Chapter 1
“Okay, I’m here in one piece; there is no need to fuss. I’m completely fine and safe. I’ll call regularly and keep in touch. Yes, Rob. Yes. Okay. I have to go. I… um… I love you too. Speak soon. Bye.” Lucy hung up the phone, sighing, glad to be away from England, her father and her irritatingly dull boyfriend.
“Why am I still with him?” an exasperated Lucy asked her guide, who had politely pretended he was not listening to her awkward exchange. “What we have just doesn’t excite me anymore. I don’t even know if it did in the first place. How are we together? I don’t know what to do,” she continued, more to herself this time. In spite of her previous outburst, deep down, Lucy knew why she was with Rob. He was the kind of man she was expected to marry one day. Very middle class and highly educated, her suburban parents thought he was perfect for her. They were the kind of people that valued social status and money highly. Rob enjoyed lunches or golfing trips with Lucy’s father on a regular basis, which only served to make her father like Lucy more in turn. He father felt Rob was like the son he never had and made that perfectly clear to Lucy, his only child. She thought she had come to terms with that now, but it was difficult growing up. She hated knowing that she could be clever, athletic, witty, and independent but it was never good enough because she was female.
Suddenly, Lucy stopped dead in her tracks; self-pity and resentment giving way to dumbstruck awe. Before her was the most amazing view she had ever seen. It presented with utter tranquility. Directly in front stood cloud topped mountains, elegantly meeting serene blue lakes in a scene so peaceful, she could hear only the sound of breathing. If she gained nothing else from her time in Bhutan, this view alone was worth the long journey. She felt she would have been far less irritable when travelling if she’d have known about this stunning scene. The clouds were turning brilliant shades of pink and orange, as the scorching sun set; it was the most incredible thing she had ever seen. The uncomfortable flights and lengthy airport waits were entirely worth it. She was in the presence of perfection.
Her guide, Damcho, laughed at her. He had seen the expression currently on her face before, with other travelers and the occasional scientist. She was sure everyone who came here was rendered speechless, astounded by the sights ahead. He stood back as she fumbled around for her camera, determined to capture the scenery. She couldn’t miss the opportunity. It was gorgeous!
“Don’t bother,” he advised. “No camera could ever do this justice.”
She ignored his words and tried anyway, a cry of disappointment leaving her voluptuous lips as she realized he was right. Meanwhile, Damcho assessed Lucy; she seemed much younger than any other visitor he met before. He regularly escorted people down the dangerous terrain, leading the way on paths he could navigate whilst blind. She could not be more than 21 or 22 perhaps. He studied her body language carefully. At her age, girls were normally fragile and insecure. Lucy however seemed tough and resolute, carrying her heavy rucksack uncomplainingly. He assessed her feminine yet strong figure; this girl can look after herself he decided. Lucy reminded him of his wife; her independence was why he loved and respected her. He was eager to get home to his family.
Lucy was lost in her own thoughts, unaware she had just earned Damcho’s unspoken approval. Her mind in England, thinking about what she was waiting for her. Rob didn’t want her to go; he thought women should stay at home, like both their mothers. His antiquated views were one of the many things about Rob that irked Lucy, but they remained together because it was easier than going through the motions of a break up. Their families would be more upset than she would. She was certain it would be the same for Rob. She didn’t think he cared. She couldn’t really tell either way, he was so dull that his words all sounded the same; she had never heard passion in his voice.
“Oh bother!” exclaimed Lucy. Her dark, glossy locks had come loose from the pin she’d put in her hair to secure it in place. Why had she come here, to Bhutan? Was it to escape, or to know there was more to life and the world than England? Lucy wasn’t sure. All she knew was she was excited; the Aboriginal Monpa peoples of Bhutan, were virtually unstudied. Located in Asia near the Himalayas, Bhutan did not generate the same level of anthropological interest as Egypt, for example. At such a young age, perhaps she would be considered a leading researcher in this field. Her three years at university had inspired her to learn more about other cultures, following her dream of becoming an anthropologist. She was going to achieve her dream in stunning fashion! Her heart swelled with pride at the thought and she continued to follow Damcho to her dwellings for the coming weeks.
“We are nearly there. You’ll meet the rest of your group soon. There is another group coming in a few days too, I believe. You will have lots of people to get to know; this is your home for now.”
