My diary

17/9/2014
Dear wait
How have you been? The presence of your absence was unbearable yet within those moments I invested away from you were worth cherishing. Within the three short days of my tour into different households in Rubesa Gewog not only rewarded me with money but also with the lifelong experiences and wisdom. My short life seemed long then.
While departing from the college, I know I was far less than what I became from the survey. I faced lots of troubles while I gained more than my heart beat each time I struggled.
Dear wait, i know you want to learn how my three days passed in the village with people. You will laugh as I share my funny incidents and you shall learn the way I did as I narrate some serious things.
Never in my life had I thought the people of Rubesa would be that hospitable, friendly and kind. I already missed their presence as I sat and took a slow sip of tea and imagined bidding adieu after an hour time. Their life is completely different from what I expected. Their tidiness, hygienic environment and way of life impressed me the most.
You know what? Whether they are rich or poor, everyone has two to three storey houses and that too are fantastic with beautiful architecture design. Near their houses were fruits trees loaded with lots of fruits, medicinal plants that nobody thought were so until we were briefed on the medicinal plants in Bhutan. Every household has kitchen garden well maintained where green and red fruits on the plants danced as the gentle wind played music for them.
Dear wait, for your information, have travelled to eight households in different chiwogs.Firstly to let you know; I travelled to Samrup Gang. The tshogpa directed us as we travelled on the Hilux.Forester and some of my girl friends stayed inside where as Agriculture Extension Agent, Livestock, Tandin sir and I stayed outside the Hilux.It was drizzling with a gentle chilly wind blowing the drops here and there. No drizzle or scorching sun could melt us as we continued staying outside. Soon arrived the household to interview. I started my interview with three extension agents. Little in- confidence stopped me asking but I couldn’t help myself start with funny terms that made them laugh.
Some of the funny incidents were: Nagi nyen chap chi ga la?(Did you marry),in spite of knowing they had kids. The very reason I asked this was to find out if they were divorced. Being this a sensitive issue, I had to beat around the bush. Another funny thing is: Pche bewachin, nabu gi sazhing di,rogi pchheka za,rangi pccheka zani gi lugsel yoega?(Meaning: Do you have sharecropping system?).Yet another is:Nalu mo la,...nor lu shingi dama bjeni yoe mena,ani zum gi shing yoega?(meaning:Do you have fodder plants)
Another is:Pche bewachin,apple shing lesha tsuni yoemena,ani zum tsu ni yoega? (Shingdre gi dumra)(Meaning: Do you have orchard?).Sometimes the answer used to be: “Masahay… azhim lu drigo”(I don’t know, ask to my sister)…These were the funny things I experienced.
“Some serous notes”: I came across an old woman who was 72 years with bent back. She looked as bent as the bow. I thought she wouldn’t be able to answer but as she invited us in her house, my prediction of her turned out to be the opposite. She stared answering so smartly that touched my heart. I asked her if she drank boiled water and she said she always does. I told her that cold water is tastier than the boiled one; why did not she take it. She said it is healthier to take the boiled one that will prevent many illnesses. She was far more intelligent than I thought she would be. In the mean time her husband came and assisted her answer while that old woman got a boiled maize .She prepared teas inspite of our repeated denial as she kept asking she would prepare tea. When the interview was done, she offered us suja and zaw.I was deeply touched with her kindness. The fruits were reddened around her houses but they had no one to transport. The fruits ripened and fell down as they wished nothing has someone to help them. I couldn’t do anything but sympathize with her.
Lastly to inform you my dear: I have become much learned now and consequently waiting to teach you the facts of life.
Thankyou
Prem K.Bhattara