Bhutan.

Bhutan is surprisingly modern with a population of 800,000. The sights are interesting with glimpses of the Himalayas in the distance.

Lots of Buddhist monasteries and Stupas to visit.

I really enjoyed seeing local dancers showcase their traditional dances but I'm finding the food can be challenging if you don't like chillies. 

I chose not to climb to the Tiger's Nest monastery this morning as I'm finding the altitude has affected me and a 6 hour return hike on steep terrain didn't appeal. I was surprised that I managed Machu Picchu in June but this trek is twice as long. You can see it perched on the side of the mountain in the distance in the middle photo. 

Some people chose to ride horses up but they can only go half way with horses and you have to climb back on your own.  Tomorrow we leave on another long drive to the border with India and I'll be home Saturday evening, so it's just a quick trip to see Bhutan but I  think I've covered the majority of the sights here.

Hugs, Jan Mac xx

 

Darjeeling.

From Kolkata I flew to Bagdogra airport and then had a 3 hour drive to Darjeeling. 

We had persistent rain during our day of sightseeing there but managed to visit a Tibetan refugee centre, zoological park and the Himalayan Climbing Centre.

A long day of travelling on winding, narrow roads with hairpin bends brought us to the border of India and Bhutan.

Lots of tea plantations on the way.

I'm in Bhutan now and the sun is shining so another long day's drive should be more enjoyable. 

Hugs, Jan Mac xx
 

Back To Blogging and Northern India.

I've taken a longer break from blogging than I expected due to lack of time while managing Oz Comfort Quilts.  I had hoped to document my travel to South America in June but slow internet made that difficult. 

Since then I have travelled to Sardinia,  Sicily and Malta, then 4 weeks at home and now I have started a short trip to Northern India and Bhutan.

The trip started inKolkata, India , which is one of the few majir cities that I had't visited here. I was keen to see where Mother Teresa had lived and worked and it was quite moving to read about her commitment to the people of India.

I visited  her home and her tomb and I was very happy that I was able to read more about her work. This morning we flew from Kolkata to Bagdogra and then had a 3 hour drive on narrow roads where we climbed to Darjeeling. 

Tomorrow we are taking a tour of Darjeeling sights but heavy rain is expected so that may influence what I can see.

Hugs, Jan Mac xx 

Hola From Peru

I took a break from blogging as I have been so busy with distributing Oz Comfort Quikts as well as family commitments. I'm currently on a trip to South Ameruca and hope to get back to posting regularly.

These photos were all taken in Lima which I really enjoyed.

From there we visited the Amazon jungle. More to share very soon.

Hugs, Jan Mac xx
 

Happy Mother's/Women's Day.

 

Happy celebrations to women everywhere,  whether you are biological mothers or not you all contribute to your communities to make life better for people in need.

I hadn't really planned on taking a break from blogging but find that after updating the Oz Comfort Quilts Facebook group page, there's less time to blog.

I'm still busy sorting,  photographing and packing donations for distribution as well as knitting and quilting.  I hope to be back soon but might not give as extensive updates on Oz Comfort Quilts as that all happens on the Facebook group, which you're very welcome to join.

These beautiful photos were taken by a friend on her visit to Monet's garden in France. Enjoy your day everyone. 

Hugs, Jan Mac xx 

Today's Arrivals.

Karen Ball from Queensland sent a large parcel containing 96 beautifully crocheted squares to make more blankets. 

 Jan Barbour sent a parcel containing more lovely crocheted squares to make another warm blanket .

Thanks so much for your generous support. 

Hugs, Jan Mac xx 

Arrivals From Queensland and Victoria.

Lex Collins very kindly dropped off these 14 fabulous quilts and also took more donated quilt tops to finish.

Margaret O'Connor's and her friend Lyn, from a small group of crafters in Buderim, Queensland,  sent a huge box of donations including 3 beautifully made quilts,  6 knitted scarves and 7 knitted beanies. 

Thank you so much everyone for your generous support. 

Hugs, Jan Mac xx