http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx(By Kerry Sanders, NBC News Correspondent)  Paro, Bhutan—Pant. Pant. Gasp.  Gasp.I’m breathless, and so is everyone around me, tourists that is.It’s not just the spectacular view that’s stolen our breath:  It’s the steep hike at this altitude.Theen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178454Wed, 02 May 2007 13:24:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178454Lawrence J. De Meo, Jr, North Potomac, MarylandI always enjoy the annual "World" travels of Matt Lauer (I mean, come on, who's got a BETTER gig than that!!), and, without a doubt, today's installment on the Kingdom of Bhutan was something just a cut above all the rest of his seven-plus years' travels. The absolute beauty of the country and its peace, quiet and, above all, the "happiness" just leapt at you through the screen. No other of his 'visits' even comes close to touching the apparent 'special-ness' of this place, which is so obvious in the faces of its people. And I have also no doubt that, right now, as I write this, there are hundreds of thousands of Ameicans who are saying "OK, that's it! I'm quitting my job and we are moving to Bhutan!" No doubt, also, that many of them will actually do it (or at least try), and, my last 'no doubt' is that, if they do, constituting as they do the greatest narcissistic and most selfish generation this country has ever produced, they will absolutely DESTROY everything that is special about it. If the Bhutanese are smart, they will issue a 7-day visa, up the 'visit tax' from $200 to $1,000 per person per day, and politely escort them all back onto the plane on the 7th day. Now, where did I put that travel agent's phone number?http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178459Wed, 02 May 2007 13:26:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178459Denise Walker, Salem, VirginiaDAY 4: Thursday clue.... Pico d'Aneto, Pyrenees, where the Tour de France will pass throughhttp://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178468Wed, 02 May 2007 13:29:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178468Brenda LehmanI am stuck at home sick with the flu today and so I was able to catch the entire program on Bhutan. Although I may never be in a position to visit this place, I am thrilled to see via TV and computer more of the awesome creation we are blessed with. With all that we take in that demoralizes, this was a refreshing and upbuilding treat to the eyes.http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178470Wed, 02 May 2007 13:29:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178470jean kraininWhy is so much English spoken and used in Bhutan. What is the national language? Thanks http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178498Wed, 02 May 2007 13:41:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178498Rakhee, leesburg vajust wanted to make a comment that Ann of Todays show is right people living in the region pronounce it as the 'Himaalayas' not 'Himalayas' as Americans call it. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178520Wed, 02 May 2007 13:48:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178520Hilary Callaghan, Columbus, OhioI've been wanting to go to Bhutan for years, to the exclusion of all else around it. Doubtless, most of the few lucky ones to enter did so on packaged tours--I'd do that, too, instead of independently. Burning legs? Bring it on. Found myself staring at textiles (a professional interest) just as those charming young monk wannabes were staring at me. Hooray for Today!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178539Wed, 02 May 2007 13:58:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178539Elaine Anthony Pinellas Park, FLHi, I visited Bhutan last year and felt like I was in heaven. We were there for an 8 day trek, which gave us a chance to see, feel, taste and hear Bhutan up close with Kesang, our leader and hisincredible team! It was definately a "trip" for sure! Enjoy every minute in this land of 'happiness'! http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178559Wed, 02 May 2007 14:11:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178559Mark, Denver, CO.I traveled to Bhutan last year. Yes, they do watch television, but there is so much more richness to this country. Leave it to American television to make a story about it, even saying it will not have much of an effect on the country. Why go to Bhutan and talk about American Idol? Please!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178575Wed, 02 May 2007 14:17:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178575Colin CookAhhh, I want to enjoy this segment by Matt Laurer on Bhutan, but I can't. It is romantised and either ignorant of history or in denial of it. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness indicator? The people are happy? Yes, after having murdered, raped and thrown out 100,000 of their own people who now languish in refugee camps in Nepal and India! What pretense to have prayer wheels of campassion all over the nation while being merciless to so many of its people. I travelled to one of the refugee camps last year. These people want to return to their homeland. The King and government continue to bluff the west that they are developing democracy in Bhutan while having legislated religious uniformity that has legitimized persecution and expulsion of a fifth of its population. Come on Matt! Do some more homework!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178608Wed, 02 May 2007 14:27:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178608Rick Gallegos, Colorado Springs, ColoradoGood morning, Matt and Today! This visit to Bhutan is nothing less than awesome! How great it is for your to show America and the watching world that life goes on beyond us alone. It appears there is much to learn from the people of the mature and enduring world. I would like to challenge the Today Show to incorporate the "Gross National Happiness" concept into your programming. Think about the impact you can have on our world in a short time from an intrinsic perspective. I am ready for a turn from the negative parts of the world. Thanks to Matt and the staff for taking us on the wonderful trip first thing in the morning! http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178633Wed, 02 May 2007 14:36:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178633Yvonne Kinney, South Bend, IndianaMy 2nd grade class is currently researching Bhutan for our annual International Fair in 2 weeks. We were so excited to hear that the Today show is there! What is the one thing (or more than one)that people should know about Bhutan. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178662Wed, 02 May 2007 14:49:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178662Pam, Plano, TexasI'm voting for Cascais, Portugal, to be the next stop. They will host the ISAF World Sailing Championships in June.http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178674Wed, 02 May 2007 14:56:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178674Donna Smith, Fort Collins, COKerry, We visited Bhutan in the fall of 2005 and also hiked to Tiger's Nest. I agree . . . it was the most spectaluar site in all of Bhutan! Adding to the continuous mystery of the kingdom was the consideration of how they constructed it and how they continue to live in the monestary and transport their supplies. Just so you know it can be done in a bout four hours with a stop for lunch. Oh yea, we live in the Colorado Rockies and regualrly hike fourteeners and had just finished a seven trek!) I was so excited to see your great coverage!! Thanks!