Bhutan: Two Truths and a Lie (Continued)

1) Bhutan is a small country but rich in Buddhist traditions where the religion, culture and way of life have a place in government and politics.

2) The 4th King married 4 sisters.

3) I was mistaken a couple times as a Bhutanese princess.

Two truths and a lie. What's your guess?

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2) The 4th King married 4 sisters.

Bhutan was unified by the first King in 1906. The 2nd king continued the legacy of the first king.

The 3rd king is known as the father of modern Bhutan because he opened the door to tourism in 1974, promoted education, started hydroelectricity industry, reduced taxation, and entered the country into the UN nations and UNESCO.

In 1970s, the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced the Gross National Happiness (GNH) ideology.

People here love their royalties. There are photos of their kings and queens everywhere. 

Here is the family photo of the 4th King and his 4 wives who are sisters. Given the royal lineage was at risk, so in a way, he ensured that the royal lineage would continue and stay within the family.

His Majesty the 5th King Jigme Kheser Namgyel Wangchuck, the current king, further developed the GNH concept. 

His Majesty the 5th King and his wife

One of my favourite book, The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner, is about one grump's search for the happiest place in the world which includes Bhutan. An interesting read for travel lovers. I highly recommend it!

Looking around the country, the GNH ideology seems to have put Bhutan way ahead of its time, in terms of having the foresight on preserving its unique world for the next generations, even though it's surprising to learn that certain parts of the country didn't have electricity until just a few short years ago.

Thus, it is true that 2) The 4th King married 4 sisters.

If you've followed along this far, then you know that 3) I was mistaken a couple times as a Bhutanese princess is false. However, it's not too far off from the truth. I was mistaken a couple times as a Bhutanese, especially on the festival day when I wore the traditional Kira.

Until I open my mouth and can't speak a word of Dzongkha, other than "Kuzuzangpola" which means hello, a couple locals actually thought I was the tour guide of our group.

And the princess part is my nickname on this trip. I can't remember exactly how it started and when it stuck, but when in the kingdom of Bhutan, why not live like a princess!