6/8.01: In Perfect Memory

Finally, I was able to check out the photography exhibition of 19th century Chiang Mai at the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre. It was an exhibition by John Thomson, a Scottish photographer and travel writer who documented Chiang Mai during the periods of 1865-1866 during his travels. Professor Walter, who visited the exhibition the day earlier, said: ” when you look at photographs of the past you usually experience some sense of loss or sadness, but with this exhibition it was different. It felt happy, because you see that not much has changed ”

His photographic records are important, because they serve as one of the earliest, most extensive records of Asia and Chiang Mai And today, they serve as reminders to us all of the people that used to walk the land, around 150 years ago, and of what their life was like.

As I walked through the exhibition, I saw that indeed, the temples along the streets were a familiar sight, and that the landscape of Chiang Mai had retained many buildings from the past.  It was a heartening sight. Throughout the course of the week, I have started to understand a bit more about heritage and its significance. These monuments, and temples preserved are important, because it serves as a monument for civilizations that have prospered before, and will continue prospering after. These objects and the photos that are displayed before me harkens at the collective wisdom and life of the people in the past, and I am happy to see that they still exist outside of museum walls.

During the walk to the museum my seniors and me came across the temple Wad Chedi Luang – The Big Stupa, a temple ruins dating back to the 1440s. It looked like a formidable, ancient temple from another era, and it was amazing to me how it stood standing here, strong as ever, in 2016. It’s times like these that I am reminded of Chiang Mai’s rich heritage, but I am always pleasantly surprised with each new discovery I find.

I saw how the medium of photography was able to keep a record of history and how life was like back then. Without such accurate documentation, we would have to instead rely on objects, written records and drawings. But at the same time, I could see how politics came into play as well. Because the King at that time, King Mongkut, gave him permission to take photos, John Thomson documented many members of the Royal family, and this has ensured that many of the members are still remembered today. I did like that he took the commonfolk too, such as monks and their assistants, or several traditional dancers. I felt rather positive about this, and I hope that a good balance could be struck between modernization and heritage today, in order to ensue their rich heritage.

Thereafter, son brought us to a local Thai eatery for cheap vegetarian Thai food. I tried the khao soi, and it was not what I expected from Thai food. Realized that there was quite a difference between thw south and north that I didn’t fully experience until now. I guess it is due to Bangkok being a more tourist-y place than Chiang Mai, or other parts of Thailand.

Leadership training was up next. I was not looking forward to it at first; I hated stressing over timed activities, or the fact that I didn’t know and had no control over what lay ahead of me during the next few hours. But I guess the point of the race was not that, it was a game to make us understand ourselves better and work better with our peers too. The activity made me realize I was rather grateful for my team. We worked together quite well, and we managed our tasks quite smoothly, just with a few minor hiccups here and there.

Later on, someone mentioned that I was the “silent encourager,” who kept up morale just by talking to him or her. That was interesting. I was never one for group activities or work, or the enthusiastic kid that goes all “come on guys, let’s do this” to an entire group. I will always prefer one to one relationships, because that’s when I know I can understand someone on a deeper level too, away from social pretenses, and I guess here, it was reflected too. I am glad I was recognized though.

I was very opposed to the idea of having to work in groups but the trip has taught me that it is okay, and I am grateful that in the end, I opened myself up to the opportunities that this trip has provided me. I feel that I have learnt a lot about Chiang Mai, and similarly reinforced certain beliefs about myself (such as my desire for independence), but at the same time I am glad that I enjoyed everything that this trip had to offer. I’ve grown to appreciate this course and the group members that I have gotten to know.