Samyae Resort and I

Samyae Resort is a few minutes’ drive from Chamkhar town towards Trongsa highway. It lies just above the road after passing the current fuel depot. It is beautifully built in outmost Bhutanese style and architect.  

I had few hiccups when I heard the charge for the room. It mentally burned me. But, I did not hesitate to put up myself. Since, it was my first chance to be in such a big–budget place. 

Do I have all the money and power to live in a resort meant for foreigners were some questions that passed cold through my spine? However, I have controlled my emotion.

Front View of Samyae Resort

Indeed, it was my first time walking in such an expensive lane, equivalent to someone who can pay in dollars. Perhaps, before entering into the rooms, I have built all my courage to walk in like foreigners.  I have pretended as if I am used to living in a resort, and have walked thousand times in a such lavish room. For few days, I have all the courage tell my friends that I live in a resort.

My legs have shivered and my voice have stammered when the resort receptionist asked, 'sirs and madams which room would you all like to occupy'. Any room was my curt reply. 

I have sincerely requested the reception officer to give us the rooms that can give the dazzling view of Chamkhar town. I and my friend have got room number #408. Thank god! This room gave the best view not only of Chamkhar town but also of the whole valley. I took few images of the valley through the room.

I was amazed by the 'welcome' foot mat. I was stunned by the cleanliness and the arrangement of the room. I wish every hotel in the town have the same luxury. Every time I look for a hotel rooms, I am more concern about the safe and clean toilet. However, Samyae resort have the best toilet with running water facilities. Soap and toilet paper were also in place for use. I thank for the good housekeeping and good management. 

Room in Samyae Resort.

For few days, I can eat like a superstar. I can sleep like a superstar. I can act like a superstar. I can talk like a VIP to any foreigners without hesitation because I too share the same building. 

Cleaning, washing and arranging things have become a daily routine in the room. I also used to perfume myself before touching the pillow. I became more discipline and humble by the cleanliness of the room. 

Perhaps, it may be my last chance but it is not my last breath. 

Photos for photo Lovers

View of Chamkhar Town

Offerings at Mebar Tsho

View of Chumey Valley from Tharpaling top

View of Chamkhar Town from Tharpaling Top

View of jakar Dzong from Tharpaling Top

View of Chumey Valley from Tharpaling

Solar Panel versus Electricity Confusion

Recently I came across news by Kuensel. –"83 households in Tsirang has no grid electricity." And it caught my attention for the outlandish failure and wrong information recorded for rural electrification.  

Interestingly, it was sad to see poorly schooled officials who do not know the difference between solar and hydro power energy. I feel such poorly maintained record of data would hamper any future development of the villages. More so, it may also lead to series of implication for future plannings of the gewog as well. 

At this time and age, home without any electricity connection, villages without road connectivity, shops nearby and strong telecommunication tower may bring any kinds of disaster. We don't want to travel back in times neither we don't want to be like camel on the deserted island. 

It is sad to know that our officials are failing to perform their duty. Why these many villages are still without any electricity connection? What are our local leaders, planners and BPC doing? 

For a country like ours where hydro power are ample, our own villages should not be left out with reliable electricity connection. As a local leader and the planner, they have to raise concern and voices on such necessity of daily lives, and not only on what share of salary and benefits will they get in autumn. 

How some well-educated fools can say the dzongkhag has at least 83 households without grid electricity and still claims that the all the villages are electrified? We give so much emphasis on the use of electricity; it is locally available, cheap and clean forms of energy. I have seen our leaders encouraging the use of electricity over fire wood and other forms of energy. But where is their stand when some villages are still without any electricity connection. 

Unlike solar energy, electricity has multi-function. One can do so many work at a time with electrical energy. However, on the other hand, solar panel can't perform such heavy duties at a go. With the kind of solar panel provided to villages, it can withstand one or two 4-6 watt light bulb for 2-3 hours with some occasional break. With such poor facilities in place, how can we curb the problem of rural-urban migration? 

