I’m on my way to see some friends from Japan who just built a house in Kalasin (northeastern Thailand). One of the temples on my way which I thought was extremely photogenic today was Wat Mae Ya Som วัดแม่ย่าซอม. I will let the photos tell the story. I hope you know that Buddhism is a derivative of Hindu. Alan Watts
described Buddhism as “Hindu for export“. He also described it as “psychotherapy“ and not a religion. In any case these images show its relationship in many ways to Hindu. By the way, the journey to Kalasin from Koh Chang takes about four days by motorcycle, taking it slow.
Ancient multitaskingEven rats can make offeringsThat’s a big gong
The province of Chantaburi in Thailand is well known for gem mining. Going into the old downtown area one street is a pedestrian street for gem buyers and sellers. As you can see in the photos there are people from all over the world manning many desks in many offices on the street.
Some of the dealers are sitting all alone looking very lonely. Most of them are gathered together with many other gem evaluators and traders.
As I am taking a photo here one lady looks at me suspiciously, something you might expect from a more shady person but most likely someone who is doing a legitimate transaction.
A new development on Koh Chang requires palm trees. This video shows the proper (without red flag?) way to transport them.
This photo shows this old small truck trying to do the impossible and the wrong way too. The tops should grow back again. Hope the friction on the road doesn’t cause a spark. We passed this truck and waited to take a video of it moving in the village but the truck broke down and needed a tow.
For many hundreds of years Chinese merchants plied the waters around Thailand and left people and markings to indicate their adventures. Here in Koh Chang there is a Chinese temple on the top of one of the hills currently maintained by the descendants of those traders and new Chinese descendants on and around the island.
In general they are very ornate with all different kinds of animals, especially dragons, and are extremely photogenic.
This island, Koh Chang, derives the name from the shape, similar to an elephant. So at the entrance to the temple you see different elephant decorations.
Various decorations Similar to gates were entrances amplify the significance of ocean views and the importance of the ocean to trade.
At the entrance to the main shrines you often find offerings to the spirits or Representations of important people.
Inside the main shrine there are always overwhelming decorations.
On the grounds you find a variety of small tributary images.
Of course there needs to be some firecracker Launching sites.
As you round the Main shrine corner you might be startled by an emerging dragon. And near the entrance the eyes of the dragon or upon you.
Even if just for the bright colors I like visiting these Chinese shrines and temples.
