A policeman directing traffic.


General Shop.


Smile.


In the late-afternoon we went for a visit to Tashichho Dzong.


Bhutanese men wearing a kabney, a silk scarf worn at special occasions or when visiting a dzong.


Looking across to the nearby National Assembly of Bhutan.


The VIP entrance to Tashichho Dzong. The entrance for ordinary citizens and tourists was ~100 metres further on but just as grand.


An angry and fiery looking representation of Buddha just inside.


And in the main courtyard. A dzong is a distinctive type of fortress found in Bhutan and Tibet with towering exterior walls surrounding a complex of courtyards, temples, administrative offices, and monks' quarters.


Known as "fortress of the glorious religion", Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the Bhutanese government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance.


Looking up to a gargoyle like figure on the corner of a building.


Tashichho Dzong was built in traditional style using neither nails nor a written plan.


Buddhist prayer wheels.


Taking in the beautiful architecture.


Hem said that as the main type of wood in Bhutan for construction used is pine, restoration and replacement is required every decade or so.


Hem posing with his silk kabney. Ordinary citizens wear white while judges wear green, royal officals wear red, orange for members of parliament and saffron reserved solely for the King and the country's chief monk.


And outside the now lit up Tashichho Dzong at dusk after the very interesting visit.


For dinner I headed to the hotel restaurant. Chicken soup to start.


With some fish, rice, and chapati from the buffet.


And some honey banana to finish at the end of a great first day in Bhutan.