Greetings From the Other Side of the World, Day 17: Thai food, temples, lanterns

 Got to be quick because I overslept and need to be ready to go shortly.

Yesterday morning at breakfast, Art's mom got some chicken in green curry and another in red curry.  I found the red curry too spicy but liked the green curry.  Picked up a dark piece and asked if that was something other than the chicken I could identify.  Yes, Wanlaya said, chicken blood.  Pass.  I had pad kra prow, which Art had made when he lived with us.  Ground beef with holy basil topped with a fried egg.  Delicious.  Honestly, everything we've eaten is beyond delicious.

The day's adventures included two temples, the second located atop a mountain. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the most important and sacred temples in northern Thailand.  What has surprised me about temples and wats is that they are not stand alone buildings, rather part of a compound of different temples located on the grounds.  In one of the temples, Wanlaya invited me to pray along side her and I was so deeply touched by that.  

Nap time, dinner at a small what you might call hole in the wall restaurant across the street from Chiang Mai University.  Wanlaya wanted us to experience the parade that culminates the Lantern Festival, so we made our way through the streets to stand directly next to the parade as it passed by.  The evening ended with us setting krathong into the river to drift with our prayers.  My prayers were for Art, Wanlaya, and Ice.  My heart is so full with them.

The crew at Wat Pha Lat, the first temple we visited.


Here I said a prayer as instructed on the sign, then rang a large bell afterward to signify I had offered a prayer.


On to Doi Suthep, with a steep climb up to the temple grounds.  I was happy to see that many people were winded on the way up, not just me and Dan.  

For a donation, you were invited to write a wish on a banner then given to the monks so they can pray for you.  Look at all the different languages!
In one of the temples, a monk was offering prayers and blessings for those requesting same (and a donation, of course).  The expression on this baby's face is priceless.


I have decided that if I am ever reincarnated, I want to come back as a 
reclining Buddha.
The happy travelers walking in the parade
Getting ready to release our krathong










 

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