Our train arrived in Chiang Mai on time, early in the morning, and we went to our hotel. I knew I was going to like this place when I saw this structure and sign.
(click any image to enlarge)
You might be able to relax and consume refreshments here…or not!
The first thing my roommate and I did after depositing our bags in our room was to go exploring. There was a market quite close to our hotel so we went there first.
So many photographic opportunities at a market!
Chiang Mai was where it became apparent that I am a Buddhist monk stalker groupie. They are such colorful and cheerful spots in a crowd, it’s hard to resist!
Having been to Thailand once before (the south) and twice to Cambodia in addition to India, I’ve seen my share of Buddhist temples so they aren’t quite the attraction they used to be. After lunch our guide suggested that we might like to see Wat Prathat Doi Suthep and since everyone else was going, I went too.
There were many, many stairs to climb to get to the temple. Why don’t we decorate all staircases like this?
Instead of one main Buddha, there were many, many Buddhas here – each of them getting much attention.
And what better place to be a monk groupie than at a temple?
How could I resist taking this picture for my children? Also funny for anyone who likes LOLcats – just substitute “nom” at the caption!
Had I opted out of the trip to the temple I would have missed this Buddha – the most unique one I’ve ever seen. There must be a reason for his attire, but to me he looks as if he is stuck in a 60s time warp!
The view from Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was pretty spectacular as well – Chiang Mai is a lot bigger than I was imagining it to be (this is only one direction!)
Tomorrow: playing in a waterfall, our trek into the jungle, and our first night in a village.
Thoroughly enjoying your daily travelogue installments! Such beauty . . . but different than we usually see.
by Mama Pea January 21st, 2010 at 10:22 am