SigMT

72 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Covid-19 restrictions had delayed the couple's trip for two years, and the country was still closed to tourism when they arrived in July 2022, giving them the rare experience of being some of the only foreigners in Samste, a village of less than 6,000 located at the end of a road in southern Bhutan. David spent five months as a Fulbright Scholar assisting Samste College in modernizing the teaching of mathematics and physics in Bhutan. Samste College's mission statement includes "engaging in international research partnerships that will lead to innovation in education." Cynthia volunteered as a mathematics teacher at the local middle school. e couple came with doctoral degrees, extensive research experience, and, collectively, over 100 years of teaching experience. David and Cynthia are well-traveled, largely through aendance at international conferences and David's previous participation in the Fulbright Scholar and Citizen Diplomacy programs. ey found Bhutan to be one of the most beautiful places they had ever visited, with its huge mountains, rolling hillside, and subtropical jungle. Cynthia described it as stunning beauty, and David says, "e architecture and the land were magnificent." Bhutan's natural features contribute to its pristine state. It is the first country in the world to be carbon negative in modern times, mainly because its land is 70% forest (trees absorb and store carbon.) e towering Himalayas soar up to 24,000 feet, forming a natural barrier for a country that values and is protective of its cultural heritage. Bhutan currently has a "low numbers, high value" tourism policy with a $200 per day fee going to national youth and social services, health and education, and infrastructure development. Aer centuries as an absolute monarchy, Bhutan's government transitioned to a parliamentary democracy in 2008. e controls on tourism help preserve the country's environment as well as its culture. is helps create an authentic experience for visitors, which Cynthia will tell you offered a memorable experience that included spectacular scenery; spicy food; curvy, rough roads clinging to the side of mountains, and traditional dress of a belted robe called a gho with a silk scarf (kabney) for men and a wrap-around dress called a kira for women. But perhaps most notable was the spirit of the Bhutanese people. ey found the Bhutanese to be exceedingly polite and gracious. David also observed people as patient, supportive, persistent, and good listeners. Over 80% of the population are Buddhist, and he notes, "e Buddhist virtues boil down to the Golden Rule." A glimpse from above the city of Punakha Dzong in the mountainous northern Bhutan. A group of Cynthia's students pose for a photo at the middle school.

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