Day 3 (6 Jan) Reflection

6/1/16

Cardio workout is not my cup of tea. The day began with us climbing 306 steps up the famous Doi Suthep Temple. We were breathless even as we joked about how much we overestimated our physical fitness. But it was only terrible up until we reached the top and realized we made it. I was even astonished that what we anticipated to be a long steep trek upward was over so soon. The atmosphere at the top, being closer to the sun, was warmer than at the ground. Doi Suthep was consistent with what I knew of Thailand, the land of golden pagodas. Despite the high volume of tourists, which amounts to nine million a year, Doi Suthep maintained a good order. I listened as a guide explained the meaning behind a Buddhist mural which I found cryptic. As the guide explained to me, it depicted Buddha with the monks, and with the Thai royal family. Through his explanation of Buddhist history, I came to a better understanding of the religious beliefs of the Thai people – an important part of Thai culture, which stresses reverence for Buddha and respect for monks and the royal family. These three pillars mutually reinforce one another such that it is hard to detach them. The Thai people respect the monarchy as much as the monarchy shows reverence to Buddhism. As I thanked him and took my leave, I was reminded again of the importance of listening and of being curious. If I hadn’t listened, I would have missed out on the meaning behind the mural, and my knowledge of the Thai culture would have been the poorer for it. I remember there were times which, in my youthful ignorance and pride, I had preferred talking about what I know than listening to what other people might have to teach me. It impeded my learning. But when I acknowledged my ignorance and inclined my ears to listen, I often found treasures of knowledge and wisdom.

The rest of the day was free and easy time. Half of the healthcare group went for a massage, while the other half, including me, explored the city. Because I wanted to buy clothing for my aunt’s baby due to be born in June, my obliging gang went with me even though they had wanted to go directly to the Old City. On our way to the famed Warorot market, the girls continually found shops offering good bargains, the difference in currency rates working exceedingly to our advantage. The guys, being not huge shoppers, went along without a grumble, like the gentlemen they are. Arrive at the market we eventually did, and I bought what I needed. Then we took a songtaew to the old city, to Tha Phae Gate. We wandered for some time, sight-seeing and stopping to ask for direction. With no agenda for the day except to explore, there was no rush and a lot of spontaneity. We saw such a different side of Chiang Mai – with water fountains, a river, wide pavements, a whole flock of pigeons at the square – it felt like a European city. We met a courageous three-legged Pomeranian who despite his missing leg could run very fast and we chatted with his friendly owner (in English, she spoke well). We stumbled into a narrow street where there was a wet market. We ate local dishes. There was an exhilarating freedom having minimal planning and going with the flow, something I don’t usually do. On my own I would first devise a plan, calculate my steps and avoid getting lost. But in group, I felt fearless. Maybe it’s irrational, but don’t youths think they can take on the whole world? If you think the events of today seem random, I admit they are. But the point is that it was really fun! I breathed in the sights and sounds of the city, and Chiang Mai embraced me right back. And the company, who taught me to live fully in the moment, made the journey that much more enjoyable.