August, 2013

Golden Buddha statues rise above the colored rooftops , intricately designed temples glimmer in the sunlight, scattered throughout the lush green mountainside. This is Thailand from the birds eye view. Beyond the beauty, deep inside the country, you will notice that  there are small spirit houses in every home, store, and business built for the spirits.  Early in the morning, the smoke of incense rises to the sky.  The Buddhist people seek to appease the spirits. Chanting prayers and bringing offerings of fruit, flowers and water will bring them blessing and ensure that the spirits will not harm them.  This is their connection with the spiritual world.

The hour long drive the the lush green mountains heightened my excitement. The baby rice stalks swayed  in the waters and the palm trees stood tall and proud. The exotic nature of Thailand never ceases to take my breath away.  With every bump along the red dirt road, we came closer to our destination.  Soon we will see the people. After a few more jittery turns we came to the first village. There they were.