Little Bhutan: Could you introduce yourself?
Tashi: Hello, my name is Tashi Wangmo and I am a certified cultural guide. This means I can conduct tours across Bhutan, helping travellers learn about the unique history and culture of the land.
What made you decide to take the guide training?
My mom had suggested it to me. I thought it was a good idea, and I also did it to buy time.
Could you explain?
Sure. I had plans to apply for an MFA program, so I thought, in the meantime, I could do this training while writing blogs for Little Bhutan.
What was the training like?
It’s hard to put it into words because at one point, I felt like I had really found my people, but I also remember saying that this was one of the hardest things I had done in my life.
Bhutanese guides go through extensive training before they can lead tours.
That’s nice to know. What was hard about the training?
We were being fed a lot of information across the board. For instance, we had to be fluent in topics such as economy, wildlife, weather, climatic conditions, Buddhist iconography, etc, etc, the list goes on. And being in a new environment, with people who I had never crossed paths with before, was both refreshing and challenging.
Did you make any friends at the training and what did you learn, apart from the topics mentioned above?
I did. However, I also unmade them. I learnt that it is not easy (as cliché as it might sound) to run a guide training institute, or any other private company. I saw the CEO of the company I trained with travel with us during the field trip with a cook. He had been very sick prior to the trip, but despite that he still made it. Having said that, I also feel that we should hold those in charge accountable, especially when we entrust them with our time and money.
Have you gone on a tour yet?
I have not! My first tour commences on the 9th!
That’s great. How do you feel?
I feel good, overall.
Any last thoughts?
Maybe it’s the teacher’s instinct, but I want other people I know, who are also working in Tourism, to do this training. I feel it could be a good way to upgrade yourself, especially if you are just starting out in the industry.
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