Day 3/4: A Weekend of Temple Run and Consumerism
Eager to explore Chiang Mai, we all woke up excitedly early on Saturday morning. After a traditional Thai breakfast of Khao Tom (rice soup), we decided to visit the surrounding wats, Buddhist temples. We first visited Wat Lam Chang, which is just down the block from our hotel. The gold and glass detailing left us in awe as we stood, completely dumbfounded by the meticulous care with which the creators had produced this marvel. Little did we know that our day of “Temple Run,” as we affectionately called it, would be a long day of amazement.
We then made a visit to Wat Chiang Man, the first temple in Chiang Mai. Its chedi, or structure containing Buddhist artifacts, is famous for its elephant base. Next on our run was Wat Chedi Luang, known for its towering chedi, which stands in partial ruins today. Our last stop was Wat Phra Sing, a large Buddhist temple and monastery. Worshippers from across the globe had come to visit and pray in Wat Phra Sing, while we, in turn, learned more about Buddhist worship and culture. After a long day of temple run, we decided to head back to the hotel to relax before dinner. But, as you have probably guessed by now, our short break turned into a nap…which then turned into a full night’s rest. Fortunately, Hoon, who is only experiencing a two-hour time difference between Chiang Mai and Korea, was able to get one last meal for the day, unlike the rest of us, jet lagged and hungry.
Considering our senile bedtimes, Lisa, Anthony, and I were ready to go as soon as the sun rose. However, we waited until a respectable breakfast hour before we left the hotel, while Hoon slept in like a normal person. After breakfast, we decided to venture past the old city of Chiang Mai and explore the city from outside the Tha Phae Gate. We saw a less tourist-infiltrated part of the city as we ambled through the streets. We eventually even came across Chinatown in Chiang Mai! After our spontaneous excursion, we met up with Hoon for a quick lunch of Khao Soi and Tom Yum soup.
Finding the humidity and heat combined almost unbearable (and tired of our common enemy, back sweat), we thought of the one place where air conditioning and excitement met in a harmonious combination: the aquarium! According to our best friend Google, Chiang Mai hosts the largest aquarium in all of Asia so we could not refuse this offer. Unfortunately, the aquarium closed only an hour after we arrived; however, we did have some time to explore the zoo, including the panda exhibit (and who could say no to pandas?).
We came back from the aquarium just in time for Sunday Walking Street, a street fair of sorts that takes place every Sunday. Hundreds of people gathered to buy clothes, bags, soaps, and other handmade items. Not only did we succumb to this consumerism frenzy, but we also marveled at the cultural show taking place in the background, the smells of various meats, and the sheer amount of people that gathered together for a similar goal: to take delight in our surroundings and be adventurous. And eat fried bananas, which I certainly relished.
Though there is so much more to see and experience in Chiang Mai, one thing is for certain: there’s no place we’d rather be!
-Ritika
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