Photo-a-day December

Looking through the photos for December, it's hard to believe that a month ago I was still finishing my teaching duties at Chumey MSS!

We also travelled through Eastern Bhutan and then onto Thailand and Malaysia. What a month - doing what I love most, travelling! Some of these photos show how we were able to find snippets of Christmas wherever we were, although December had a very different feel to being in Australia- a little refreshing to be honest that it wasn't all about Christmas.

Although I'll continue taking daily photos (and posting in the FMS Facebook group) , I think this will be my last photo-a-day blog post as my blog scales back. Thank you for enjoying my photos this year, it has been a pleasure to show interesting facets of Bhutan through my photos and keep the most wonderful record of our year away. Best wishes for 2014!

1 - Red

Our elf found us, even in Bhutan!

 

 

2 - Where I stood

Out the front of Mrs Pema's shop in Chumey.

3 - Silver

A collection of coins from my purse.

 

 

4 - Tiny

Pema Choki shows me her tiny stapler.

5 - In the cupboard

The last few things left in our pantry in Chumey.

 

 

6 - Shadow

The lovely long tree shadows near Umsang village.

 

7 - 6 O'Clock

Last night of domestic life like no other in Chumey, Bhutan.

 

 

 

8- I shop here

The vegetable markets in Chamkar where we came every fortnight for fresh produce.

9 - This is the weather today

What a joy to enter eastern Bhutan and feel warm - such a contrast to our home in Bumthang.

 

10 - R is for

River - the mighty river flowing through Autsho.

 

11 - Green

A gorgeous garden of green in Autsho.

 

 

12 - Joy is

Monks watch on joyfully as my sons joyfully chase pidgeons at Trashigang Dzong.

 

13 - Composition

Chorten Kora at Trashiyangtse (using rule of thirds).

 

 

14 - drinks

A drink for the road? At a bus stop enroute to Thrumsingla.

 

 

 

15 - Lights

This one is out of sequence - of Paro Dzong lit up at night.

 

 

 

 

16 - Makes you feel merry

A sight you would never see in Queensland in December - snow! It made us feel very merry and in the Christmas spirit to see snow in December.

 

 

17 - Trees

Lots of trees in the distance, but centre stage to the Bhutanese flag for National Day.

18 - Big

A gorgeous big bow on the wreath on a friends door in Thimphu.

 

19 - Tis The Season

Of goodbye dinners - many farewells night after night.

20 - I'm listening to

Young Bhutanese children sing carols at the Taj Tashi - slightly surreal!

 

 

21 - On the door

Beautiful decorations at Kichu Monastery, Paro.

 

22 - Sparkly

A beautiful Christmas scene at our hotel in Bangkok.

 

 

23 - Tradition

A Thai tradition I love - Spirit Houses.

 

24 - Wrapped

Bob's Christmas gifts wrapped in Thai Newspaper and Bhutanese ribbon to be opened in Malaysia!

 

25 - The best bit

The best part of our non-traditional day was discovering the street art of Penang, Malaysia.

 

26 - Where you slept

At Hotel Sentral, Georgetown, Malaysia.

 

27 - What you're doing now

About to get wet! At Langkawi, Malaysia.

 

 

29 - Reflect - best bit of 2013

Without a doubt, the best part of 2013 was being Class 2 teacher in Chumey, Bhutan.

 

30 - You

Feeling relaxed with a sunset cocktail on Langkawi.

31 - Celebrate

Fire ceromonies in Langkawi to bring in the New Year.

Let's see what 2014 has in store: more photos and as of yesterday, a new camera as my trusty phone was dropped and smashed. I think I'm ready for an upgrade!