My Trip To Thailand
I have decided to devote a couple more posts to my recent trip to Thailand. While this is not a travel blog, these posts are a welcome hiatus from my customary writing/book related theme.
The majestic structure above is the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.
It has been hand-carved in its entirety out of wood. The ongoing project started 30 years ago. Perhaps the man below is an Atlas-esque figure, destined to bear this weight for eternity.
I arrived at the Sanctuary of Truth jetlagged, hungover and stressed, but left with a feeling of serenity. There is something tranquil and beautiful at the heart of Thai culture, which is far removed from the seething traffic, materialism and ageing, corpulent sex tourists bedecked in fluorescent palm tree emblazoned beach attire.
Pattaya’s Big Buddha.
The below presumably found enlightenment via Burger King.
Everyone is here in Pattaya to party. Age is no barrier.
The Eiffel Tour at Pattaya’s Terminal 21 shopping centre.
A view of the sea from Koh Lan (Coral Island)
Awesome photos and an extraordinary vid!
Thank you Trina. Have a good weekend.
Some great pictures, Guy. I agree that Thailand is a country of vast contrasts and I think your words describe it beautifully, ‘There is something tranquil and beautiful at the heart of Thai culture, which is far removed from the seething traffic, materialism and ageing, corpulent sex tourists bedecked in fluorescent palm tree emblazoned beach attire.’
Thanks Heather. Do you think ‘Lonely Planet’ would be interested in using my quote?
Very good description of the Thai experience. I was only in Bangkok on business so I didn’t get a good flavor of the country.
Not a bad place to go for a business trip, John.
I actually went twice on the same trip. The American authorities were very interested in my two time visit on the same itenerary when I landed in LA. I jokingly told them I was a mule. They were not amused and went through every piece of clothing and dismanted my suitcase. I walked out of the LAX terminal looking like a bag person with all my clothes in my arms.Good lesson in not joking with DEA
Good story. I’ll bear the lesson of it in mind. You didn’t get the rubber glove treatment, at least.
No. Thank goodness.