Poverty in Bhutan

I visited Bhutan Nov. 4-15, ’01, fly-fishing with a guide and driver. I saw beautiful streams, few fish, beautiful country and a unique, most interesting culture and delightful people, but Shangri-la it ain’t!

Poverty exists countrywide, you cannot drink the tap water and there is no road or rail travel to the outside. The only potential economic export is hydroelectric power.

I enjoyed my visit. The Buddhist culture was most interesting, and the people were great. They really want tourists; they want and need the business. I do recommend a visit, but don’t expect Shangri-la.

ABE PHILLIPS
Evergreen, CO