Yesterday I went to Doi Suthep. It is one of the main centers of religious life in the Chiang Mai area. The temple, said to be constructed in the 1300’s has maintained an err of mystery and legend (like any good Wat in Thailand). The temple was wonderful and fully set up for tourists.. so the temple wasn’t nearly as wonderful as the opportunity to pray and meet new people. Anywhere you go in Thailand people try speaking English with you and occasionally this bodes well for the wayward solo traveler.
On the red bus taxi (they have a specific name that I don’t know yet) up the mountain to the temple I met June. June is a woman from Bangkok and her English was good enough that we became instant friends. She asked “Who are you with in Chiang Mai?” and I said “I’m alone” and her response “You are not alone any more… you are with me.” And I was, she showed me the ropes, made sure I got my ticket up the mountain and showed me a walking mediation prayer. Within the temple we went everywhere together and took a million pictures (a few with strangers even) and in general had a good time.
The peace in that place was tangible despite the silly souvenirs and money changers. The prayer was tangible and people everywhere were taking pictures and joining in the touristy revelry. Despite all that I enjoyed my time immensely and was glad to have a friend to do it with. We departed ways at the bottom of the mountain and exchanged email addresses. The afternoon was glorious because of it and I enjoyed my time meeting someone new as much as I did the temple itself.
Want to know more about Doi Suthep? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phrathat_Doi_Suthep
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