“Thank you for escorting me, Damcho. That view was incredible; what a way to be welcomed to Bhutan,” Lucy smiled.
“You are welcome. I am going to see my family tonight, but I will be back tomorrow to show you around the local area. I would like to show you safe places to roam and study. Some villagers do not like visitors, so please take my warning. Tonight, you will be fine here, as long as you don’t roam. Please don’t worry.
“Thank you again, I promise I won’t go wandering. But before you go, is there anywhere I could please wash or bathe?”
Damcho smiled “Yes, certainly. If you have your wash things ready, please follow me.” He led the way to some leafy bushes, pushing them apart. “You will have some privacy here; the rustling of bushes should be enough warning if you think someone is coming.”
“This is perfect!” Lucy exclaimed. She was excited to scrub the grime and sweat from her aching body.
“Have a restful evening. Please don’t stray, it’s very important!” Damcho warned.
“I promise I won’t. See you tomorrow, have a lovely night. Thank you for everything.” Lucy replied.
With that, Damcho turned and walked back through the bushes. She was grateful for Damcho; without him, she would have been lost, but she was also grateful to have some time alone. Lucy decided to bathe immediately before returning to camp, she just couldn’t wait. Hesitantly, she removed her boots and socks, listening intently for an intruder through the bushes. Finally satisfied she was alone; she undressed, sliding noiselessly into the cool lake. It was so soothing on her hot body. Despite her exhaustion, she paddled around for what seemed like hours, enjoying the sensation of the water washing over her. When she tired of swimming, she pulled herself out of the lake, lying on the edge on her towel. The relaxing swim had calmed her earlier paranoia of intruders; instead of dressing, she happily lay naked, allowing the warm, balmy air dry her tanned skin.
As she lay down, she thought about home, about the future and really began to assess herself. Looking objectively at her own life, she knew there were some things she liked and some she disliked. She liked that the years of sports and father-pleasing athleticism had left her with a toned, fit body, perpetually sun-kissed from outdoor pursuits. She liked her education and was very proud of her academic successes. She loved her mother, short, plump, and wonderfully kindhearted, who doted on Lucy and her father. Her mind slowly turned to her father and her high spirits dampened slightly. She knew he loved her, she knew that he’d silently be proud that she’d embarked on this journey, yet he would never tell her so. He was a man that only spoke when necessary; Lucy could not remember having lengthy discussions or him talking for the sake of it. He was a man that did not believe in wasting words and that extended to praising his only child. Despite Lucy knowing everything about his quiet pride and lack of words, it did not stop the hurt and pain she felt. She lay there on the edge of the lake and allowed herself to weep; feelings she had suppressed for so long flowed freely from the tears in her eyes. Feeling the exhaustion more than ever, Lucy closed her eyes; just for a moment; and quickly fell asleep, still naked.
* * *
The next morning, Lucy awoke dazed and confused; where was she? Looking down with a yelp, she realized she was completely naked. Scrambling around to put some clothes on, she remembered she was in Bhutan on a research trip and her spirits soared once more. Feeling hungry, she grabbed a t-shirt and clambered through the bushes, ready to meet the other campers and hopefully, new friends.
As she entered the camp, her nose caught whiff of something cooking. Eggs! She quickened her speed to the location of the wonderful aroma. “Hi!” Lucy shouted at nobody in particular. “I’m Lucy.”
The replies were jumbled, some enthusiastic, others less so.
“Kevin, nice to meet you.”
“Charly!”
“Heather”
“Hi, I’m Lucas.”
“Hi, I’m Damcho,” Damcho’s eyes twinkled as he laughed at Lucy’s surprise.
“Good morning, Damcho! I didn’t see you there. I didn’t forget your name I promise. Good morning everyone, it’s lovely to meet you all.”
“Good morning Lucy. How was your sleep? Your new friends tell me you didn’t sleep in your bed, are you okay?”
Lucy blushed; waves of crimson making its way up her slender neck. “Um, I had a wash… and then I fell asleep by the lake. Sorry if I worried anyone.”
Damcho took pity on Lucy; he could see how embarrassed she was. “No, you’re fine. It’s good you can sleep anywhere; these bunks aren’t too comfortable.
