Monday April 17th, 2017 - Moving on To Real Travelling Now!

Finally, Monday morning had me leave family time and get down to the serious business of being a tourist. Our group left early to cross three mountain ranges to get to the Laotian border and the Mekong River - destination Chiang Khong.



On the way we stopped in Chiang Rai (you would be catching on by now if you've figured out that Chiang means something like 'city'!) to see the famous 'White Temple' (Wat Rong Khun) that has been created by an internationally famous painter - Chalermchai Kositpipat. He decided to use his wealth from his art to help rebuild the temple in his home town. Building began in 1997 and is expected to continue until 2070.

As I looked around, I could only imagine what sort of dreams the creator of this must have!

Some of the images were sweet and peaceful!

Others whimsical.

There were odd heads hanging around in trees!

It is quite an interesting temple, with many tortured looking faces representing hell. The main strucure (which we weren't able to enter because of rain - it would trek dirt in) has a mural depicting the movement from the more basic to the higher self, which includes images from the modern world such as Neo from The Matrix, Superman and the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. One can't take photos, but you can get an idea from this website http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/thai-temple-interior-inspired-by-modern-sci-fi-movies.html.

On a previous visit I was told that the figures in the mural (which can't be photographed) represent a message that we cannot rely on superheroes to save us, that it is up to our own collective actions to do so. Other online research reiterates that one must overcome hell (the cycle of death and rebirth) to reach heaven and nirvana. Hell, or suffering is caused by greed, ignorance and hatred.

As the temple became well known, people wanted to donate money. The artist didn't want large donors, so he limits the size of the donations. People buy these charms and hang them. I thought they made a pretty sight.

Here they are hanging on tree-shaped structures.

Then, on from Chiang Rai to the Laos border. It is a challenge to take good photos from the back of the bus, but it is also a great way to give an idea of the type of countryside one is travelling through.

Any guesses as to what this structure might do? Let me know!

We were very close to the Mekong River in Chiang Khong where our hotel was located. I loved this collection of exercise equipment and people were out walking and running.



Just below the promenade, this woman was tending her garden.

Tomorrow we cross the border to Laos and a slow boat journey on the Mekong River. I wonder what type of boat we will be in?