Tshewang's Journal

Just two days after completing my quarantine in Tokyo, I received an invitation from the Kita City Office to facilitate at a Junior High School English camp. The opportunity came at a perfect time; having recently navigated the essentials of settling in, such as residence registration, health insurance, and setting up a bank account, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next steps in my journey. So, I accepted the invitation without hesitation. I reside on the 11th floor of the Tokyo International Exchange Center (TIEC) in Odaiba, a bustling area known for its vibrancy. Each morning, as I open my curtains and settle in front of my laptop, the sight of the Yurikamome line weaving through the city evokes a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of moments back in Bhutan. Japan's development is evident in its skyline, a testament to its architectural and urban achievements. Yet, participating in the Iwai English camp offered me insights beyond the concrete landscape, into the cultural and socia...

Yesterday, I arrived in Tokyo, serendipitously on the last flight permitted before the Japanese government halted all international arrivals. It feels almost fated that I'm here to embark on my master's in public health, especially during a global crisis as defining as the COVID-19 pandemic. My passion for public health has been a beacon throughout my studies and career, and it has never felt more relevant than now, in these trying times. The transition hasn't been without its challenges. Last night, a blend of excitement and jet lag kept me awake, with mild headaches adding to my restlessness. As I adjust to the time difference, I find myself wide awake at what would be dinner time back in Bhutan, while it's already midnight here in Tokyo. The city feels different under the weight of the pandemic; the eerie sound of sirens outside and the unusually empty streets serve as stark reminders of our current reality. Japan has intensified its measures against COVID-19, partic...

Dechen is a remarkable woman, embodying the essence of both a nurturing sister and a devoted mother. Recently assigned to her first job post in a new location, she embraced the colossal responsibility of caring for her three younger siblings, showering them with maternal love and protection. Despite the physical distance from their parents, whose visits were infrequent, video calls bridged the gap, softening the sting of separation. Yet, Dechen's tears revealed the depth of her sacrifice. In this remote and desolate setting, Dechen's partner grappled with his own turmoil. His deep affection for work colleagues stirred feelings of insecurity within her. Despite their mutual love, his life's ambitions seemed to overshadow their relationship, transforming him from a family-oriented man to someone caught in the throes of his own dreams. Yet, he was convinced that Dechen was his beacon of hope, a chance for redemption amidst life's storms. Their connection seemed fated from ...

Arriving in Tsirang during the late weeks of July, I was unprepared for the chill that would later envelop the region. The initial humidity, accompanied by relentless sunshine, evoked vivid memories of my study days in Dhaka—days marked by sweltering heat interspersed with sudden rain showers. Yet, Tsirang, with its summer blooms and verdant grasslands reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, presented a striking contrast to the urban clamor of Dhaka. This place, steeped in beauty and communal warmth, offered a new chapter vastly different from my past experiences. Winter in Tsirang unveiled a different facet of life here. My colleagues, with their penchant for humor that treads the line between audacious and risqué, often find laughter in the least expected places. Despite their seemingly irreverent jokes, the camaraderie we share is a treasure, breathing life and laughter into even the coldest days. The routine of my mornings has evolved into a ritual of simplicity and reflection. Sunlight fil...

When she whispered "Yes," he soared to cloud nine, overflowing with gratitude. "Thank you so much," he said, his heart brimming with joy. This pivotal moment rekindled memories of their college days, where time seemed endless and every message carried layers of meaning beyond the words on the screen. To him, she was the embodiment of his prayers, the muse behind his ambitions. She playfully predicted his future as a Prime Minister, to which he would jest that such aspirations were meaningless without her by his side. For her, he was the first man to whom she'd ever given her heart. He stood out, challenging her worldview and inspiring her to envisage a future filled with love, a concept she had once deemed unattainable. Her dreams of a solitary, ascetic life faded as their bond deepened, his wit and reassurances weaving a new tapestry of possibilities for her life. He, tempered by adversity, bore the scars of his tumultuous past. Each mark was a testament to his...

