Thursday, October 23, 2008

Coastal drive - Ban Laem to Hat Chao Samran

I've driven the 30km stretch of coastal roads between Ban Laem & Hat Chao Samran many times over. I would always take my time without any hurry and enjoyed scenes along the way.

Much of the area are vast open brine salt farms to both sides of the road. At times they appeared pink during late afternoon. Salts are white, right? Can't explain why high concentrations of it leads to pink! My science knowledge ends here.











Lovely scenes during the evening hours
















Notice the use of plastic sheet here laid above ground - clean salts collected this way. Also windmill conveyor water pumps are not in use in this area.
















A new storage shed under construction - bamboos are being used... must be very salt resistant.
















Along the way is a large fuel storage facility - no identity as to which company operates or owns it. Never seen any oil tankers truck around here too. Guess it is a bunker facility for shipping traffic of the Gulf area. Outside are remnants of torn banners protesting their presence, so the reason to keep its profile low perhaps.
















What interests me more are these picturesque spot of inlets where fishermen land their boats.
















It brings life into a small community around it. Colorful to watch and photo shots too.































































Across the road is this abandoned and forgotten one.
















Perhaps someday I'll check if the owners may give it away!

Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Petchaburi

For a modest size provincial town, Petchaburi seem to have many ancient temples in close proximity to each other. It must be steep in history I believe. So posed P'Jiap the question why so many temples are around? He said many of these temples are centers of learning in the past.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is the most impressive amongst all. Its 5 large pagodas can be seen from many parts of the town. Even more beautiful when seen in compliment with other temple halls.





































These are so beautifully crafted - finely molded from lime or cement? (I am not sure)





















Some info about the Temple's history.
































Entering the imposing main temple hall..





















With arts all around.. murals painted end to end!
































Looking up at the Buddhas makes one feel insignificant.





































Such exquiste artistry in craftmanship.. I can stand here and admired this piece alone for an hour!





















These Garuda like warrior sculptures supports the base where Buddha sits.
















So are these Chinese figurines.. fusion of Chinese & Thai culture?





































Look out to anothere temple spire.. simply a joy to watch.





















Outside the courtyard, rows of Buddhas with various expressions.
































The main pagodas in close up view, finally. White provokes a sense of purity and elegance all round!





















Two golden buddhas (guess 4 in all) stood guard to ward off evils?





















A row of bells to summon monks to prayer calls?





















A little of colors offers interesting contrasts here.
















Near entrance to temple grounds are ceremonial dancers one can 'order' to accompany merits offering.





















Ancient costumes and modern convenience of cellphone!
















At a quiet corner, a cat found comfort in the lap of a Buddha too!





















Rest my tired feet, had noodle just outside temple gate. This old hardware shop had withstood the test of times to modernize.





































Looking back at a passge way entrance to temple.





















Why didn't I notice this tourist map of temples in vicinity earlier?
















Oops, it doesn't help much either - details only in Thai. At least I can figure out there are 11 temples around to visit!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Boat race on Petchaburi River

Last weekend, as I drove to P'Jiap house I passed a farm truck with a super-long wooden boat on tow. Wow.. it's more than 20M long!

"A row boat event takes place along the Petchaburi River this Sat." he informed. Well, how could I not show up then (even not knowing what event it is)?

Participants came from many places.. Ayuthaya, ChaCheongSao, Samut Sakhon.. just few provinces heard on loudhailers.

These beautiful boats came to sight as I crossed the bridge where crowds gathered to watch the races.





















Still managed to find a water front spot, not the best though.
















A team passed close by heading for the starting line.
















The competition in preparation across the river, crewed by almost 30!
















The team in Pink took the honor this round, its rowers stretch in relief.
















Relaxing moments after the finishing line.
















Spectators watched from the bridge above..
















But can't beat the vantage view of this elderly couple below! (Their boat looks familiar to me, of course!) Water needed to be scooped off occasionally - a little leak perhaps but posed no danger! Have they been here year after year at the same spot? I'll know next year!
















These are smaller boats with race crew of 7.





















There are more than a hundred races by the day's end.
Ferry the boat out of water required an army of men!
















Safely atop the trailer again before the long journey home.
















By night, it was festive time again with live concert and what else? Food everywhere, of course!
















Watched this lady spinning the flour dough skillfully making thin dessert wraps non-stop!





















The sound technician's van was air-con with this window unit with a supporting steel pole. Thais know how to make do with any means!