The evolution of a cycle tourist part 2
The night train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was a breeze. Not much to see though.
Stayed a couple nights is CM visiting some pals.
Then I was off to Fang about 150kms to the north; my first real longish ride.
Spent a night along the way in the most lovely area of Chiang Dao.
Some amazing trees along the way
Once in Fang I settle in for my 30 day Temple stay.
I get some of the white garments for novice and get into the temple routine.
For most of the stay I was the only guest, and the english speaking monk had to go to Bangkok to sort out some visa issues.
So I pretty much made up my own routine outside of the morning food and evening chanting.
Every morning I'd go to the market and score some edible goodies for the monks.
The young monks coming and going for their collection of alms.
I was pretty much free to make up my own routine which involved some study, some meditation and a good bit of cycling around the countryside seeing many fascinating little villages and temples.
I would often go to the local coffee shop for an expresso, usually I would just lay the bicycle on the grass next to the shop.
Then one day this lovely bike rack appeared!
Quite a bit of petro exploitation going on in the area.
But some spectacular scenery too!
One of the many temple dogs
A ride out to the Fang hot springs park.
A colorful bug, and some wild temple action!
The road back to Chaing Mai was lovely.
End of part 2.
Stay tuned for part 3; the Brompton folding bike, Holland, Belgium, France and the Canal du Midi.
Nice and useful travel info
Stunningly beautiful pictures. How long do you and the monks meditate on average per day?
Thanks, I would generally allocate a couple of hours every morning to study and meditation, maybe 15-30 minutes actual breathing meditation.
Not really sure what the full saffron robed guys do.
What you eventually get is the principle of mindfullness, where you are mindfull of everything you do, down to every mouthfull of food you eat.
I've always been very interested in the lifestyle of monks, which is why I hope you didn't mind my asking. I'm not sure if I would be up for it though, even though I'm a huge fan of meditation (Zen/Mindfulness) myself, and sit and practice around the same amount of time daily. But the relative seclusion and the things you are learning right now will no doubt change the way you view the world and yourself, and ultimately your whole approach to life. This is something most people often don't get from meditation alone. What a great way to begin an adventure. All the best of luck to you!
Yea thanks for your insights.
Indeed if we allow it to be so, this adventure we call life is quite compelling.
This temple stay chapter actually took place about 4 years ago, and is what began my obssession with the cycletouring modality.
I got a couple more chapters to go till I catch up with the present.
Cheers.
Ok that clears things up. I apologize I must have been reading too many posts. In any case I followed and look forward to reading the rest of your bloggings.
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STOPThat architecture is really something to behold.