It's been nearly a month since I embarked on a new chapter in Tsirang, a place I've anticipated moving to since the start of the year. Despite initial reservations, the reality of Tsirang has lived up to the picturesque descriptions shared by those who've called it home before me. The convenience of having everything within close proximity – from my workplace at Damphu General Hospital, just a ten-minute walk away, to essential services like the General Post Office, Bhutan Telecom, and the Bank of Bhutan, all nestled near each other – adds to the allure of this place. Perched above these amenities is the Dzong, housing all sector heads, with the market a short stroll further down. Located a five-hour drive from Thimphu, Tsirang didn't make a strong first impression. The solitude of a large house to myself felt overwhelming. The company of my dog, Eta, provided some comfort during those initial quiet days. However, as I've settled into my role, Tsirang has gradually ...

Dhaka is a city that pulsates with relentless activity. It's not merely busy—it's a tempest of motion, where the ceaseless cavalcade of vehicles creates a tableau of urban struggle. The city's streets, ensnared in perpetual congestion, transform what should be a brief journey of fifteen minutes into an odyssey stretching over hours. This congestion is not just a matter of inconvenience; it's a vivid illustration of the city's grappling with its own growth and infrastructure challenges. The public transport system, stretched beyond its capacity, fails to provide a reliable solution for its inhabitants. Coupled with a scarcity of stringent traffic regulations and the uncontrolled flood of imported used vehicles, the city's roads are more than just crowded—they are a vivid display of the complexities of urban development gone awry. Caught in this daily turmoil, I write these lines. Stranded for hours in the snarls of traffic, the frustration and idle time bred insp...

Written in tribute to His Majesty the 4th Dragon King of Bhutan as a part of 60th Birth Anniversary celebration; an initiative of Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Dhaka; Bangladesh.   In the mystic Kingdom, of land blessed with the prayers of those long gone! The last Shangrila- The land of Medicinal Cypress Lays a tale that’ll resonate for eons from now, The legend spans, in the life that is yet to be foretold, Long before the coming, the prophecy revealed! By the greatest saint of then, Terton Drukdra Dorji In his prose he read “Oh! The jewel land! From the mom bearing a central tooth as white as the priceless conch Will bear a son that is as white, in his heart and out alike Shall bring eternal peace and prosperity to the Kingdom As said, the boy was born, unknown to what his fate may bring. Remarkable birth signs: heavens poured, the rainbows shone And in its equanimity- the birds chirped in natural uniformity His younger days had shown; of being a...

Dechen's hair swayed gently as the bus hummed along. Golden fringes highlighted her sparkling eyes, and a lone dimple graced her cheeks. The chill of the air brushed her crimson lips, adding a shiver to her already cold frame. Beside her, a man's occasional glances broke the monotony of the journey, stirring a mix of curiosity and discomfort within her. Lost in thought, Dechen pondered the sun's boundless energy, the birds' cheerful melodies, and the mysteries of the cosmos. Her contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a young girl's cry, sparking a cascade of thoughts about the cause of her distress. The momentary distraction of two men roaring past on a tractor, their shouts piercing the tranquility, snapped her back to reality. A sharp cry of pain jolted Dechen from her reverie. The safety pin from her muffler had come undone, pricking the man next to her. Apologizing profusely, she felt a wave of dizziness from the bus's relentless bumps. The m...

Beneath a sun cloaked in the ashes of a faded love for humanity, Dhaka stirs. Rain falls sparingly, clouds a constant annoyance against the city's relentless rhythm. A cold breeze dances amidst the cacophony, carrying the early chirps of birds that haven't yet witnessed dawn. Crows caw, one leading the chorus with a mocking hump. Car horns blare, drivers sour-faced as they navigate the May Day chaos. Back in the room, an avalanche of books awaits. Medical and non-medical tomes stacked precariously, their bumps a testament to a quiet quest for knowledge. A Sutra, draped in an orange scarf, whispers the wisdom of long-gone Buddhist masters. A large fan hangs uselessly from the ceiling, a relic of a warmer season. On the wall, an old calendar declares 2014 a distant memory. Yet, a deafening silence prevails. The closet, five bars of soap, the study table, even the badminton rackets - all stand frozen in a silent tableau. Only the rhythmic tick of the quartz clock breaks the stilln...

