2018 - Thailand - Oct 11 - Chiang Rai - White Temple

Richard and Irenea, picked us up today for a ride to Chiang Rai - the northernmost large city in Thailand.  Our destination, Wat Rong Kun, otherwise known as The White Temple which was rebuilt in 1997.

First a bit of silliness - this is at the main entrance and we could not resist.

The White Temple is pure white stucco with mirrors embedded.

The ceiling of this pathway is lined with wishes -

The bridge of "the cycle of rebirth": the main building at the white temple, the ubosot, is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake. In front of the bridge are hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolize unrestrained desire. The bridge proclaims that the way to happiness is by foregoing temptation, greed, and desire.

This golden building represents the body, whereas the white ubosot represents the mind. The gold symbolizes how people focus on worldly desires and money. The white building represents the idea to make merit and to focus on the mind, instead of material things and possession.

Driving home we made a few side trips. First was Singha Park and the tea fields.

then the streets of Chiang Rai.

Throughout Thailand, no matter what you order, food is usually served with an orchid.

then on to Cat-in-a-Cup Cafe.

On our way home Richard wanted to stop at a girls home for girls that have been abandoned or abused. While there we got to meet some amazing American missionary girls.  Vernon was serenading them and then they took over and sang for us.