"In a recent report, Bhutan Power Corporation reported that with the electrification of Soe and Lingzhi in Thimphu and Jigmecholing in Sarpang, 99.97% of the households in the country have been provided with electricity. The remaining 0.03% constitutes 300 households in Lunana."

Where is the 83 households of Tsirang without any electricity connection in the record? A place famous for its landscape, land of vegetables, oranges and dallay chillies. 

“BPC's Divisional Manager in Tsirang, Dil Kumar Rasaily said that those households connected with solar energy are also considered electrified. That was how Tsirang's 83 non-electrified households got reflected as electrified. It is just that they do not have grid connection but their homes are lit with solar." How poor are our leaders? Who do not know the difference between solar and hydro power energy?

We don't want any officials and leaders of such capacity to rule us. In future such officials should be banned from entering into any job market. 

How many more survey are still required to provide electricity to these 83 households of Tsirang? If they are still waiting for another TA/DA claims, they can leave their offices. We don't want such voracious officials and poorly educated minds to represent us. We don't want such poorly educated leaders to speak on behalf of us, the villagers. 

The below is the link for those of you who do not have caught up with the news:

http://www.kuenselonline.com/83-households-in-tsirang-has-no-grid-electricity/

World Cup Fever

Belgium was out last night. But I still have one last hope with England tonight. 

Uruguay side seemed unarmed when Cavani couldn't make it to first eleven. The other team mates were mentally disturbed. Luis Suarez was alone to hit the target. Surprisingly Argentina have conceded more goals than expected from scintillating France. Messi was blamed for it. Spain was another big team who was axed by the Russians. Gerard Pique had not done enough was the reaction.  

When many rejoice the world cup, few Thai families mourn for 12 boys and a football coach who were trapped in the Thai cave. However, due to international help, good fortune and weather conditions have favored the extraction work of all 13 beautiful souls successfully on time, just before the the first world cup semi-final. Heroes were the cave divers and the doctors. 

But on the other hand, Ip Man was heavily paralyzed by his physics and mathematics syllabus. Some local researchers have found out that some of his brain cells were damaged severely and some have started to corrode. The cause of his brain damage was due to excessive sleep and his sluggish nature. 

"GOAL" was declared. Offside flag was up. In the centre few players have exchanged some punch and few have already blown up their nose. Kylian Mbappe was booked for Yellow Card for unnecessarily wasting time. However, referee settled to call on for VAR (Video Assistant Referees) to assess on the damaged caused. Everyone waited for the final decision. He came back only to resume the normal game but ended in penalties. 

With this technology in place, trust between referee and the players is at stake. So far referees decision have worked so well for any level of football games. Referees decision should be final and binding if the conscience was clear and fair. I am bit worried about the revolution of artificial intelligence versus the future of human. Seriously, workmanship is at risk!

My little daughter have supported team Japan for their fair play but couldn't withstand Belgium in their first knockout phase. I have supported Belgium for no great reasons though. Belgium has a wonderful team squad. One reason could be because of the amazing performance put up by Kevin De Bruyne. He is someone who can cover the full pitch. His energy, creativity, pace, intelligent passes and the fair play are something to admire on the ground. He is one player who have changed everything for Belgium right from the start. 

Germany made a great mistake by axing the entry of Leroy Sané to the squad. He is a young and talented player. Power to finish well in the front. He is the world class player. Manager's poor choice of the players was to be blamed.

Messi and Ronaldo continued to leave the world cup stadium at the early stage. Neymar Jr. have progressed but just to finished up his world cup gala at the hand of Belgians. However, those who made in squad were born to play football game and extraordinary in their football talents. But Neymar to the most extravagantly clever to seek referees attention at the slightest touch by his opponents. Nonetheless, Luis Suárez have save his dives and the bites. The opponents were lucky, maybe because of his age and wisdom. He grew wise and old. 

Football is a game of team work. On the other hand individual talents, skills and commitments are necessary.  

Mbappe have robbed the world attention for his skills versus age. Although young and talented and skillful. However, I did not like his behavior on the ground. He need few discipline classes to be great footballers. But time will only tell his football career. 

If France wins this world cup, Kanté should be given  a golden boot for being the most silent and the efficient player.