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The White Temple
Made of plaster and the work was amazing. Geo: 18.8, 98.98
We left Chiang Mai by road 200 kms away across mountains, valleys and picturesque landscapes. This was a full day trip so we were picked up at 7am and did not get back until 8.30pm. One thing we realised in Thailand was that a day is as long as it takes, no such thing as 9am - 5pm and the workers only get payed a very minimal wage, you could not ask for better attention from the guides we had.
We were accompanied today by Les who was on holidays from Sadi Arabia where he works in public relations for the American Army, lovely man who we really enjoyed the company of as we experienced the diversity of Thialand. "He loved the green lush country side compared with the sand pit he works in".
The first stop was the White Temple on top of the Mountain, just beautiful made out of plaster and glass, good job for you David, what do you think?
Everything built in the Temple tells a story like the hands reaching out of Hell and the bridge leading to Heaven with guards of the bridge preventing those in Hell from getting out. Mona was able to describe
The White Temple
Could not believe the beautiful work in this and is still being built after 8 years. everything about what we saw and it was fascinating how everything had a purpose.
We then wrote a wish on the leaf which I hung on a small tree made of wishes and when that is full the wishes are all hung together ahd will be added to the roof of the temple, which is closer to Heaven meaning the wishes have more chance of being heard.
We continued until we reached the Long Neck Tribe after Mick and I asked if they could be included in our tour, which did not concern Les, so Mona changed the plans. Two other Tribes were in the Village we visited, they moved closer to civilisation to make it easier for visitors and for them to sell the hand made items, what an eye opener, it was very hot and these woman had these rings around their necks. The rings are never removed except at a ceremony when another ring needs to be added each year. How they do it was incomprehensible to us, but Mona explained that younger ones from the Tribe now are starting tomove into local areas working and not wearing the rings but sending money back to the Tribe to
The Bridge to Heaven
The hands from Hell at the bottom, with the guards of the bridge stopping them from getting out. support them, their culture is changing.
We made it to the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. We could see clearly the Casino's built by the Chinese on Burma and Laos by the Mekong River. Thailand has not allowed the Casino's and Mona said they never will, we can only hope.
Next we visited Chiang Sean (AD 1260) located on the steep banks of the Mekong River opposite Laos. We saw the Opium Museum, ancient ruins and more temples before returning to Chiang Mai. We went for tea at a local Thai cafe and had a look at the Market which sets up every evening at 6pm, directly outside our Hotel, selling everything you can think off.
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