I have explained to numerous concerned colleagues that I have taken care of myself before and that I’m sure I will be fine, but their probing questions have continued to this very day, so I have learned to accept it as an act of kindness rather than one of nosiness, which it can feel like sometimes. “Sir, what are taking for lunch today?” Sir, have you taken breakfast this morning? No? Why not?” “Sir, do you not have a wife at home?” “Sir, where are you going? I’ll come with you.” The questions can certainly feel endless at times, but I know now that it is just friendliness lost in cultural translation. And there have been several times when my neighbours and colleagues concern has translated directly into delicious meals being cooked for me, and pleasant company for a meal, and that I have appreciated greatly. People have really been nothing but kind and welcoming to me, and I feel fortunate to be able to say that.
The other incredibly nice thing about my situation is that a large percentage of the teachers at my school are young, and many of them are actually bachelors as well. I have learned that this term, bachelor, really does mean a lot here because the reality is that married couples tend to keep to themselves, or at the very least go straight home to their families after work, rather than finding this or that to do. Ironically, two of my closest friends here are actually a married couple (although they would never describe themselves
And then there is Ugyen Kelzang, whom I have never actually called Ugyen Kelzang before, but rather U.K., as do most others. UK is a gem. I think that he has played a significant role in making me feel comfortable in Khaling. Most noticeably, UK’s English is probably the most fluent of anyone’s here. I wish that this wasn’t a factor, but there is something very comforting about someone who understands the subtleties of what I am saying. With many other people I catch myself in moments of having to find simplified or more direct ways of saying things, but I can speak to UK as I would speak to any of my friends at home. This is also due, in part, to UK’s familiarity with western culture.
So the four of us, UK, Namgay, Choki and I have become a bit of a crew. We often hang out together, sometimes having deep, cultural and political discussions about both Bhutan and Canada, sometimes watching the English Premiere League football, sometimes going on simple outings like visiting the market, and sometimes venturing out into Khaling’s natural surroundings for a more adventurous endeavour.
Namgay asked me fairly recently whether I was expecting to make friends here before I came. I explained to him that I had expected to make friends in the sense that there would be people that I would get along with and share company with at times,
And the reality is that this had made all the difference. I know that when I decided to come to Bhutan my parents and several friends of mine voiced their number one cause for concern as my potential loneliness, and since arriving here my neighbours have voiced the same concern, usually in the form of incessant questioning, but after less than one week of being here I was able to say to them, “Yes, I am feeling settled, and no, I’m not really having a difficult time adjusting at all."
HI Nick - I hope you are feeling better, as someone considering teaching in Bhutan, it is very interesting to read about your adventure. The contrast between life in Bhutan and Toronto is significant. You are certainly going to have allot of interesting stories to share when you return. The teaching position sounds challenging and demanding. Keep up the good work!
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Hi Nick- hope you are doing great and having good time with jigsher students,as they are really talented.I know you will have good time with them.
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