Uthai Thani, Less Visited

Uthai Thani is located at the lower Northern part of Thailand and takes around three hours to reach. It is not of the famous provinces due to its lack of attractions but it is its pristine beauty unspoilt that draws the crowd. 

Wat Khao Wong

I had the opportunity to visit Wat Khao Wong which is a temple in a valley. The landscape is breath taking, as if I took step into a fantasy world. The temple is equally grand as it was exquisitely landscaped. It was built in 1987 and has a total area of 320,000 square metres. Surrounded with lush greenery because of the mountains and the forest, it is a beauty to behold. 

Wat Khao Wong was built almost entirely of wood donated by locals and has been transformed into a work of architecture retaining its natural qualities. I particularly liked the four storey structure because of its serene quality. My last look out of the imposing window gave me an opportunity to feel grateful for seeing and being there physically and spiritually.

When I think of home...

After some rest and packs of delicious papayas and watermelons, my last stop was Pu Wai Cave. The walk towards the cave's entrance was long even when the guard pointed out it is just some metres away. The signs along the way were blocked by tall grass and overgrown branches and not a single person was spotted.

One enters the cave from one side and exits on the side of the mountain and since we do not know that, we did the other way around. It was approximately 300 metres apart so we were walking in circles. 

This cave is famous for its stalactites and stalagmites and since it was so dark, without a guide to tell me which and where to look, we were lost, just like a blind leading a blind. There must be a lot of worth-seeing dripstones to look as they were all scattered in different places. I saw some that were quite prominent and I was taking photos in the dark, here and there.

Pu Wai Cave

one statue found at the entrance and another at the exit

Since I was taking photos here and there, I ended up shooting one very interesting formation and when I viewed them on my phone in my hotel, I laughed to see the last one. (and eventually remembered someone)

smaller pic for PG only

Just do not dwell on this smaller photo, it was just a shock-funny factor of my random photo shoot. Think of this last one instead. 

The mind is everything. What you think you become.

Liebster University

Once a student, always a student and when I am tag to be an honorary student at Liebster University, the professors need me to answer some questions for my sit in exam. 

The professors are June of Life and Spices, Geoseff from Alfabeto Della Mia Vita, Yccos from Saturday Thoughts and Jep from Korta Bistang Tibobos. Four academicians from their respective fields. Here are the questions:

GEOGRAPHY

Professor June wanted to find out my whereabouts.

1. What is your dream destination and why?

Hungary because of its history though this not a dream because this is going to be my next vacation after I befriend someone.

2. Would you rather go shopping? or food trip?

I'd rather go food tripping, small bites like when I travel around Thailand. I am not a big eater but I am a big fan of the dessert table. We can go in pair, you eat all the meat while I devour the sweets.

3. Full moon or sunrise?

Full moon because the eerie sound of the night makes me wonder why everyone goes to sleep. Exciting things must start during the night for I am a werewolf.

ADULT EDUCATION

My love guru Master Sep tried to poke into the most elusive side of my being.

1. What is the worst thing you did for love?

Falling in love.

2. What is the most unusual thing you did for lust?

Spending my entire lot.

3. Which is worse, unrequited love or unrequited lust?

I am no expert but in my case I would say unrequited love for I had experienced this over and over again (bitter gourd). I always tell myself I'm no good that's why I was always rejected but that was many years ago. Now, eat your heart out!

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Ma'am Yccos seemed to be testing my taste buds and preference to luxury.

1. What food do you hate the most?

I just don't like food that are so spicy as it upsets my stomach which is one heck of a contradiction because I live in hot and spicy Thailand.

2. Coffee or tea?

I do drink coffee what with my overloaded card from SB courtesy of my students. But drinking tea is just heavenly. I also collect tea pots if I may add. 

3. Tent Camping or Hotel Staycation? Why?

Hotel Staycation because of three things: convenience, bathroom and food. The reason why I work so hard is so that I can stay in a hotel, alone!

                                          GEOGRAPHY

Ginoong Jep's were like Mr. Filipinas' questions.

1. Bakit mga magaganda lang ang may pageant? Bakit walang ugly pageant?

Wala kasing manonood, walang advertisers, at mahirap pumili ng mananalo. At sa dami namin, mas marami ang sasali kaysa sa manonood.