Lucy smiled gratefully; it seemed nobody had seen her at the lake thank goodness. “What’s the plan for today, Damcho?”
“Well, there’s been a small change of plan actually,” Damcho frowned, “the other group that is coming didn’t want to sleep outside. So they are paying rent to stay in small barns and outhouses about a mile away. As they would have been staying with you, they decided to invite this group too. We’re packing up, ready to move site. As the others pack clothes back up, please eat some breakfast. When you’re done, you can help with the bunks and then I’ll show you the boundaries; remember I said not to wander?”
Lucy remembered his warning last night and nodded. She eagerly grabbed a plate and helped herself to some eggs. They were delicious! The others laughed at her enthusiasm and continued to pack their items. Lucy figured she’d get to know them on the walk, especially as they’d all be there together for a while.
As she ate, Lucy wondered why the second group didn’t want to sleep outside. The air was clean and fresh, the views were stunning, and it was so peaceful and lovely. Although she had only been in Bhutan for one day, she felt as if she could stay forever. She supposed that some people might not like being so close to nature; it could be the mosquitoes and other insects that stopped people wanting to stay here, perhaps? Lucy wasn’t frightened or bothered by creepy crawlies. As she understood it, they were part of nature too. As well as studying, she was excited to see what kinds of animals that were here; she’d read excitedly that Bhutan had a tiger population and was desperate to see one in its natural habitat.
After washing her bowl out, Lucy went to join the rest of the group, helping to dismantle bunks and roll up sleeping bags. She liked pitching in to help and enjoyed the chitchat, getting to know Charly and Lucas. Charly was around 30 and a pocket rocket of enthusiasm. She and Lucas made an entertaining duo and had Lucy rolling on the floor laughing within minutes. Kevin, although not as loud and confident as Lucas was lovely, helping Lucy with the packing and moving. He seemed very kind, advising her on suncream and making sure she had enough water in her canteen. Heather however, seemed quiet. Lucy tried talking with her, but Heather wasn’t interested, preferring to spent time alone. Heather didn’t seem to laugh at Lucas and Charly’s antics either. Well, Lucy thought she seems quite dull. Probably perfect for Rob.
Soon, it was time for lunch and they had a delicious fruit platter brought to them by Damcho.
“So why are there such strict boundaries?” asked Lucy, She had been conscious not to leave the camp all morning and was desperate to explore.
“Bhutan is an ancient kingdom.” Damcho replied between mouthfuls of fruit. “There are few people that come here and only a tiny population. There are strict rules about entering. For example, you can only land a plane here between the hours of sunrise and sunset. This is due in part to the mountains, but also to control tourism in an unsullied part of the world. Some villagers are incredibly hostile to outsiders. Although I appreciate the need for diversity, I learned English to guide people here, not everyone has the same view. There are some wonderful people who would do anything for their neighbor, but don’t like new people.” Damcho paused. “I don’t want to paint a bad image; we are all good people. I just feel a responsibility to tell you all the risks.”
Lucy sensed it was hard for Damcho to have said these words; she knew he would feel like he betrayed his community. “Thank you for warning us. I agree that there must be wonderful people here; the chances of that happening are so slim. Especially with such a fantastic guide.”
Damcho blushed at the compliment; it was nice to be appreciated and know he was doing a good job. “Thank you, Lucy. Now, shall I show you the boundaries?”
“Yes please; I can’t wait to look around!”
Lucy and Damcho went for a walk; the others, already given this tour, wanted to bathe before setting off. Damcho pointed out many beautiful plants and trees. Soon, they came to some purple flowers.
“I planted these, Lucy. I wanted a way to mark safe places without damaging the environment. You must not cross these flowers.”
Lucy stared at the flowers, committing them to memory. Then she pointed at a small collection of houses. “What’s that?” she asked.
“That is where I live with my family, Damcho said. I’m sorry it’s not possible for you to come and visit. Sometimes, I find it hard to work. I love meeting new people, but some live there that are angry at what I do. Shall we turn back now? As long as you don’t pass the purple flowers, you will be fine.”
“Yes please. Thank you for showing me, your village is beautiful.”
The pair walked back together, Lucy feeling sorry for Damcho’s situation. She could see he was a good man who just wanted to provide for his family. They arrived back at camp, Lucy’s feelings becoming lost in the chatter and excitement of the impending move.