A hike to 400 years old lake: Kabji Hoka Tsho

 Today was a day filled with joy and memories of my wish fulfillment. It was yesterday evening my brother invited me for a hike. At first, I was thrilled with excitement about what it would be like. He later unveiled to me that I am to accompany his promised lakes to visit. It is called Kabji Hoka Tsho. I have heard about the lake and I would always fantasize about spending my leisure time doing adventurous activities. In fact, my envy came true and we started our journey toward the lake at 8 o'clock in the morning. We started our hike at 9:45 am near Chhoeten Nyingpo Goenzin Dratshang. It was already 11:30 am when we reached the lake.  Standing at an elevation height of 7003ft (2134.514 m), the lake lies majestically serene, and calm and swirls with its flanks and waves. According to the Azha lam, it was originally seated in Zomlingthang, Punakha. However, during the 17th century, when the Punakha Dzong was to be constructed, Zhabdrung asked the deity of the lake to move her place concerning the possible threats it might cause to the Dzong that he is going to construct. Consequently, the lake shifted its place to where it stands today. Furthermore, the lam also briefed us about the name of the lake. Since the lake is heavily connected to the myths and mysteries of the Zhabdrung, the name of the lake is also his derivation. However, as time passed, the name of the lake evolved into what we know as Kabji Hoka Tsho.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoerten: The paramount stupa for the remainder of nature of human self

Visiting the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten was an experience like no other. It is located in Nyizergang village and provides a breathtaking view of the Punakha valley and the Mochu stream. The chhoeten is serene and surrounded by pagodas and stupas. Unlike other monasteries and chhoetens in our country, it was built for the purpose of warding off evil spirits and promoting happiness and prosperity in the country and the world. The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten is a remarkable example of traditional Buddhist art and architecture in Bhutan. With its three-story structure and different stupas, it is a masterpiece of Bhutanese art. The intricate carvings and paintings on the chhoeten reflect the devotion and dedication of the Bhutanese people towards their culture and religion. In addition to its architectural beauty, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten is also a place where sentient beings are prayed for their peacefulness. The chhoeten serves as a reminder of the importance of spirituality in our lives and the need to promote peace and happiness in the world. Overall, the visit to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten was a truly satisfying experience that left me feeling a deep sense of awe and admiration for the beauty and grandeur of Bhutan's cultural heritage.

Punakha Domchoe: The festival that re-enacts the victory over Tibetan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal back in 17th century for the sacred relics, Ranjung Kharsapani.

Punakha Domchoe is a festival celebrated in Bhutan to commemorate a historic event from the 17th century. It revolves around the story of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the abbot of Ralung in Tibet, who brought sacred relics to Bhutan while being self-exiled and safe himself from the rivalry for the post of the 18th abbot in Ralung. People in the festival say that the Zhabdrung outwitted the army by throwing the relics into the Mochhu river, leading to their withdrawal for the chase for Rangjung Kharsapani. Today, Punakha Domchoe is celebrated as a vibrant festival of colorful pageantry, music, and dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. Thousands of people, including tourists, gather at Punakha Dzong to witness the festival. The main attraction of the festival is the dramatic reenactment of the event, where performers dressed in traditional attire act out the battle scene between the Bhutanese and Tibetan armies. Getting myself at the feet of the magnificent Sleeping Elephant Dzong, the main seat of Zhabdrung, my keen interest to witness such a beautiful festival ended with bewilderment and astonishment. The festival is a reminder of Bhutan's strong cultural identity and the importance of preserving it for future generations. It is an experience that truly embodies the essence of Bhutan, the land of happiness.

"Socializing is more positive than being alone, that's why meetings are so important. People don't like being alone. That would be, however, an important skill to learn." - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

 Today was a day of mixed emotions as my classmates and I bid farewell to our two best friends who are leaving for Singapore on a scholarship. To make it a memorable occasion, we decided to go on a class picnic to the beautiful Puna Tsang chu river bank. The day was bright and sunny, with a gentle breeze blowing, and the scenery was breathtaking. We spent the day enjoying each other's company, playing games, and having a picnic. But the highlight of the day, for me, was spotting a Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) for the first time! As a passionate birdwatcher since high school, I was thrilled to see this beautiful bird in its natural habitat. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture a picture of it because my camera's resolution was not good enough, but the memory of seeing it in person will stay with me forever. As the day came to a close at 4 pm, we reluctantly packed up and called it a day.

A great day is to be remembered, when it is cherished with zealot of knowledge for the young minds. And so, do I mark the day.

 

The day started with a great morning assembly where the trophy of victory was handed to the administration by the college athletes

 Later in the day, classes started at 1:15 pm. During the class, the teacher shared a beautiful moral story, which set a great tone for the rest of the session. The class then proceeded with a discussion on the difference between listening and hearing. The teacher taught skills for listening for gist, specific information, detail listening, and inferential listening. 

The students also engaged in interactive group work on function and forms, including their determination through the situation, discourse structure, and intonation. Additionally, the differences between advice, warning, threats, and rewards were discussed. The class ended by providing various active listening tips for the students to use in their daily lives.