October 12, 2018-Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Angelina and I took a red truck (taxi) up the mountain to see the temple named above. It is one of Northern Thailand´s most sacred temples. A naga staircase of 300 steps leads to the temple at the end of the long, winding road up the mountain. I really admire the vintage photos of the former King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. He was conferred with the title, King Bhumibol the Great in 1987, was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty as Rama IX. Here are two quotes from him:
A good person can make another person good; it means that goodness will elicit goodness in the society; other persons will also be good.
Nature is something outside our body, but the mind is within us.
Sirikit Kitiyakara is pictured with her King (husband) and then below with her son, the new King of Thailand. Sirikit Kitiyakara, is the queen mother of Thailand. She was the queen consort of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is the mother of King Vajiralongkorn. She met Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was Thai ambassador. They married in 1950, shortly before Bhumibol's coronation. Her son, Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun is the King of Thailand since 2016. He is the only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. We were relieved that there were only 300 steps, (as Machu Picchu was 24,000 to the top), to the temple entrance. It is astounding, the sheer number of Buddha figures in one temple. Apparently, no figurines of Buddha may leave the country, and yet they are sold just about everywhere. I really enjoyed the ride up the mountain, stopping to take in the view from above Chiang Mai, and of course, the cute doggies! The temple is impressive, very crowded and definitely worth the hour long drive up.-Mona
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