Bhutan is a unique country with the most fascinating culture. One of their most unusual traditions are prayer flags.

Bhutan is a small, landlocked country in the Himalayan mountains. It's known for its pristine natural beauty and its rich Buddhist culture.

Photographer Mark Paulda visited a country that rejects Western values and where few ever visit. And when he returns to Bhutan in June, he’s bringing eight more cameras with him. Paulda was intent on showcasing the beauty, heritage and lush landscapes of this pristine country nestled between China and India in the rugged terrain of the eastern Himalayas—a country whose average annual household income is a mere $1,800 but measures its prosperity through a Gross National Happin

Our world is under a lot of pressure these days.  This is true on either side of the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans.  I’m unsure what’s happening to be honest except everyone is beyond stressed and no one can say anything right.  If you want an escape from the madness, there is a tiny little Buddhist Kingdom at the base of the mighty Himalaya Mountains called Bhutan.  Some refer to Bhutan the Last Shangri-La. You know you’re in a special place even before landing at the airport i

How does a gentleman travel?   The answer is simple.  A gentleman travels the easiest and most convenient way possible.  In the literal sense, a gentleman travels by commercial plane, private plane, his own plane, a friend’s plane, big boat, small boat, privately chartered boat, SUV, chauffeured driven car, Business Class and First Class, over mountains, over oceans, up and down escalators, on foot, subway, train, metro, cable car, and even a camel or a mule. In a deeper sens

No matter how, when, why or where you travel around the world you are sure to receive one of the best educations of your life.  The lessons you learn may be small and unnoticeable or they may be huge and life changing. A foreign culture may make you realise something you didn’t know about yourself and sometimes even move you to tears.  My visit to Bhutan took me to a state of peacefulness I’ve not found anywhere in the Western world.  I can’t begin to describe the effect the

From Bhutan to Tokyo to Thailand and Bali.  Highlights from some of the most idyllic places in Asia. Honestly, before travelling to Asia, my only exposure to Asians relates to tourists I’d see in other places across the world and Las Vegas.  This sounds odd and silly but it’s true.  Asia and its culture were always completely foreign to me.  Perhaps it was discomfort for the unknown that kept me away for so long and unsure when I arrived. My uncertainty about travelling to a

When I arrived in Bhutan, I was met by Kuenga; no last name, just Kuenga. No doubt he was just as nervous meeting me as I was to meet him. I didn’t know what to expect from the tiny isolated kingdom, also known as the Last Shangri-La. Prior to arriving I had read the Bhutanese are quiet by nature and shy. I’m a bit reserved myself. His broad smile, however, told me we would become fast friends, which is a good thing because we were due to be inseparable for three weeks. I was

Travel is understandably a luxury for some. You simply get away leaving behind home’s routine and responsibilities.  This slice of time take you to an abstraction of reality.  Maybe you relax with an umbrella drink on a beach.  Possibly, you scurry to visit “must see” sights guide books insist you shouldn’t miss.  I always find it curious that so many travellers are content keeping arm’s distance from their hosts or they simply eye the top ten attractions from a tour bus in t