2. Kung may bubuhayin ka kapalit ng sarili mong buhay, sino siya? At bakit?

Ang aking ina kasi hindi pa niya naranasang gumala tulad ng aking nagawa.
Lagi na lang siya sa bahay, hindi tulad ko laging nasa dagat.

3. Bukod sa world peace, ano ang magiging ambag mo sa mundo?

Kung ako'y magiging Mr. Filipinas,

ang aking talento para sa komedya,
ang aking talino para sa siyensiya,
ang aking katawan para sa bahay aliwan,
at ang aking kaluluwa para sa mga psychic readers.

I am hoping my professors give me a passing grade. Leaving you all with a question, what was the most interesting part of your university days? Thanks!  

Visit and Recollect

Visiting temples had been a fascination because of the brand architecture but nothing compares when I visited the biggest Chinese temple in Thailand, the Wat Boromracha. The temple is built in Ming-Ching architectural style reminiscent of my visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing, of which this was copied. The temple was built in commemoration of the 80th birthday of the King of Thailand and the temple took 12 years to finished. Let me give you a tour.

Floating candles as a sign of offering

1,000-handed Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue

Buddha images cast from brass

Granite engraving 

Sukkavadi Meun Buddhasukkavadi Buddhakaset Hall

Ornate ceilings

Elaborately carved beam-and-bracket roof support

A glimpse of the huge Brass Buddha 

Carved and painted wooden doors

Imposing architectural craftmanship 

The temple was built to accommodate worshippers and the growing number of monks. It was also built to establish a learning institute that will incorporate Buddhist doctrines for Chinese-Thai novices. (Bangkok Post- Patsinee Kranlert)

When I visit a country, I often go to their churches or their temples. By doing so, I enter a new place with much reverence to the people of that country while embracing their beliefs and traditions be it of a different religion from mine.

Teachings from Gautama Buddha:

On Truth:
Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

On Anger:
You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.

On Work:
To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.

On Friends:
An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind. 

Leaving you with some wise words. Peace!

Getting to Know You 4

Pupil 1: Teacher, he called me a loser!
Teacher: I don't think it is a good word to use to your friends. Can you say sorry to him?
Pupil 2: Sorry for calling you stupid!



Teacher writing on the board, I lost my voice and then pointing at her mouth.
Children reading, I.....lost....my.... TEETH?
And then I answered, "I lost my sanity."



Two children were running inside the classroom.
Teacher: What should I do if I see children running in class?
Pupil: Kill them!



Teacher: People bring food to the temple. Do you know where it goes?
Pupil: Into the tummy!

Pupil: You know, when people die, they put them in boxes and bake them!
Teacher: Yum!



Teacher: Let's identify the planets in order. 
Teacher and Pupil: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ju.....
Pupil: June, July, August!

Not in the Philippines, lol!

Sweet, Bitter and Pinoy Love Quotes

This Valentine's day, not everyone will be celebrating. Sweet or simply bitter, here are my quotes for you.

Sweet: I will always be around you, come what may.

Bitter: I don't believe in 'quack' love.

Pinoy: Ang kulit, parang awa mo na, hindi mo ako bi-be!

Sweet: Let's toast to love!

Bitter: I'm 50 and still a virgin!

Pinoy: Eto na ang pagkakataon ko, sige, inom ka pa!

Sweet: I will be by your side all the time because we were made to be together.

Bitter: What's romantic about reading? Let's do it!

Pinoy: Pa sweet ka pa kung hindi ko pa alam.

Sweet: You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

Bitter: I cannot fly with you, I'm clipped!

Pinoy: Ang bantot mo grabe, maligo ka naman!

Sweet: Even your fart is sweet smelling because I love you.

Bitter: You're suppose to put my love in your heart, not in your butt!

Pinoy: Tangna, may pasabog ka na naman!

Sweet: You know where to find me darling!

Bitter: The number you dialled does not exist!

Pinoy: Wala akong barya, manigas ka diyan!

Sweet: I may not be the best artist but I can paint your life with rainbow.

Bitter: Yah, with this brush! Chug!

Pinoy: Kita mo yung pula, dugo yun, explain ko pa ba?

Sweet: One day my true love will come.

Bitter: I'm too old for this!

Pinoy: Asa ka pa? 

Happy Valentine's Day! 

(All photographs taken from my trips to Nakhon Ratchasima.)