As a freelance blogger for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, I embarked on a unique photography project - capturing tourist hotspots in Bhutan using the "Smart_Torch Relay" app on my Android phone. It was an honor to be among hundreds chosen for this task, especially as the Torch Relay itself was being made electronic and accessible through smartphones. My journey took me to historical sites like the tallest Buddha statue in Kuensel Phodrang, Paro's Tiger's Nest, and Kichu Lhakhang. On the way back from Paro, a thought-provoking encounter unfolded. An elderly couple (around 70) hailed my taxi. The driver, blasting loud Hindi music, provided unwelcome background noise to our hour-long ride. As the couple boarded, they engaged in a philosophical debate. The husband, Meme Phuntsho, questioned the essence of our travel. "Are we riding this car?" he asked, "Or are we riding the money that bought it?" His wife, unfazed, countered, "We could walk or take...

Hello Folks! Yes I am back; and it is rainy in Dhaka as late. While it makes weather to be cool and calm negating the excruciating heat of the time; it creates lots of mud scores on the streets and most often my bus to the class is stranded on the way. But that is fine because I get to sleep more; and well if you say sleeping is the waste of time; I have heard quiet poignant adage saying sleeping is the best meditation! The traffic doesn't help at all! Just as always, the city flocks in huge number of cars, buses and lorries not to mention the bikes and rickshaws that often leads the way outward. Whatsoever, I am back now; and I am cognizant enough to say that now I feel like a doctor with wards and Outpatient Department taking most of my times! It has been a while, and I admit I am such a lazy one. On it's list was my travel schedule that kept me busy for the past month. Good vacation it was! I was in Mumbai with 12 hour layover on my way to Colombo for World Conference on...

The incessant buzz of life, much like the unyielding clamor of Call of Duty, pervades without pause, accompanied by the ghostly visage of a spectral lady haunting the peripheries of consciousness. Life unfurls its mysteries at depths we scarcely comprehend, relentless in its momentum, untouched by our desires or the fleeting grasp of control. The grandiloquent promises of politicians, their eloquence and statesmanship, offer little solace, mirroring the ephemeral allure of an amateur's melody. We find ourselves adrift, like fading zephyrs, grappling with the paradox of giving more than we receive in an endless cycle fueled by insatiable greed. The stage is set, awaiting our performance in this grand spectacle of existence. The narrative takes unexpected turns, presenting incongruities that defy conventional wisdom—a monk indulging in tobacco, a corrupt politician, a biased journalist, and the aloofness of societal elites. These figures challenge the boundaries of expectation and tr...

The recent decision by the National Council on requiring the ten years experience in taking the elected government office didn't come as a good hearing to me and most youths alike. As a youth activist; I have been working and trying to find the voices of youth included in our decision making process. I had the idea of model YOUTH ASSEMBLY, which after thorough discussion with few friends of similar interests barged on with a similar assembly called YIDDD . While the main focus was to foster the deeper understanding of the political issues in and within the country; the assembly herald quite an interesting platform rather.A more conducive and lucid in ways of educating on how to deliberate and debate on an issue and refute in a way necessary. Either way, the focus wasn't adjusted towards bringing our youth's voices in decision making process. The NC's decision of 10 years experiences has put another bar. As opposed to our cliche of saying 'youths are the future of ...

The recent furor over the tobacco amendment bill, endorsed by the National Council, ignited a flurry of discussions across online forums in the country. Opinions varied widely, from staunch support for the legislation to vehement opposition, with a significant number of citizens observing the debate with a nuanced eye, pondering the broader implications of such a law. With eighteen votes in favor, the bill was set to be discussed in the National Assembly's summer session. For many smokers, this development was met with jubilation, yet it also sparked a lively discourse among the online community, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives to consider. Reflecting on the tobacco ban's impact in Bhutan reveals a complex picture. At both the individual and national levels, the ban's enforcement highlighted stark disparities within our society. Instances where ordinary citizens faced severe penalties for minor infractions contrasted sharply with the apparent impunity enjoyed by th...

