We slept pretty well considering the time change. The main problem was that the only bed covering was a fluffy duvet - here in the tropics! We would have had to turn the thermostat down to 50 degrees and I refused to go below 67. Why do hotels all over the globe think a thick comforter is a sign of luxury regardless of the climate rather than a blanket or two??!!
Anyway we got up at about 8 and went down to the buffet for a very nice breakfast of eggs, tropical fruits, great breads, cheeses, etc. We tried to pick out obvious birders to see who our companions might be, but most people were better dressed than that.
At 10 I went out to the pool which is quite lovely with turquoise tiles, two giant fish squirting waterfalls, and a swim-up bar!! It was already in the 90s and the water felt grand! Bob joined me and we sat in the shade and read and birded. A Scotsman came up and asked if we were going to Bhutan and introduced himself and his wife, David and Nancy. They have birded all over the world and have a large life list. We had beers and Bob and I split a sandwich.
We had thought of going downtown, but as it's so hot and as we are going to have little down time in the future, we figured resting might be wiser. At 6:30 we went downstairs for dinner and to meet David, Nancy, and David Bishop, our leader, and the other two members of our tour.
There was David Bishop, whom we haven't seen in five years - incredibly knowledgeable about birds, especially of Asia, plus most other aspects of natural history - and very enthusiastic! This will be his 29th trip to Bhutan. He is just coming off a tour of Thailand where the temperatures have been in the 90s +. The other two members of our group, Americans Ben and yet another David, also were with DB on that tour and all are looking forward to cooler temperatures.
The hotel's breakfast service starts, amazingly, at 3 AM, so I figured there was no way we would miss that meal...but we're meeting with bags at the bus at 3:30, so I guess I'll just have to wait for food on the plane! We'll be flying on Druk Airlines to Paro, Bhutan. Druk only flies if the weather is clear as the route to Paro winds through narrow passes. If we're lucky, we'll get window seats and see the Himalayas in the dawn light.
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