Bhutan gets a Queen

Their Majesties the King and Queen of Bhutan (photo:AFP)

On October 13, 2011 a special euphoria spread across Bhutan as His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, crowned Her Majesty Jetsun Pema Wangchuck as the Queen of Bhutan. The elaborate traditional Buddhist ceremony was held in the 17th century fortress, Punakha Dzong, displaying a pageantry of rich colors. The Royal Couple walked all the way, whenever possible, greeting throngs of villagers all the way to the capital Thimphu.

Welcome to Bhutan Ride for Climate

Youth from Bhutan and the U.S. have successfully cycled 300 kilometers across Bhutan, learning first hand about climate change by speaking with farmers, monks, foresters, conservationists, and other citizens of Bhutan. The ride ended in Thimphu, the venue of a regional Climate Summit, where students were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd most graciously honored by the presence of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck. Read the blog, or follow the Twitter or Facebook feeds below these pictures.