Bhutan grieves for destroyed historic site

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/26/world/asia/bhutan-dzong-fire/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

(CNN) -- Bhutan is mourning the loss of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a four-century-old architectural wonder that had dramatically stood on a ridge at the confluence of two rivers before it burned to the ground over the weekend.

A gateway to eastern Bhutan, the dzong was built in 1638 by the nation's founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and was among several fortress-monasteries constructed to help gain control of -- and unify -- the country.

The fire started Sunday afternoon and burned through the night, consuming the dzong, which not only housed temples but served as the seat of administration for the district.

As news of the fire broke out, the king and queen rushed to the scene to oversee the firefighting effort. Most of the dzong's sacred relics -- hundreds of them -- were saved, many of them dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries, thanks to the Bhutan armed forces, said the home minister.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

1. A lovely lesson on "impermanence".

Sad, but still fitting.

[Lint Head]

2. With all our wonders and historical sites we are

all temporary occupants of the planet.