Part 71 - Paro to Pemithanka diary entries, 27–28 June

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SUMMARY:
The writer recounts time in Paro, including lunches with the Penlop at the dzong, watching lama dances, and enjoying archery practice with Tobgye and Ludlow, while expressing frustration with Williamson’s behavior. On 28 June they leave Paro for Pemithanka via the Bela La, where the Penlop offers tea and rice before farewells.

CONTENT:
monastery, a fine old building with walls about 6ft thick, loopholed for archery. This was once attacked by the Tibetans, who were driven off by the Bhutanese. Returned to Paro at 12.0 and lunched with the penlop, who then gave another show of his dancers. Williamson must always have something done for him, and I think everyone is now getting very tired indeed of him and his requests for more. He has no work to do, that is the chief trouble. His manners to the penlop are perfectly beastly. I would not remain with him a day if I could help it. Tobgye is getting thoroughly sick of him too. In the evening Tobgye took Ludlow and I out for some archery practice, which we all enjoyed very much.

27th June. PARO. Yesterday it rained most of the day. At 11.30 went to the dzong to lunch with Penlop. It is a huge place, and when one gets inside looks most impressive. After lunch watched the lama dances done inside a huge hall. Cleared up by 3.0 pm when we left. Ludlow and I walked up the river and took photos of the dzong from various angles. More practice of archery in the evening. My mouth is now much better, but another tooth is coming out by itself, and now sticks down 1/8 inch, preventing me chewing.

28th June. PEMITHANKA. 10 miles. 8500'. Left Paro at 8.30 and after a short visit to the Penlop in the dzong, rode up to the Bela La, 11650', where the Penlop gave us tea and rice, where we said goodbye. When we were

B. 16. Views in Paro up the river, mostly of Paro Dzong and in dzong and of helmeted soldiers.