After our first trip to Bhutan in 2001 we knew that we would be back. That first trip was in April to catch the birds singing and the great display of wild rhododendron blossoms. We assumed that the black-necked cranes would have left their wintering grounds in the Phobjikha Valley but wanted to see this little piece of Shangri-la anyway. To our astonishment my wife Birgit discovered one lone crane. However, we fell in love with Bhutan, not only because of its richness and beauty but because of its “small is beautiful” principles. The 20th century has seen tragic destruction of natural heritage and human heritage. Bhutan seems to be successful in cherishing that which is most precious in both of these areas. This accounts for the variety and richness to the eye of the visitor. Birgit and I are both artists and photographers and Bhutan served up an unsurpassed banquet for our eyes. Our second trip in 2005 was organized by (Hishey, of Bhutan Heritage Travels) for maximum abundances of experiences each day. Although circumstances allowed only a brief stay we were more than satisfied. We went in February to catch the main wintering population of cranes but even so we saw and heard plenty of birds including the Monal pheasant. We spent two nights in the elegant, traditional style hotel in the Phobjikha Valley and a miracle happened, at least from the point of view of artists/photographers. It snowed! The landscape was transformed into a Middle Ages European scene reminiscent of Breughel’s Return From the Hunt with yaks thrown in for a bonus. We ended the trip with no complaints and only praise for this unique and charming country and for Bhutan Heritage Travels that took such good care of us, physically, intellectually and spiritually.