Cruising the Mountains
Trip Start
Nov 08, 2006
1
33
260
Trip End
Ongoing
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Monday, December 18, 2006
The site is only 15 kilometers from the city center, but the road winds its way into the mountains, the air gets chill, and it seems much more remote as you make your way to the wat.
But then we turned a corner and were greeted by the crowds, the peddlers, the army of songthaews, and the general commerce and showiness that surrounds any gathering of hoards of people with money in their wallets. But that's part of the experience. The tent of a million Buddhas was a particularly interesting shop. The photo is included. It reminded me of the wall of golden crosses at the Vatican gift shop. People seem to see no irony in the opulence of their trinkets and the general meakness and ascetism of their prophets. But this is a world-wide phenomenon, common to every place and faith I've come into contact with.
The wat was impressive and the experience was interesting. Sticks of incense and lotus blossoms floated around in a sea of people, bells rang in every direction, reverberating off the facades and statues, and everyone was involved in some small step in a larger dance of worship and spiritual ceremony. People swirled around the central stupa, then floated into small corners to visit lesser shrines, all the while the smoke and scent of incense enveloped and joined the whirlpool of the crowd. It was quite a display in contrast to the austerity of many religious gatherings.
After leaving the wat, we continuted up the mountain, stopping to look at the valley spreading out in every direction. The layers of color, the many hues of green stretching to the horizon were beautiful and calming. At end of the road we found a small hut that marked the entrance to the Doi Suthep National Park. From there we hiked to the summit, trying to enjoy the scenery but mostly focusing on our next breath. It was't grueling (not like the Grand Canyon which almost killed my brother Derek and I, or like the 11 km hike in Honduras that left me lost in the jungle), but it wasn't easy. Since public transportation is so cheap here, we don't walk much and we're both out of shape. But we were sure the panoramic vista from the top would be worth it. It was not; the peak was surrounded by trees. Once again nature obstructed my view. But it was a great day.
The ride down the mountain was a little scary at times in the setting sun, and it was definitely the coldest I'd been since arriving in Thailand. Once back in town we cruised through the city with a hundred other motorbikes. I felt like I was part of a motorcycle gang - very Hell's Angels. I get my tattoo later this week.
Also, check out Lindsey's
handmade Thai jewelry. She uses Thai Buddha pendants and other Asian
items to make really cool stuff, which she can ship anywhere in the world. Buy a necklace from Thailand!www.loveliesbylindsey.etsy.com
