Exploring Tasmania-A zero carbon paradise
From 13th December to 24th December 2023, I found myself Down Under in Tasmania, mate! This place is not your average state in Australia – it’s a zero carbon paradise thanks to all those rainforests and the decreased logging. The air there is so fresh, you’d think they bottled it up and sold it! And the sights – from the bustling Hobart city to the historic Port Arthur, and let’s not forget the serene and beautiful Bruny Island. Oh, and the wilderness cruise from Port Arthur to Tasman Peninsula is wildly fun!
Rainforest in Huang Valley with Tahune River underneath
Historic Port Arthur
But the real highlight? The Saturday Salamanca Market, which has been running for a whopping fifty years. It’s so jam-packed, you can hardly find a spot to put your foot down! I swear, it’s a competitive sport just walking through there. And the people? Locals and tourists alike, all crammed in for a good time.
Oh, and let me tell you about this hilarious encounter I had with a Vietnamese Uber driver. When he found out I was from Bhutan, he got all excited and started rummaging through his music collection for Bhutanese tunes. He played this super calming “Om Mani Padme Hung” and I had to break it to him – it’s not just a song, it’s a mantra! Next thing you know, I’m giving him a crash course in reciting Buddhist teachings and we stumble upon a dead wild animal on the road. Cue me reciting “Om Mani Padme Hung” and explaining to him the whole deal about generating compassion for the poor departed soul. I never thought my Buddhist teachings would come in handy during an Uber ride!
Fast forward to my solo hike to Dodeydrak Buddhist Monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. I’m there, seeking blessings from a young spiritual teacher as a beginner, feeling out of my element. But you know what he tells me? “Start with ‘Om Mani Padme Hung’, friend!” And just like that, I’m welcomed into the world of Buddhist practice. Who would’ve thought that a simple mantra could lead to such delightful adventures in Tasmania and beyond? Here’s to unexpected enlightenment!
I shouldn’t forget to mention the epic battle I had with the mighty wind at the peak of Mount Wellington Lookout. It was insanely windy and cold – I couldn’t even move forward! So, I thought, “If you can’t beat them, join them,” and just strolled with the wind like we were old pals.
And so, one fine day, I made the bold decision to embark on a grand adventure to explore the charming town of Glenorchy, setting out from my cozy cottage on foot. Little did I know that this whimsical journey would consume a staggering 6 hours of my time, encompassing a whopping 35,000 steps and spanning a distance of 25 kilometers. As if that wasn’t enough, it appears that I also managed to empty a remarkable 6 cans of refreshing beer to fuel my epic expedition. Oh, the things we do for adventure!
karmachoden 