Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan kingdom tucked between India and China, is becoming a popular tourist destination, but its only international airport is surrounded by 18,000-foot mountains.
That airport is called Paro, and like the rest of the mostly Buddhist kingdom, it is nestled among the Himalayas, which make getting there a tricky proposition.
Partly due to an unusually short runway, takeoffs and landings are among the world's most difficult, and very few pilots are qualified to land there, according to the Daily Mail.
But for those who can get their hands on a tourist visa (not the easiest task) and handle their fear, a trip to Paro also offers breathtaking views of some of the world's most beautiful mountains, and one of the only ways to visit one of world's happiest countries.
The country held its first general election just a few years ago, after converting from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one.
Yet it has preserved much of its traditional Buddhist culture, a big draw for the tourists who come from around the world to explore its majestic mountains and centuries-old monasteries.
The runway is short, with little space on either side.
The Google Maps satellite view shows it is nestled among the Himalaya Mountains.
One Google reviewer says there's one duty free shop and a small beverage counter, but "sweet and hospitable security and one of the most charming airport buildings ever."
[Source: Google Review]
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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"[The] Lord Mayor's Procession passing through Bank Junction," according to shystone. "To the left The Old Bank of England — somewhat underwhelmingly, the worlds eighth oldest bank — less than 50 years away from demolition. The Greatest Architectural Crime of the 20th Century in the City of London."
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"Greenwich unchanged as ever, minus a few of the sail boats," according to shystone.
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"On the other side of Trafalgar Square is St. Martin's in the Fields," according to shystone. "Not as old as Northumberland House but there's been a church on the site for at least 800 years. You see locals doing Tai Chi at lunchtime in the courtyard over the crypt when the weather is nice."
"The Millennium Bridge cuts across this patch of the river now," shystone explained. "You still get a great view of St. Pauls from the South side of the river, but in 1746 — only 40 years since they finished building it — it must have totally dominated London's skyline; It was our city's tallest building for over 300 years!"
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