Innovatia

The country is relatively prosperous due to hydroelectric revenues derived from India. Imagine 700,000 people in an area the size of Switzerland, vistas of Buddhist temples and monasteries, small hamlets, plunging rivers, and views both dramatic and serene. The to- pography ranges from subtropical in the south to high alpine in the north – the mighty Him- alayan peaks. Archery, the national sport, is practised everywhere as are long strung lines of prayer flags: this is a country unlike any oth- er, including modern Tibet.

erties operated by foreigners have been built for those seeking a luxe piece of serenity, justifi- ably priced at around $1,000 or more per night. Bhutan deserves at least two weeks, preferably three or more. Flight connections are best out of Calcutta, which offers a boisterous and de- lightfully intense kick off or finish for a couple of days. Ljubljana, Slovenia According to the happiness index, Bhutan has been voted to the top, but by immediate ap- pearance, it seems Slovenia is way up the list, too – genuinely more welcoming place is very hard to find. The calibre of English is excep- tionally high amongst the 700,000 residents,

and long conversations with locals is the order of the day. Set on a river amidst a remarkable range of central 17th-20th century architec- ture in its centre, this pint-sized country offers a remarkably varied and beautiful collection of hills, mountains, valleys and superb lakes all within easy driving distance of the charm- ing capital Ljubljana. Boasting a pleasing bo- hemian atmosphere, this is a place to kick back and take it easy. It has also risen rapidly on a gastronomic level, with numerous very fine restaurants appearing in recent years. Close to both Italy and Austria by road, it is a natural add-on to travels in either country. Or, as is beginning to become better appreciat- ed, it could serve as a base for a drive south through the various former states of Yugosla- via, along the Dalmatian coast or inland, or both. Then of course, this is a rewarding jour- ney taken by itself, which might just wind up in Greece. Europe lovers, consult your maps! Those who have visited western Europe often enough may find, as I have, that sometimes the East seems the better half. Dakar, Senegal Everyone seems to want to go on a glamping East African safari these days, but those with a wider interest in Africa should think West, too – there is a great deal to discover, espe- cially for lovers of music, art, and nature, right across the region. Dakar, perched on cliffs abutting the Atlantic Ocean, is a vibrant se- ductive city of two million which is not inci- dentally the artistic capital of West Africa. It is also a comparatively stable nation over past decades. The music scene is dynamic and the Theodor Monod museum of African Art,

Tourism in Bhutan is very effectively regulat- ed. Guests are accepted on the basis of a pre- planned itinerary at a minimum per day cost of $250-300 per person. This is, in fact, a bargain, as it includes a well-informed English-speaking guide and a driver, meals which are healthy and well prepared, and lodging in simple, impecca- bly clean 3-4 star hotels. Freedom-loving trav- ellers like myself ultimately concede that this is a country best visited with a guide, a genuinely enriching experience. In recent years, a number of tasteful high-end eco resorts, converted temples and a few prop-

for some, a sufficient reason in itself to make the journey. Here’s a tip which might make it an easy decision: It is a direct 5.5-hour flight from Paris, and would be a fulfilling one week add on to a European itinerary, particularly for the clutch of fine new beachside hotels – my favourite being the Djoloff with its quality jazz club in the basement. Just don’t go dur- ing Ramadan, as the music stops, along with much of everything else.

INNOVATIA

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INNOVATIA

| Travel

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