Thailand-2

There is something intangible about this place that manages to draw one in - repeatedly. Someone asked me why go to Thailand again if I've already been there once. Come to think about it - thats counter-intuitive. Why would you not go to a place you like already?

Of the tangible things, I've been able to isolate a few things I really like. One of them are Wats. Wat is "Temple" in Thai. And they are simply stunningly, achingly beautiful. I come from a land of temples and my city is pretty much in the top 10. However, the sheer beauty of Thai temples just takes my breath away. The colors are incredibly vibrant and excellently co-ordinated with perfect contrast. Adding to that are the architectural aspects which are so integral to their beauty - the arches at the corners of the roof. They are distinctly Thai - Japanese arches are pretty but the slender fire-silhouette of the Thai arches is something I find most appealing and never tiring.

Another lovely aspect of the Wats are the people who visit them. Thais kneel down on their knees in front of Buddha with their hands in Namaste - but instead of keeping the hands in front of chest, they slightly bow their head with the hands slightly lifted to touch the forehead. Then while remaining on their knees, they bend down with the forehead touching the ground - thrice. Somehow the utter devotion and humility of posture is something I find unparalleled. Yesterday I spent almost the whole day visiting the Wats in the main Chiang Mai town. Initially my aim was to just get great snaps and I was doing my begrudgingly-delivered-quick-nod-to-god thing (old habits die hard). But as I kept visiting the Wats, I found myself adapting the posture. After a while, instead of just a case of when-in-rome-etc, it felt natural and the more I did, the better I felt. I also bought a little Bronze Buddha which is distinctly Chiang Mai design (atleast thats what the sincere-sounding seller-woman told me). Maybe there is a shred of religion still left in me. Or maybe I'm just getting old.

Anyway, I think the main barrier which I must overcome is that of language. I gotta learn the language. That would be a new start - both in a new language and re-discovering the place I've come to love.