The 'Sanctuary of Truth'...

The ‘Sanctuary of Truth’…

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, I traveled to Chonburi and Pattaya, Thailand, to visit the country’s only Hindu and Buddhist wooden museum.

When I left that morning, it was still early, and I was meeting up with a couple of friends I had met since coming to the country.

Of course, the start of the day way was HOT. Lordt was it hot, but it would only get hotter as the went on.

After a stop at the coffee shop, we were on our way. A pleasant little hour and fifteen-minute drive through the countryside, viewing the beautiful architecture and new buildings underway along the highway while enjoying stimulating conversation and being in the company of good people.

Once we made it to the museum and went to check for our tickets, we were off. At the start of the path were some miniature horses. But you know what? As I’m writing this blog and think back to it, they could have been donkeys—Lordt, who knows. The only donkey I’ve ever seen in my 33 years is “Donkey” from ‘Shrek.’ Still one of my favorite movies.

But we’ll move on from that part. So about the museum.

I took some beautiful pictures outside of the museum before we had to line up to descend into the area of the museum. The scene was beautiful, with the museum as the focal point and the ocean-side view beyond it with boats sailing in the water. The trees were lush and green, with birds calling out their songs.

Alright, so that’s the beautiful part. So we’ll return to that part, but first, let’s talk about the part that almost took your girl out of here.

So we had to stand in line and let 25 people in at a time. The line led to a set of wooden stairs that descended into the valley where the museum was located. On the way, I took a few pictures. A beautiful brook flowed under the steps, connecting the water to a pond with a beautiful bridge we would walk over after receiving our hard hats. Now, you guys have seen how long my locs are. So today, I washed and retwisted my hair. It’s almost to the middle of my back and thick. So imagine putting this much hair under a hard hat. Lordt, fix it. I made it work somehow, though.

As we passed through on our way to the museum, we were allowed to see the workshop. The museum has been under construction since 1981, and according to Wikipedia, it will be under construction until 2025. Being able to see the artist at work was a beautiful sight. Seeing the tools they used to carve out the pieces and the concentration on their faces was stunning to a fellow artist. Even though my art is with words and theirs is with their hands, I still appreciate all aspects of it.

Walking through at least 95-degree weather, I’m posing and taking as many pictures as possible. Realistically, I’m in Thailand still blows my mind, and I’ve been here for over a month.

Every day I still wake up and look out my window, thinking I’ll see my neighbors across the street. The sound of the school bus stopping to pick up the neighborhood kids. The sound of the garage as my family leaves for their shift at work.

But no. I wake up to a beautiful scene of buildings and landscapes. Listening to the neighborhood waking up. The sound of birds greeting each other as they pass through the trees.

Living in a truth I didn’t know was physically possible, but God showed it was spiritually available. I’ve grown so much since I’ve been here, and still have a long way to go.

But I got off of the topic at hand. I was telling you guys about the museum. Just know that if you ever meet me in person, how I write my blogs is how I am in real life. I will switch topics three or four times and return to the original. So work with me here. LOL.

So, back to the beautiful walk towards the museum. Lordt, yes, I still haven’t made it there yet. Anyone who has seen my pictures knows I’m a chunky girl, but I don’t let it hold me back from having fun. However, when sweat gets the rolling and thighs get the rubbing, well, that’s a story for a different time. Suffice it to say I did make it to the museum in one piece. I enjoyed the shade under a crop of picturesque trees. Cedar blocks are put together in threes with a slab of wood over the top. I made sure to sit where I knew I would be supported.

After helping another fellow tourist with their picture, we headed towards the museum steps. Beautiful steps, by the way. The way they curved and creaked in certain areas, and the beautiful statues positioned at the bottom.

After getting to the top of the stairs and looking out of the windows, the landscape beyond was breathtaking. I took many pictures, walked around, and spoke to a few people. I sometimes listened to the guide—most times not. I find I’m a person that likes to explore and discover versus having someone tell me the information to me. I retain it better when I’ve had to work for it.

After being there for about an hour or so, we caught a bus back up from the valley. Best decision ever at this point. Lol. Because after walking around in that heat, I may not have made it if I had to take the steps back up.

Oh, and I saw more ELEPHANTS! People were riding them. I’m not a fan of riding an elephant. I just like the beauty of seeing them. I feel like they are my spirit animals. When I leave this Earth, if I come back, I will want to be an elephant for sure for sure.

Okay, so on to the next part of the day. We had lunch on the pier overlooking the vast beauty of the ocean. Coming from a state surrounded by more states, it’s always a treat for me whenever I can spend any time near the sea.

After enjoying a lunch of deep-fried fish, fried rice with crab, mixed vegetables, coconut water, and steamed blue crab, we walked through the market, where I bought a beautiful homemade mortar. It’s heavy as all get out, but it’s so beautiful. I love it!

We walked across the street to the fish market. Being from Indiana, I have never been inside a fish market. My body was cooling down as I walked, but as I walked through, my body flooded with sweat as though the Lord were speaking directly to my pores. LOL.

After walking through for a moment, I bought six crabs for what equates to just under USD 34. Then I decided to buy some mackerel.

Now, anyone who knows me knows I’ve never gutted a fish or anything of that nature. I have an issue with things I’m about to eat looking at me looking at them, if you know what I mean. LOL>

So when the man was about to hand me the fish whole, my spirit almost left my body in fright. Suffice it to say they decided to cut it up in one-inch steaks, so it would be easier for me to carry and, best of all, handle on my own.

The day ended with us grabbing a watermelon slushy, fresh watermelon, by the way; no artificial flavors and riding back into traffic headed for home.

I had a beautiful day. This country is as beautiful as its people, and I’m grateful to myself and God for having the courage to step out of the norm and take a chance on myself.

Every day is beautiful, and whether I go out in the world or just experience it from my window, I’m blessed with every day I get.

Have a great day, everyone, and please enjoy your life to the fullest. We are all here for a purpose; let’s make the best of it.

Thank you, tootles, my loves. Until next time.