Married to Bhutan
VIEW EVENT DETAILSOne Woman's Journey to the Kingdom of the Clouds
Married to Bhutan is the memoir of author Linda Leaming's experiences in this tiny mountainous nation. As one of the few Americans to have lived in Bhutan, Leaming offers a rare glimpse at the quirky mountain kingdom so many have only dreamed of. For over 10 years, Leaming has lived and worked in the small town of Thimphu, where there are fewer than 100,000 people and no traffic lights. The Bhutanese way of life — rugged yet blissful — can seem daunting to most Westerners, consumed with time, efficiency, and acquiring things.
Linda will share portions of her book as well as discuss her experiences with fellow panelists Bruce Bunting and Tshering Yangzom. Also on display will be paintings by her husband, renowned Bhutanese artist Phurba Namgay. Books will be available to purchase for $11 (cash/check only).
"As engaging and magical as Bhutan itself, written with heart and insight, Married to Bhutan is a wonderful memoir and a great journey."
—Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid Thief
Linda Leaming's work has appeared in Ladies' Home Journal, Mandala, Guardian UK, A Woman's Asia (Travelers’ Tales, 2005), and many other publications. Eric Weiner included her in his 2008 bestseller The Geography of Bliss. Originally from Nashville, she has an M.F.A. in fiction from the University of Arizona, and she regularly speaks about Bhutan at colleges, churches, seminars, and book groups. She is married to the renowned Bhutanese thangka painter Phurba Namgay.
Dr. Bruce W. Bunting is President of the Bhutan Foundation. Bunting was formerly a Managing Director and Vice President of World Wildlife Fund where he worked on global conservation initiatives for 23 years. He first visited Bhutan in 1986 and has been a long time advisor to the Bhutanese government on a variety of issues including the establishment of Bhutan's national park system, the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, the world's first such trust fund, and the Bhutan Health Trust Fund.
Ms. Tshering Yangzom is a Program Associate for the Bhutan Foundation in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of Westminster College in Fulton, MO and previously worked in the Histology Department at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan and as a journalist at the Bhutan Times, a national newspaper.
Co-hosted by the Bhutan Foundation
Event Details
Asia Society Washington, The Cinnabar Room, Whittemore House, 2nd Flr., 1526 New Hampshire Ave, NW