Bhutan has been amazing so far.  We flew into Paro and drove directly to Thimpu where we spent a few days. While there we met the Chief Justice of Bhutan, who is one of the key members in creating the constitution (which the country hopes to adopt in a few years).  We also met young people who have started up the first radio, newspaper, and television programs in the country.  We've been really well treated and the government has been extremely hospitable.  In fact, because of our group's connections with the government, we have permits to enter sacred sites most Western tourists don't have access to and we also are exempt from the over $200 a day fee that Westerners must pay to be in the country.  After our few days in Thimpu we drove all day one day to Punahka where we were able to enter the ancient and holy dzong.  Inside there were gold statues reaching hundreds of feet in the air and intricate paintings outlining the Buddha's life story.  After one night in Punahka, we spent 10 hours on the road to get to Bumthang where we've been staying the past few days (more specifically, Jakar).  It is a beautiful farming community nestled in four valleys connected by a deep blue river that runs down from the glaciers.  While here, we've been living in farm houses with locals outside of town.  I've planted potatoes in the fields with my family and yesterday morning, I helped milk cows.  This valley is the most breathtaking and gorgeous place!  We've been getting to understand the local political, education, health care, and social systems as best we can.  In Bhutan, when men and women marry, there is no ceremony or party.  The man simply moves into the woman's home (It is a matrilocal society, where woman inherit the property).  Marriage is very fluid and it is normal for partners to separate and form new relationships without any social stigma.
 
On another note, my initial research proposal has been excepted for April and May!  I'll be in Dharamsala and another Tibetan settlement (TBD) comparing changing marriage patterns.  I've still got lots of preparation to do though!
 
In a few days we start a two day drive, continuing east to Sherupste where we will live with local students studying at the university there.