Thailand. A new adventure. Day 7. December 31


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January 4th 2008
Published: January 4th 2008
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Monday. December 31. Day 7. Phitsanulok to Sukothai to Lampang.
Gathering merit.

Before we leave town we visit one more temple. At Wat Yai, Anya, who at 16 is the youngest group-member, and I, representing the whole group, make an offering to a monk. On our knees, we place a bucket containing a monk's robe and an assortment of food on a platform in front of the monk. Because we are women we aren't allowed to make the offering directly to him. After he accepts several donations, he blesses us with holy water tossed on to the people in front of him using flexible sticks (made from coconut trees) that he dips in water. Afterward I move to the area in front of the Buddha and sit quietly for awhile. I am almost sure I feel another Karma-kink straightening out. The countryside is beautiful. Chartreuse-colored rice fields. Sugar cane at least 12 feet high. Snowy-white egrets wading thru ponds. Patches of delicate pampas grass.
Now that's a wat of temple.
It is no wonder that the ruins at the Sukothai Historical Park have been honored as a World Heritage site. Built in the 13th century, Sukothai was the first capitol of
An image of Buddha.An image of Buddha.An image of Buddha.

This Buddha nestles in the ruins of an ancient city at Sukothai Historical Park.
the ancient kingdom of Siam. We only have time to explore a small portion of these impressive, sprawling ruins filled with crumbling temples and walls, moats and ponds. With the spires of the stupas outlined against clear blue skies, this is one of Thailand's treasures.
A New Year far from home.
We have a party on the bus. Nok has bought balloons and all kinds of snacks. We pass them from person to person until the bags are empty. It is a strange New Year's celebration, but Nok is thoughtful to have brought the celebration to us. The topography continues to change as the bus snakes around curving mountain roads. The trees grow taller. Foliage becomes thicker. At the Wianglakorn Hotel in Lampang, the teak floors "talk" as I walk over them. Squeak, squeak. It is a beautiful old hotel with wooden floors and ceilings and a huge garden pond complete with waterfalls. Drums and the sound of fireworks wake me before midnight. I stand at the window as the sky surrounding the city explodes in a frenzy of color again and again. About twenty hovering red lights--actually paper balloons lighted with candles--dance suspended in the night. Welcome to the
Sukothai Historical ParkSukothai Historical ParkSukothai Historical Park

This amazing park is filled with ancient crumbling ruins, moats, and ponds.
New Year in Thailand.


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8th January 2008

your photos and writing
Seriously, these photos could be in National Geographic. And your writing? you should be in journalism... oh wait...hmmn. Anyhow, I hope you brought me back a baby monkey!!!! Love and miss you!
2nd April 2009

Almost like I was actually there...
Oh wait, I WAS there ! I've looked through your blog photos several times, and each time, it's like visiting Thailand/Cambodia all over again. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and your unique travel perspective. Teresa and Mark in Cincinnati, OH.

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