So it's true! That I didn't learn until late that 'village people are the real practitioner of values and town people only prattle of it'. Fun it was, as it should have been, on a tour to remote Bangladesh with classmates for Clinical Out reach trip. The cry was pretty fowl as rather we found ourselves standing in front of the camera tow so often. The hundreds of acres of tea garden are mesmerizing! The pound with croaks of frogs makes sleep an expensive affair! Well, croaks are no visuals but a displeasing aura! The visual beauty  is the lone moon giving it's blissful rays over the giant silents plains! In the mood oft; a train whistles it's truncated blow; through the plains of  eternal extension it sways; of meandering yet straightened; on sunken hills a far! Hundreds alike in odd hours! Travel is an inevitable facet of life. But that didn't scared me. On a high up in sky was the vastness of sky, with a glittering forage of busing stars. The Capricorn ...

Upon our arrival in Bhutan, Phuntsholing greeted us with open arms, beckoning us into a local restaurant where we indulged in a feast of Bhutanese delicacies, a long-awaited treat after a year of absence. The journey's dust made an impromptu visit to the restroom necessary before I could fully enjoy the meal. There, amidst the comforts of home cuisine, we reveled in dishes that spoke of familiarity and nostalgia, far removed from the Alu Parathas that had become our staple abroad. Our journey took a humorous turn upon reaching Gedu. My friend, known for his reserved nature, unexpectedly disrupted the silence with a loud fart, prompting an exchange of jests between us. His excuse? The fermented curd hadn't sat well with him. Little did I know, my own stomach would soon join this comical rebellion. Indeed, as we approached Tsimasham, my insides began their own uproarious laughter, compelling us to request an unscheduled stop. I silently prayed for anonymity in my discomfort, unwi...

Embarking on a journey from one of the world's second dirtiest cities to the familiar embrace of family and friends, I found myself reflecting on the uneven scales of life. It hadn't always been a ride of sheer joy or profound discovery for me. Yet, amidst the academic grind and the nocturnal battles with sleep, the sudden announcement of a delayed next semester exam felt like an unforeseen holiday blessing. It was an opportunity that hadn't crossed my mind until then, igniting a spark of anticipation for the break ahead. Our departure was marked by the reluctant farewell of the sun, setting the stage for a nocturnal voyage. The flight's smoothness was a stark contrast to the rough journeys of past, where constant jolts and the startling honks disrupted the quest for rest. The turbulence of wind against the slowing vehicle and the fluctuations in fuel levels added layers of discomfort to the ordeal. This was the reality of travel for those of us not privileged with the ...

Beneath the moon's soft glow, a vision did unfold, A mouse, not grey, but azure, brave and bold. It danced across the mended, darkened floor, With eyes like pearls, it stole my gaze once more. A whirlwind blue, it scurried to my bed, Where flat I lay, in slumber's depths instead. Curled tight, it seemed a demon in disguise, Panting softly, moonlight in its eyes. Beside it, bathed in shadows deep and cool, My black cat slumbered, unaware of the jewel. With pouncing grace, a hunter's instinct stirred, Oh, the fragile beauty of the mouse unheard. Terror sparked, a flight of turquoise wings, Bones like coral, where the moonlit ocean clings. A phantom ship emerged from shadows near, Carrying the mouse away, dispelling fear. But in the cat's dark eyes, a reflection shone, The pearl-light glimmer, claiming it his own. No conscience questioned, nature's call obeyed, The blue mouse vanished, in the hunt's cascade. I stirred awake, and gently pushed away My white sheet, f...

Hello Everyone, As the clock ushers in a new year, I find myself marveling at the relentless pace of time. Reflecting on 2012 brings a mix of emotions: joy, sorrow, achievements, and the bittersweet feeling of moving on. It's now 2013, a fresh start, and I'm compelled to share my thoughts on a year that was anticipated with doomsday predictions that never materialized, marred by tragedy like the heart-wrenching incident in Connecticut, and a heinous crime in India that dominated headlines. In essence, 2012 was a blend of the mundane and the tumultuous, serving as a reminder of life's dual nature—its joys and sorrows, its beauty and darkness. For me, 2012 was largely a positive journey. Despite a few low points, the highs undoubtedly made the ride worthwhile. The initial rush of securing my place at Dhaka University soon gave way to the rigorous academic life of a medical student, an experience enriched by friendships I treasure deeply. Emotional ups and downs were part and ...