The day started with a visit to the temple at Wat Hanchey. It is a small Buddhist community on a hill overlooking the river. We had the opportunity to learn about the lives of the monks there and receive a blessing from them. We all sat on floor mats in the temple while 2 monks chanted and sprinkled water on us. Lasted about 10 minutes and was to drive out all evil spirits, bless us with prosperity and good health and revere our ancestors. It was lovely and peaceful. I can see why so many people embrace this religion. They don’t try to convert you or conquor you. Their principles are basically to be a good person. Couldn’t be a monk though, they are not allowed to eat after noon!
Temple ceiling detail
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Overlooking the river - check out the pants! |
Cannonball tree
Note
the large fruit and vegetable sculptures
In the monk’s dining hall
Dean on the steps up to the temple
Statue on temple grounds
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| Our guide with the Buddhist flag |
Receiving the monk’s blessing
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| Temple exterior |
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| Dean receiving the monk’s blessing |
View of the Mekong
View from the hill
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| The oldest building from the 9th century |
Carved detail over a window
In the monk’s cafeteria
The afternoon was spent in a very small town Konpong Louang. We walked around the town, met some of the locals. Then we went to a school where we helped teach English. There were at least 40 kids in the class and we sat with them while they read their workbooks. It was mostly rote in a sing-song voice, but the kids were very fun. The lesson finished with a rousing version of Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes and If You’re Happy and You Know It.
The town market was questionable. Some of the fish were still flopping around. Dean was not impressed.
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| Teacher Dean |
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| In school |
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| In the Market |
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| Chicken egg bananas |
Reclining Buddha
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| Bathing cows in the river |
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| Monks at work |
The pictures are amazing. Looks like a great trip.
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