The happy temple

Feb. 19, 2008

After returning to Chiang Mai from our three day jungle trek, Julie and I decided to spend a day exploring some of the sites around the city. We rented motorbikes and drove a windy 30 kilometers up Doi Suthep, the lush mountain that serves as the backdrop for the city, to the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep itself.

The relic of the temple, a bone of the Buddha, was erected by a 12th century king who carried it on a white elephant. The place that the elephant stopped was where the king built the pagoda where the temple now stands.

I've seen many a wat since arriving in Thailand, and I have to say this one was by far my favorite. The place high on the hill overlooking the city of Chiang Mai is filled with positive energy. The place is filled with shining golden Buddhas and bells that glint in the sunlight. All the visitors, tourists and Thais alike, circle the place in placid though not dour deference. All the monks seemed to be smiling.

It was a place of holy happiness.