Thai - Weekend Sites
On Fridays, as a part of the Volunteer program, you work a half-day and go to the beach in the afternoon (Am I back in Brazil?). We had a great afternoon on a beautiful beach, horses included.
After the beach, we went out with “the kids” to a local restaurant, which still had Christmas trees up!? Happy Lunar New Year!
On Saturday, we paid a visit to Wat Huay Mongkol. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every weekend to honor Thailand's largest Buddha image of Luang Phor Tuad (1582-1682). He is known for turning salt water into drinkable water (must be a good guy). The statue is 39 feet tall. The statue sits on a pedestal with a wooden elephant on either side. Walking in circles under the belly of an elephant is supposed to bring good luck. We did three laps.
The complex was beautiful. Here are some of the sites.
This golden Buddha was behind the complex. There were no signs to guide you to it. We just stumbled upon it. Nice find.
The application of gold leaf to a statue is to honor the Buddha’s teachings. Once the statue is fully gold, it can be transferred to a temple.
Bridget on the gong.
In the afternoon, we paid a visit to the Artist Village. A very cool artist collective in Hua Hin about a mile from our Hostel.
In the evening, we went to two of the weekend night markets, Tamarind for dinner and Cicada for entertainment with Janice and Erica. They are staying at the hostel with us. Brian had left the night before to go off for more adventures in Thailand. Night Markets are everywhere, and you can eat, shop, listen to music or just watch people. Great fun.
On Sunday, we were up early to take the hour ride out to then do the hour-long hike to get to the Pavilion. Here are some shots.
Erika, Janice and Mark after a long hike.
At the end of our hike back, we ran into this shrine by the water.
All in in all a fantastic weekend. Hua Hin, Thailand does not disappoint.
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