Kathryn and I took advantage of a very low tide today to get some photos at Coal Oil Point. Edited to add: I think this guy is a Giant Sea Star (Pisaster giganteus). Though this particular one is not very giant yet.
Category: Blog
Gate
At Wat U Mong. We saw may gates in this style, made with thin strips of metal in different designs – usually floral. This building had many bas reliefs, built into it, and also pieces leaning up against the walls along the outside.
Pensive
One of the things we enjoyed most at Wat U Mong was the ‘graveyard’ of damaged images of Buddha, the King, and other once-precious items. They were grouped together in the forest, large mossy heads and torsos in one area and smaller figures in another.
Orchid Spray
Orchids are everywhere in Chiang Mai – as common as begonias are here at home. They are popular as hanging plants on porches, and they are also planted in the trees along the city sidewalks. This spray was just a few doors down from Gernot’s place.
Across the Street
The driveway right across from Gernot’s place.
Golden Rosette
Flowers, and texture, and gilding and glittery mirrors. What’s not to love about that?
Refreshments
At Wat U Mong, Chiang Mai
Scrollwork
At Wat U Mong. I saw similar vessels at many of the temples we visited. I would like to know if they have a particular religious significance.
Shrine and Moss
At Wat U Mong.
No Victory
The first temple we visited was Wat U Mong, a forest wat a little bit outside of the city. It had a very tranquil, peaceful atmosphere. It’s easy to see how the environment lends itself to contemplation and meditation. We were free to walk throughout the grounds, and saw many of these signs posted on trees, with nuggets of Buddhist philosophy in Thai and English.