Buddhism part II and visiting Wat Doi Suthep

January 18, 2011 21:05 Thai time

Chapel at Payap University.  This chapel is located in the main part of campus.

Today we finished up our lecture on Buddhism.  It was quite enlightening  (ha,ha...did you get the joke?!).  We went to the famous mountain top Wat Doi Suthep and visited a jade factory (got some good stuff).  Enjoy the pictures.

Doors to chapel at Payap University

Inside the chapel.  I don't know if you can tell but under the pews are open air.  The chapel is built over a pond.  It is way to keep the inside of the building cool.

Bottom of steps leading to the Wat.  There are about 300 steps to climb.

This is about half way up.  I took this picture so I would have an excuse to catch my breath.

At the top. Dragons look down the stairs.

Looking over the city of Chiang Mai from top of the mountain.

Dogs are everywhere in Thailand.  Just laying around everywhere.  This little pup is taking a nap in the middle of the Wat.

Ajaan John discussing history of this Wat.

This is one piece of teak wood that was carved after it was put into place.  The detailed work was absolutely beautiful.

These bells are really loud.  It was so unexpected.  My ears rang for more than a few minutes.

This time I pose without ringing the bell.  That is the better option.

Ajaan John explaining the murals around the Wat.

It was really crowded.  There was so much incense burning that my eyes started watering.

This is a solid emerald Buddha.

This is the ceiling of the room with emerald Buddha.   This is where we received a blessing from one of the monks.

Factory floor from the Jade Factory.  We are told how jade is polished.

Worker's hard a work making different pieces.  They have the option to work here or at home.

Kathy with her new ring.  My purchases shall remain nameless until I get home.