Doi Kham Temple

We wasted no time in getting immersed into our new culture with one of our new national friends. With her, we've spent time visiting different points of Thai interest since arriving here ... we've gone to a couple different markets, a really neat museum that details the history of Thailand, and we still have at least one more outing to learn more about the first person to bring information about the Son to this place. We've also visited 2 temples, one of which is the one below, Doi Kham, situated on the side of a mountain.

Statues of different B^ddhas

The gongs represent 'good luck' to those who follow B^ddha.

A big ball of coins and metal leaves....

These "money jars" are set up as a way to receive merit ... based on the day of your birth, you can give money to receive blessings. Notice there are 8 jars instead of 7 ... there's one day in particular that you can give twice a day.

One of the many spirit houses....

Breathtaking view overlooking the city

And for those really in shape, you can take the stairs up the mountain and then back down ... we drove.

We have grown to love, Love, LOVE our new friend!! We've enjoyed getting to hear her husband speak Truth on a couple different Sunday mornings.

Notice the many offerings left at his feet ... bananas, statues, incense. Sadly, it will never be able to enjoy any of it.

With all the beauty, it's easy to forget.....

Hearing more about the "color bands" that are tied to this tree ... depending on the day of the week you were born, you "receive" a particular color ... more to do with good luck.

We happened upon a m0nk talking with 3 B^ddhists.....

These are candle offerings to the m0nks

This is set up in honor of the monkey g0ds....

The artwork is full of detail ... and every mural tells a story.

You can actually see this gigantic B^ddha from our neighborhood.

Its size is a reminder of the tasks at hand ... overwhelming at so many levels.