One of the highlights of orientation was shopping for national dress. In Bhutan, they wear their national dress for most things, and we are encouraged to wear them as teachers. The man's dress is called a gho and reminds me of a knee-length togo. The woman's dress is called a kira, and is an ankle length skirt, blouse and jacket. We are slowly getting used to how to wear them...although they are very comfortable they take a lot of effort to fasten and tie correctly, and to make look presentable. I plan to wear mine every day while teaching, so hopefully I will get the hang of it soon!
Last week we went to the kira and gho store to look at fabric and make our choices. It was recommended that we buy two everyday ones, plus one for a formal occasion if we wanted. The men could get ghos the same day, but the women had to be measured and the cloth cut to make our kira skirts. It was so much fun to look through all of the beautiful fabric, but I have to admit, it quickly became a very overwhelming process, as none of us really knew which fabric would be good for what, or even what colors went well together.
The fabric at the kira store. The ones in the front are the most traditional ones and are the warmest.
Simon and Martin examining a gho
One of the very nice shopkeepers helping Ashley choose a jacket and blouse. There are the most beautiful colors!
This is great, Sarah! What beautiful and colorful fabric! I was with your mom today and it was so nice to catch up!
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