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Published: January 14th 2008
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Modern day Wat
Modern day Wat Sunday we woke up early for a day trip to some areas north of Chiang Mai. It was a long day up at 6:45am and back at 8:30pm but a good trip all in all. The first stop were some hot pools which had been turned into a full on tourist trap, this is where my alter ego Wanye Rooney was approached for an autograph, I declined not wanting to talk to anyone so early in the morning. From there is was on to a sort of modern day Wat (Wats are temples or shrines, generally for the Buddist god in Thailand). It was very impressive from the outside, all white with mirrors but with a closer look it turned out to be very strage. The bridge to the entrance had hands reaching up from a pit I think trying to resemble Hell. Upon the entrance of the Wat it seemed normal until we turned around to look at the painting on the wall; what came next no one could have guessed. On the left hand side there were mixed images of Buddist culture and modern day movies, Neo from the Matrix, characters from Star Wars littered the walls, I linged
Modern day Wat
Entrance to the Wat longer than Rich to try and take everything and I heard, "Dude, you're not going to believe what's over here." I walk over and it's an image of the twin towers, one already been hit by one of the plans, the other plane just about to. More images of Star Wars including one shot of gasoline being guzzled by Jaba the hut. We quickly left feeling, for the first time a little uncomfortable in Thailand. Our guide explained that it was a modern art marvel and the artist was widely celebrated in Thailand; we didn't want to start anything with him and just let it go. We couldn't take picutres inside...hmmm I wonder why, otherwise I would post them.
From there it was a short ride to visit some hill tribes who immagrated from Burma to avoid pursecution and possible death. The Burmese goverment (or Myanmar goverment as they like to be called) has been oppressing their people for over 60 years now. Some of their indeginous people have fled and coutrines like Thailand have been kind enough to take the refugees in. The two tribes we visited were the Long Neck tribe and another (I can't remember their
Modern day Wat
Hands of death. name but they have a large population in Thailand and can be recognized by trying to sell you frogs that makes noise when you rub a stick over the spiked back..truely amazing, well not really but they are a very kind people I like them for the only reason they they try and push the trinkets on you all the while laughing. Everytime they approach me I start laughing and they just join me, how could you not love that!?!?)
Rich and I debated about this type of trip because it felt like a human zoo. I wasn't too keen on just walking to the village and just starting but looking back on it, without tourists they tribes would be able to afford any necessities they may need. The do not have passports and are guests under the Thai goverment so they can't work anywhere, not they would be able to get high paying jobs anyway; so they only thing they can do it show tourists their traditions and sell crafts. Once we went through the experience we felt better we could help support their tradtions and exsistance in Thailand.
The story with the Long Necks is that
Long Neck Tribe
Rich and I with the Long Neck tribe elder back in the day while the men worked in the fields there was an issue with tigers attacking the women. They solved the problem by putting brass rings around the necks of the women to protect them. Tigers go for the neck first and with it protected it many women were saved, or at least that is how the story goes. Rich and I got a picture with the Tribal woman who is the highest authority in the tribe, the women have the power in the Long Neck tribe.
Next up was a drive along the Burmese boarder which was mountainous and very beautiful. Americans aren't allowed in the country right now due to the internal rebellion but it looks like it could be a beautiful place to travel. If the country ever opens it's boarders and the military dictatorship is over thrown it could be a great place to travel. We stopped at the boarder for some pictures and then went onto the Golden Triangle- an area where Burma, Loas, and Thailand come together. It was also the number one manufacturer of Poppy plants, which of course makes Heroin and Opium; it now has lost that title to
Long Neck Tribe
Long neck woman making a sarong. It takes her a week to make one. Afganistand but that's another story. We took a short boat ride to an island in Loas for a visit to the local people. These people, either for toursits or tradition, liked putting animals or animal parts into bottles of whiskey. Our guide, Big Bear- seriously that was his name, told us to try some, we did, and it turned out to be Tiger penis whiskey, again seriously. I declined the offer for some snake whiskey and walked away throughly appaled. The trip back I disovered one of the guys snapped a picture of me giving a duel thumbs up wearing a life jacket and had put it on a plate....how oh how could I ever pass up that opportunity. I tried to negotioate with the fellow from 100 baht to 80 (equivolent of $3 to $2.50) but he just laughed and said sorry now. So 100 baht it was, so I am proud to tell you I am now the new owner of a dish that has Wanye Rooney giving a thumbs up and wearing a life jacket. If only I could get his signature on it I could sell it on e-bay.
Tomorrow we're going on another day
Long Neck Tribe
The classroom for the long neck tribe. Volunteer teachers come a teach the children. trip to see some waterfalls and a local temple, Wednesday we are going climbing and hoepfulyl Thuesday we are heading into a national park for some trekking. I'll try and post some stuff before we head south to Railey Beach.
Still no spell check.
Sorry for the novel...
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