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178722Wed, 02 May 2007 15:15:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178722Sussi Sassmannshausen Harriet ArkansasWhere were the dogs and cats of Bhutan? They must have pets.http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178738Wed, 02 May 2007 15:22:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178738Sue Camacho, Sparta, MissouriMatt, you should have tried jest the bettlenut a lone. It isn't as bad. I was stationed in Guam, while in the Navy and Im one who likes to try and experence the local culture. I also married a local. The Bettlenut is said to settle the stomach and to enhance your sexal experice. I am not sure about that I had jest get married so it was enhanced anyway. It did however help me to stop smoking and give me a dry mouth. I do love wacthing the "Where in the world?" It does make me miss the military travel. I retired from the Navy, endded up in Missouri thanks to my husband of 21yrs. kids are grown and looking forward to travel again and you are showing some great places for us to go. Thank You Matt. Sue from Sparta,Mo.http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178789Wed, 02 May 2007 15:41:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178789john catallHis next stop will be in Hanoi Vietnam, they will host the WORLD for "football"! Remember, he said we can't to the mountains!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178833Wed, 02 May 2007 15:58:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178833Bill Mallory, Kennebunk, MaineBhutan - certainly a little known country (I'd never heard of it!), just don't let the worlds travel agents destroy its beauty and tranquility! What an interesting look at a country transitioning from the old to the new. My guess for the next stop is Banaff, Canada. May 8 - 12 it hosts the International World Wide Web Conference. It also features parasailing and other alpine skiing attractions (right down your alley).http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#178913Wed, 02 May 2007 16:27:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:178913amy, boston, mareally enjoyed matt's visit to bhutan. didn't get to watch the entire segment but hopefuly i can catch it online. p.s. Dzongkha is the language spoken in bhutan. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#179022Wed, 02 May 2007 17:02:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:179022Linda Koeppel Hollywood FloridaI cannot wait!!!! I leave for Bhutan in 2 months. I have been working on this trip for the last 4 months. I was so surprised to see the show today on Bhutan. Most of my friends called to tell me the show was on and that I should see it. They all had no idea where in the world Bhutan was or had even heard of the country before I decided to go. This will be a trip of a lifetime and my 50th Birtday on top of it. I cannot wait.http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#179243Wed, 02 May 2007 18:28:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:179243Adam Cain, Oxford, GeorgiaI think Matt will be in Zaragoza, Spain where the Words Fair will be held in September 2008http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#179283Wed, 02 May 2007 18:40:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:179283Adam, Oxford, GeorgiaMatt will be in Cascais, Portugal host of the 2007 Sailing World Championshipshttp://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#179369Wed, 02 May 2007 19:14:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:179369Kate, New Milford, NJI believe Matt's next stop will be New Zealand. Sir Edmund Hillary is the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest(Himalayas)and is from New Zealand. In addition, sailing is a popular sport in the country and New Zealand will host the 2011 Rugby World Cup. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#179375Wed, 02 May 2007 19:16:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:179375Chris Bavender, Muncie, INI enjoyed the tour of Bhutan this morning and reading the blog! You always take us to great places! BUT, as a former copy editor I have to point out that you did not correctly spell altar in your last tip! http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#180348Thu, 03 May 2007 13:01:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:180348Mendy, Mayfield, KentuckyI was in Bhutan last year at the FABULOUS hotel - Uma Paro - the most stunning hotel and country in the world! This was great to see from Matt's eyes!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#180410Thu, 03 May 2007 13:39:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:180410Thinley DorjeeMatt, THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the today show to Bhutan. I am from Bhutan and live in the great state of Virginia. I have been thinking about the "where in the world is Matt Lauer" hosting the show from Bhutan would be a great program and there you were. Although, I hadn't had the chance to watch the show, my Aunt from Clinton, Kentucky called my wife and left a message about the show. I logged on to the web and found how exciting it was to see you and your group in Bhutan. Ann, Meredith, and Al - you all will enjoy the gifts. Although, I personally don't like the Yak hat! Love and peace forever!http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#180497Thu, 03 May 2007 14:34:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:180497Anne Crowther, El Paso, TexasI have enjoyed your trip to Bhutan. I work at the University of Texas at El Paso and our campus is built like Bhutan archetecture. It was decided when the college was started over 90 years ago, by the President of the college's wife that El Paso would suit this culture. We have a beautiful campus and have had several Bhutanese students. Our President, Diana Natalicio, has visited Bhutan on several occasions and our Alumni have made 2 trips to this wonderful country. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#180523Thu, 03 May 2007 14:47:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:180523Brenda Becker, Minneapolis, MNMy daughter and I just returned three days ago from Bhutan. We noted a private jet on the runway and commented on it, as we had learned even Bhutan's king uses Druk Air for his trips in and out of the country. It must have been Matt and crew! To answer one viewer's question, "Where are the dogs and cats of Bhutan?", I believe there are more of them there than people. They are not pets, but roam in wild, gentle packs. We even saw them (cows too) making their own special pilgrimages to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, where they know they will be fed and cared for. The Bhuddist belief in reincarnation forbids killing of any kind and that belief was hard to resist, looking into the soft, loving faces of its animals. Hard, though, as an animal lover, to see how many of them are in need of veterinary care. http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/02/178313.aspx#180621Thu, 03 May 2007 15:36:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:180621Chris Larzlere, St Petersburg FlI really enjoyed this trip to Bhutan. What a beautiful country and beautiful people. Lets hope that they can stay that way. Thanks, Matt Lauer for show me a part of the world I was only vaguely aware of until I saw your segment. Hope the rest of your travels to smoothly.