The Buddhist Temple

We went hiking today. I loved it. More than a few people were out of shape and had some trouble but everyone stuck with it. I have my dad to thank for being completely in shape for it. Yeah Hiking.

At the top we went to one of the Buddhist's temples called Doi Suthep. I have a million pictures but I have to load them so just hang on and I'll try to get them to everyone. I'm not a photographer but I've been trying.

The temple is the giant gold cone looking building and there are monks everywhere and you cannot wear anyhting above the knee. For tourists who don't know that they are given a skirt and elephant pants. Elephant pants are huge pants that wrap around in a baggy fashion and can easily fall off if you are not careful. If you ever wear them, wear shorts underneath just in case.

We move in with our families tomorrow and then go to an ahka village for three days so I won't be able to write my travels until end of next week. For all of you who are addicted, no worries.

I am nervous to move in with my family because my Thai is not as good as I would like it to be. Hopefully, they will speak English and I will learn quickly. I can order a plate of fried rice or know the price for something but I can't have a coherent conversation yet.

Yesterday we had to watch the movie "little Buddha" and it was basically awful. If you need a movie to laugh at this would be one of them. But it did help me learn about Buddhism some more which is helpful since I'm pretty sure I will be learning with and teaching Buddhists monks.

I'll be packing tonight which will take me forever. I'm really not sure how I packed everything to get it here but now its worse because I bought a few things already. Its hard not to buy everything at once but since I'm here for four motnhs I need to remember to pace myself. Pacing is key.

Basically I want to buy another 20 pairs of shoes and bring them home because they're so cheap. But I think this trip is supposed to remove me from materialism...hopefully it works. It would save me a lot of money when I go home.

love
Amy