The first meeting of 2008 was our usual 4 talks given by Members. Neil Harris took us to Bhutan, the land where GNH (Gross National Happiness) is valued higher than GDP. Though at a minimum of US$200 per day Bhutan is not a cheap place to visit. Drak Air is the only way in, so no cheap flights either. Neil showed us Bhutan’s national sport of archery and the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery. The Bhutanese wear their national dress because they want to, though Government employees have to. The Bhutanese seem to have a good standard of living compared to other Asian countries, though much of the work is done by Indian labour.
Tony Annis took us to Brazil, where he accompanied Ms Mitterand for part of his journey as she visited the indigenous people including the Ashanika tribe. Tony showed us the Indian villages, which are days away from civilization. Some villages do have a satellite telephone, so that the villagers can report logging raids from over the border, though they have to pay for any other calls. Despite the heat the, Tony’s helper still wore his national costume, which actually weighed over 7kg!
Janice Meek took us back to Asia where her son married his Indian bride in Hyderabad. Before the weeding Janice explored finding sights such as the “Black death Tower” a monument to the plague, though apparently you are not allowed to the top because Janice explained, people use the tower to commit suicide. The wedding itself took place over a number of days, with different ceremonies. This allowed time for Janice to be fitted with her own Sari and to choose appropriate jewellery. The wedding culminating in the happy couple picking a star, which will hopefully help to guide them through their married life.
Our last speaker was Dan Bachmann, who took us Goreme in Turkey’s Cappadoccia region. This fascinating area with its weird chimney shaped rock formations, out of which cave dwellings have been cut. Most have been abandoned, some are collapsing, but Dan was still able to show us the insides of many including caves made into Churches, another hill revealed a complete ghost town. Dan was surprised to find many Korean tourists visiting the area.
As is the custom the January meeting did not end with the last talk, instead Globies enjoyed their New Year’s party, many thanks to those who brought along food and drink and particularly to Jacqui Trotter for spending much of the afternoon in the kitchen.
London meetings are held at The Church of Scotland, Crown Court, behind the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden at 2.30pm the first Saturday of each month. There is no London meeting in August, but we will be back in September. For more information, you can contact the Globetrotters Info line on +44 (0) 20 8674 6229, or visit the website: www.globetrotters.co.uk