COMMON Magazine Europe - SPRING 2017
The Spring '17 issue of COMMON is all about fashion and a little bit of everything else in between. Read our report on London Fashion Week, get insider on the best leather goods, and interviews from tech and grooming experts. Fancy the best hotel in Berlin? We've got that covered too. Or a Michelin star restaurant in Zurich? No problem! In need of a brand new watch? Check out our entry level favorites at the SIHH!
The Spring '17 issue of COMMON is all about fashion and a little bit of everything else in between. Read our report on London Fashion Week, get insider on the best leather goods, and interviews from tech and grooming experts. Fancy the best hotel in Berlin? We've got that covered too. Or a Michelin star restaurant in Zurich? No problem! In need of a brand new watch? Check out our entry level favorites at the SIHH!
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<strong>2017</strong> <strong>SPRING</strong>//<strong>COMMON</strong><br />
When you do visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the charm<br />
and magic of one of the world’s most enigmatic countries – the ‘last Shangri-La’- and you’ll be<br />
playing your part in this medieval kingdom’s efforts to join the modern world, while<br />
steadfastly maintaining its distinct and remarkable cultural identity.<br />
Being a country where nearly three-quarters of the terrain still thrives as virgin wilderness,<br />
the real charm of Bhutan lies in its remote backwoods. Composed of a smattering of rugged<br />
mountain folds, snow passes, icy summits, pristine forests, turquoise lakes, rolling meadows,<br />
remote villages and a healthy sprinkling of exotic wildlife, this is perhaps one of the world’s<br />
best preserved landscapes. And the best way to experience the untamed natural beauty of<br />
this wonderland is by walking one of the many treks that cut into its magical depths. Trekking<br />
takes you beyond the roads and the reach of many aspects of modernisation, and meeting<br />
traditionally dressed locals will be a highlight of the experience. Set aside a few days for a<br />
walk in these wilds, and you are bound to return home a happier person.<br />
Bhutanese architecture is one of the<br />
most striking features of the country.<br />
Massive dzongs (fort-monasteries), remote<br />
goembas (monasteries) and lhakhangs<br />
(temples), as well as traditional houses all<br />
subscribe to a characteristic Buddhist<br />
style. These pilgrim spots are imbued with<br />
sacred significance and hold a key to<br />
understanding how Bhutanese see their<br />
world.<br />
Many people time their entire trip around<br />
one of Bhutan’s colourful tsechus, or dance<br />
festivals. Most of the dzongs and goembas<br />
have annual festivals featuring<br />
mesmerising dance dramas. Expect<br />
swirling mask dances, playful clowns,<br />
spectacular costumes, and superb photo<br />
opportunities. Bhutan also specialises in<br />
arts and crafts which vary from sacred<br />
murals to bamboo bows. For high religious<br />
art visit the dzongs and monasteries but<br />
for handicrafts try the fascinating<br />
workshops.<br />
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