily. See what I mean?

Also she let me answer some questions about my book here. She brings out the goofball in me.