Page 41 - BHUTAN 2007

Many Tata trucks from India joined us on the highway, but most of the

drivers were courteous to each other and seemed to follow the “local rules

of the road.” Of course, even the Bhutanese produce an occasional
“drugstore cowboy” or maybe it’s the Indian drivers who sometimes drive a

bit recklessly. As the highway ascends towards a pass, the prayer flag

“forests” begin to sprout with their long narrow fluttering white banners

reaching high into the sky. Then stupas and chortens, memorial cairns and

structures to saints, lamas, past leaders, and holy men are seen through the
thick forest underbrush. At the top of the pass, the prayer flags are strung

completely across the roads and around the open areas. These are the

pennant type of flag and they sport many different colors. Their crisscross

patterns look like enormous “cat’s cradle” puzzles. But they flash and flicker

gaily under the bright blue skies. For 99% of the travel time, we felt safe on
this highway because of our excellent driver and because of the courtesy of

the others on the roads.