As globalisation takes hold and starts to squeeze all the diversity out of even the farthest-flung cultures, it is quite a surprise to find a tiny country holding the modern world at bay. Bhutan’s unique topography and location in a forgotten corner of the Himalaya have left it free to pick and choose which parts of 21st century life to let past the border gate. Any development is done under strict regulations which famously prioritise “Gross National Happiness” and protection of the environment over Gross National Profit.  Rather than rushing headlong into economic progress, the country has taken a long hard look at the mistakes of its neighbours and decided to do things a little differently. Until the 1960’s, the country remained closed-off from the outside world, operating without currency, health services or roads. Only the Chinese invasion of neighbouring Tibet pushed the government into opening up its border with India and the start of a cautious modernisation. TV and the internet were “allowed” in 1999. Each important town is dominated by an enormous white Dzong – imposing fortress-monasteries which were constructed in the 16th century to protect the country from Tibetan invasion. Each dzong is a strange fusion of church and state, containing both the local government administration and a monastery. Monks flit silently across the courtyards like scarlet wraiths while well-fed minor bureaucrats huff and puff up rickety staircases……..

Source: blog.rosskennedyimages.com
 

Fuji X-Pro1

Do you love my work and want to support me? If you’re planning on buying camera gear, you can check out above-noted links. Prices remain the same for you, but a small percentage of your purchase value is valued back to me. Thank you!

Bhutan Fuji X-Pro1 Ross Kennedy Travel Photography