arriving at the palace

it was pitch dark for the last push of our trip, and by then I don't know that we had any idea where we were being taken. we made it down to the river by the construction sites, and then turned up the mountain again on a tiny road and climbed. 

we pulled off, got out of the bus, and saw a little tent city set up for us behind the 1st kings winter home. a small palace of sorts. 

truthfully, none of us realized we would be camping at the palace, so it took a minute to get oriented, and find our camping gear and headlamps. 

we were set up with snacks, and more tea... and then informed we were invited into the palace for dinner. Ugden, the owner of the company we are traveling with's mother in law is the great granddaughter of the first king (Bhutan is now on the 5th king), and resided here in the winter. 

ugden received us in the living room (of sorts), and we met his mother in law. following that, a big buffet dinner was served, and we spent the evening chatting about Bhutan, rivers and travel. quite a special night! 

I can't wait to see this place in the morning!