Shangri-La…the perfect realm, shrouded in profound mysticism… visions of sacred monasteries, fluttering prayer-flags, maroon-clad monks in meditative chants… up among lofty snow-clad peaks deep in the Himalaya.
To a Bhutanese, the notion has been a source of much pride, disappointment, realisation and, perhaps, serious thought. While I have neither heard the subject discussed in Bhutan, nor "Shangri-La" mentioned, except by an occasional tourist, I have been bombarded by it elsewhere. "Wow, you're from Shangri-La?" "How is it in Shangri-La?" "Is it really Shangri-La?" The more academic ones want to compare Bhutan to James Hilton's Lost Horizon.
Well… Who knows?
About eight years ago, as an overseas student in Australia, I addressed a group of businessmen. I spoke in a general way about Bhutan- her geographical situation, and her people, a little history, some culture and religion, After my talk, one man questioned me: "How will you adjust at home after all these years of luxury"?