We decided to spend some time exploring Wat Phra Singh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wat_Phra_Singh); one of the many famous Buddhist Temples that are scattered throughout Chiang Mai. Unlike some other rather cloistered religious institutions; it was nice to see that the Wats in Chiang Mai are fully integrated into the life of their respective communities. There were, of course, visitors from all corners of the world but there were even more Thais; performing Buddhist devotions, attending a funeral, etc.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh – side of building.

Wat Phra Singh – door detail.

One of the more interesting, and unexpected, finds at this temple were the wax monks in one of the temple buildings. They were eerily life-like. So much so that when you first enter the building, you think they are real monks that are meditating and you don’t want to disturb them.

Wax effigies of venerated Monks.

After a few hours exploring the temple, we felt that in order to truly balance our Chakras, we should explore the other end of the spectrum. So, we hailed a tuk-tuk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuk_tuk) and headed off for an area to the east of Chiang Mai’s old town that catered to tourists. In particular, tourists interested in silk products, cotton goods, lacquerware, and silver jewellery.

At a silk factory, we learned that it takes the fibre of fifty (50) silk-worm cocoons to make a single silk thread.

50 cocoons needed to spin a single silk thread.

Spinning silk thread.

We also watched the weavers as they wove incredibly intricate designs using ancient looms.

Adding thread to a weave.

The cotton factory featured an artisan spinning cotton threads using traditional equipment.

Spinning cotton.

We had made evening plans to meet up with a long-time friend of Eron’s dad, Galen Garwood (http://www.galengarwood.com/galen-garwood-about-the-artist.php). He has made Thailand his home for many years and now lives just to the north of Chiang Mai. Galen was accompanied by a small group of local ex-pats and we all enjoyed an evening of great conversation, fine food and, good drink.

Galen & Eron