#1 is a bit of a surprise. I always heard that foreigners should avoid the wai since we don't know all of the nuances. I always just give a little bow.
I agree that you should give it a trial run before committing to moving there full time. Do a few months and see if you like the place, culture, tropical climate, etc.
I think the cranes are only there at certain times. If you can go during a festival they are quite an occasion and very colorful
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dJo8MxZDFPzVzhzw7
I was there in about 2010 or so. It is a beautiful and interesting place. I always felt like the "GNH" thing was just a way to cover for the lack of GNP. The history is quite interesting. But the treatment of ethnic Nepali people was abysmal. And all of the poor migrant workers from India fixing the dilapidated "national highway" certainly didn't live a very happy existence. But I suppose most countries have their good and bad sides. I just think it's odd that so many influencer types have been swayed by the GNH propaganda and think Bhutan is a country with no problems. It certainly is quite photogenic though. I was there 17 days and traveled all the way to the eastern edge and back to the western edge. It was a lot of riding in the back of a car. And the food was not great in those days. My guide explained that the little hotels and guest houses were required to serve the same bland food to foreigners. And there was very little meat available. I'm sure things have changed quite a bit in the intervening 15 years.
It's problem taking hold in many countries. There's a chart early on that shows SK's debt issues are even worse. And of course they also have an even bigger birthrate issue.
We certainly live in interesting times.
Sorry I missed this old thread when it happened. I posted a review of this place a while back. Essentially, pretty boys but VERY expensive for not a lot of satisfaction.
lots of stories these days about assaults on people using these apps all over the world. Gangs of teenagers luring people and then beating them up. Be very careful out there.
Yes, some of them do have walk ins possible. But choosing from the menu is probably the best option for most people. The websites are generally quite comprehensive. If you look at the websites under their "system" it will tell you if you can walk in or if you need to book ahead. A couple of the places I made arrangements through just had regular apartments to meet the boys I had selected rather than a shop or bar.