I didn't think the heat would become more unbearable than when we first arrived, but lo and behold, winter passed on and summer snuck in. The days are slowly getting longer and hotter while the nights become ever more humid. Lucky for us, today was the first day we could turn on the air conditioner during the day. We weren't sure it would do much good, but let me be the first to say hallelujah for cold air!!!
Though we've been to this stand more than a dozen times I don't have much documentation of it, which is sad because we've spent so much time drinking smoothies in front of this family's home and shop. It doesn't look like much, but trust me when I say it's the best. Truly. These awesome smoothy makers have sparked more than a few spontaneous trips to town despite the killer heat.
Last Saturday my group and I took a day trip to Sukhothai, a historical site with ancient Buddhist temple ruins. We rented a van to drive us the 2 hours, which definitely beat the bus or train. Here in Thailand bikes and motorcycles far outnumber the cars on the road, and it makes sense, too. Parking is insane! All the drivers have mad parallel parking skills. I would fail. I can't parallel park to save my life... well, I could, but it might take a day or two ;) Anyhow, it's common to see 2 and even 3 people riding on a motorbike or scooter together, but every once in awhile we see a family of 4. Trouble is, pulling out your
camera and snapping a photo before they zip away is usually pretty difficult (especially if you're driving). This picture isn't the best, but it accurately depicts the life of a typical Thai family. See? You've got the mom on the back holding an infant while a young boy sits in front of his dad. I have yet to see 5 people riding on a bike, but it honestly wouldn't surprise me.
Sukhothai was something else. It's one thing to see all the beautifully designed and gold-plated temples that are in use, but to walk among temples that have stood solidly throughout time is completely different. They've still got some of the original architecture and design, like the pillars, the Buddhas, and even some of the gold plating, but there's a different feeling. People walk with more reverence in the ruins than they do in the current temples. The hustle and bustle of tourists, natives, and monks is absent.
I can't speak for everyone, but anytime I visit ruins I'm left with a feeling of admiration. Given time, most buildings fall, but there are some structures that refuse to crumble despite all the people and time that pass through it's doors. The ruins around this temple were impressive and I can only imagine the elegance and beauty that surrounded it back in the day. I bet all sorts of people went there to pray and get counsel. But something must've happened that made less people go there and so it became run down. Eventually, after many many years, this is what we're left with, but you know what? It's not the end. Natives and tourists alike are still able to admire and take solace in the bones that remain. I think people are the same. Whether by lasting friendships or quick encounters we leave our mark on the lives of countless others.
And because I'm me, I just had to climb one of the tall pillars. Don't worry though, we weren't in an area where the "Do Not Climb" signs kept popping up. This was just us on a tiny little island. But really... who else can say they've climbed an ancient Buddhist ruin? I don't have the photos yet, but I'll also mention that we had some pretty awesome "Hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil" pillar poses going on.
Our day trip was pretty fantastic, but I gotta say, I think having a journal and a blog to write everything down in afterwards (even if a week or two passes before I get to it) is the best. Taking the time to reflect not only helps me remember small details, it also gives me a chance to make connections and give my experiences a deeper meaning. When I can do that I know that I'm actually gaining something from my experience, which makes it that much more valuable.
Speaking of which. Quote of the week:
"Ah! It's a teampiratnur!" -MeMe
"Ummm... What?" -Teachers Samantha, Kelbi and I
"A teampirioitnur.." -MeMe
*Confused looks*
"It's English.." -MeMe
It was a treasure chest. Haha, but oh my heck, the way she reassured us her word was English and not Thai was so dang cute! It's the moments like those that need to be recorded and cherished :)
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