Marsha’s Reviews > Radio Shangri-La: What I Learned in Bhutan, the Happiest Kingdom on Earth > Status Update

King Jigme addressed a crowd at the Changlimithang Stadium: Ultimately, without peace, security and happiness, we have nothing. As long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, we can ensure that our future generations for hundreds of years will live in happiness and peace.

Suddenly, I'm a schoolteacher with a classful of star pupils. "Madam, that's Gangchenta, the Tiger Mountain." "And that is the highest peak in Bhutan." "Madam, that is China, there. Can you see?" "In that direction, see? You can see Gasa, the only district in Bhutan with no motor roads. It takes five days trekking and you can get to the most beautiful hot springs...."

A young lady carrying a tray filled with steaming cups entered the front door. Ngawang talked to her urgently in Dzongkha as she served us. I could tell the faulty remote was at issue; I didn't confess that I wouldn't need it, certain that when I bothered to turn on the set, I'd keep it glued to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service. The warm cup felt good in my hands and I wandered into the tiny kitchen.