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Our journey from Phitsanulok to Kon Kaen was quite special. For much of the way we passed through a mountain range that characterises the border between Thailand and Laos. The only disappointment was that places to stop for pictures were at a premium
We approached from the other side of the temple so didn't realise this was an option. Looks like a much more exciting way of reaching the top!
A traditional fisherman tends his nets under one of the gargantuan hotel blocks that line the Cha Am Beach
14 days after our home contents headed off one way into storage whilst we headed off in a different direction as nomads, we were re-united at our new abode in Alnwick. Hence my virtual non-appearance here for the last few weeks.
The house is gradually taking shape and though we have a little more floor area than previously, what a new-build doesn't initially have is any fitted-out storage (except kitchen units) - thus box emptying has been slowed whilst stuff has been assembled to provide storage (thank goodness for the flat-pack revolution!).
I think my visits are still likely to be more sporadic than regular, but hopefully 'normal service' will be resumed in the not-too-distant future :)
Today's set of pictures are all from Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. It is a Buddhist temple with a difference. Built on the site of an old dilapidated temple, eclectic Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat footed the bill to design and construct a contemporary and unusual temple which doubles as an art exhibition. The juxtaposition of both traditional Buddhist themes and modern influences, including murals of Mickey Mouse, Superman, Kung Fu Panda and Michael Jackson, all add to the intrigue and surprise of this famous tourist attraction. Visitors will also get to see a Wolverine hand, aliens, peace signs, guns, and various cheeky and quirky innuendos.
Most temples in Thailand are gold but Wat Rong Khun is white, the artist felt that gold “was suitable to people who lust for evil deeds”. Wander around and see the Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth which leads to the Gates of Heaven. You’ll see two guardians and outstretched hands represent temptations and worldly desires like greed, lust, alcohol.
One of the objectives of our roadtrip was to visit the migrant schools in the town of Mae Sot on the border with Myanmar. My daughter had gathered together a heap of donated clothes, toys and bric a brac as well as raising money from within our own school community to help the Burmese teachers who work at the schools teaching migrant workers' children. The teachers and families live in often desperate conditions and their lives are incredibly difficult.
In the lottery of life it is very difficult to predict the life chances and prospects for this wee boy.
In all the pictures from Maesot I have deliberately withheld names and locations to protect those depicted.
Upcoming week we'll get the keys of our new home, there is some painting and cleaning work to do, so it'll take some time before we can move in, but I'm very excited about it. Made these keychains for our new keys.
New homes that back on the Great Central Railway.
Note the twee alternate coloured roofing tiles. New home builders clearly have no imagination, where are the cutting edge hyper-efficient homes we all desperately need? Factors need addressing such as aligning the aspect so that it catches the maximum amount of sunshine for maximum solar gain at all times of the year.
Nice place to live if you like steam locomotives - this Great Central Railway "the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway".