Day 13 - The Last Official Day

content from joanne

Friday - 24 November

The last day official day on the build.

Today we toured some of the more famous cultural sites in and around Chiang Mai, starting with ancient lost city of Wiang Kum Kam. Our tour guide Star explained to us that this was the site of the first capital city of the Lanna Kingdom in this region, but it was built too close to the Ping River and was completely lost when the Ping River flooded in the late 13th century. It lay under silt and basically unknown to the world until 1984 when some ancient tablets were found in the area. The problems they have now is getting access to the land, since it was most used for residential housing.

What's in your backyard?

The next major stop was Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep), which is the home to the Wat Phra That. After a 15 KM winding road up the mountain and a subsequent funicular ride, we reached the temple area. Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383 it is still a working monastery today, and funds raised by the lift fee and donations (and there were lots of places to make donations) go to support the monks living there and for maintenance of the various temple buildings. The architecture, statues, murals and shrines seen here are nothing short of breathtaking. And its location has a incredible view of the city of Chiang Mai that spreads out on the plain below.  Various team members participated in a blessing ceremony by a monk, obtained their horoscopes by shaking sticks out of a can, and (or course) took advantage of some retail therapy after walking down to the bus area. 

Erin and Rob holding the bell in place

The view of Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep

Gold, Gold, and More Gold

Choose your donation - students? monks? building? other?

Returning to Chiang Mai, we had a short break before heading out to a cultural supper (sort of like a luau). We had local food to the accompaniment of Thai music and dance, and were even invited on stage to help the dancers with one song (not that they needed any help). Supper over – build over – then on to a club for some ‘spirited’ dancing!  

A Luau - Thai-style

 ... and then it was over...

Thanks for the memories!