Bhutan Part 3

I was lucky enough to be included in a volleyball game with this group of vacationing monks, who live in the Gasa fortress. Every year they take a week to bath in these springs, and when they weren't in the baths they were playing volleyball. They are all conversational in English and recieve a seemingly well-rounded education.
My camp at the springs
A "general store" and a colorful rooster at the hotsprings

The springs themselves. There were five of varying temperatures, each with a small shrine above the source of the water. There was a strange tension with other people in the baths most of the time, but once or twice it was relieved by a courageous monk who found a rare opportunity to practice their English. Although asking questions about their native language, Dzongkha, (which is said to be as different from Lhasa Tibetan as Nepali is from Hindi) was a good way to break the ice, I had very limited success.
We made it to the road after a relaxing 2 days at the hot springs. From the ride to Punakha
Delicious mango juice
Upper Punakha valley
Punakha fortress

Punakha Fortress, both administrative and spiritual center of the Punakha district. Also the home to the spiritual leader for half the year (they alternate between here and the capital, Thimpu)
Entrance to the Fortress
if anyone knows the name of this beautiful tree, please let me know. It mystified outside the entrance
Inside the fortress
Inside
Inside
Inside
My guide
Still inside


This room was used for the first round of the mock elections that was held earlier this year. The second round took place on the day before I left the country