Page 25 - BHUTAN 2007
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They stand right next to the target until the very last moment before the
arrow arrives, only then leaping away. And remember, these archers are
shooting at tiny targets ever so far away! Women do not shoot and it would
appear that it is chiefly men who form the enthusiastic crowds watching the
contests. We enjoyed observing archery contests in several towns and cities.
It seemed to us that Bhutan should do very well in the archery competitions
of the Olympics since they excel at these distances which are longer than
those required in the Games.
WHAT ELSE MAKES BHUTAN DIFFERENT?
The national animal is the takin a bovine species existing nowhere else in
the world. It looks a little like a bison, but it is smaller. The color of its coat is
yellowish-brown and it is luxuriously curly. The takin’s face is rather sweet
but not particularly intelligent looking. Both male and female have swept-
back horns, though the males are quite a bit more formidable.
