BEIJING 2010

In September 2010 I joined a Qigong retreat in Beijing. We (30 of us mainly Malaysians, an American and a Sri Lankan ) lodged at Bagua XunDao Gong Centre (http://www.wan-qigong.com/) hosted by Master Wan and his deciples. They were so hospitable and multi-skilled. Most, if not all, were martial arts practitioners, healers, musician (Chinese musical instruments),tour guide, butlers and students. Most of us were quite impressed with these centre’s occupants. Included in the itenary was a visit to the Great Wall. The slope of the wall was scarily steep. When we reached the venue, to my disappointment, the tour guide asked me(who was on wheelchair) to hang around the base of the wall. I was quite determined to climb the wall. And sure enough as soon as the guide turned around, I got out of my wheelchair and started making my way to the steep stairs with the help of my wife and two students from the centre. As I made my way up, it did dawn on me how am I going to get down the steep stairs. I told myself worry about that later, now focused on getting to the third gate. In twenty minutes I have reached the third gate. We took about ten minutes rest and savour the air of our success in reaching the third gate. Now the time has come for us to begin the steep descent. Luckily there were railings along the wall and that helped me tremendously in making my way down the steep stairs.

BHUTAN 2011

I like to share stories from the trip that I made to Bhutan in April 2011. Where about is Bhuatan? It is located north of India bordering Tibet. Thimpu, the capital is at an altitude of 2400m above sea level. It is also known as the last Shang ri La.

Bhutan is a wonderful country which offers tourists an opportunity to experience a pristine and unspoilt holiday destination. The absence of neon lights, billboard advertising, takeaway food chains, traffic lights, etc is refreshing. The landscape is magnificent and the local people respectful and happy living life according to their Buddhist beliefs and traditions.

Discovering the kingdom of Bhutan is quite an experience. The country is unique : for example, watching the Himalayan chains end enjoying a temperature of some 20°C. First of all we appreciated the kindness of the local people, whether they live in towns or in the mountains. Our guide dedicated all his time to us and submitted all answers related to his country, its culture and geography.. How surprising it is to travel from a low plain to high mountains, experiencing quite different altitudes within short distances. Subtropical forests are also surprising.Hotels are usually very nice. The respectful attitudes of the local spectators impressed us.