Following our usual breakfast of pasta, rice, fruit and toast we had a class session. We focused on our most impactful experience of the trip thus far and how it connects to the larger theme of feminist theology. We looked at the relationship between experience, theology and religion.
Then it was time to get back into the songtaews for a quick ride to the mall for lunch. Songtaew (meaning two seats in Thai) are red trucks that have been retrofitted to serve as taxis. In the back are two bench seats facing each other. We have been known to fit 14 people in the back. On average they take up to ten. Needless to say it was not only a snug fit, but a great bonding moment. Our most frequent driver is named Tchu (pronounced chew). He is a Star Trek fan and greets us with the "live long and prosper" Spock hand sign.
The mall is like a large super center with smaller stores and kiosks that sell everything from ice cream to shoes and knock off purses. To buy food at the food court each of us needed to purchase a ticket, similar to a temporary COW card, that was used instead of money at twenty different food vendors that lined the food court. Depending on the price, money would be taken off the initial deposit on your card. It seemed like a system designed for frequent diners. Linda reports the French fries were crispier and the gyoza was excellent. Sarah thought that the chicken and rice was tasty, but the highlight of the meal was chocolate cake. Everybody's meal seemed to reflect that it was a collective "junk food day." After a full week of eating only Thai food, girls enjoyed a break getting ice cream or a smoothie.
After lunch we headed for Doi Suthep, the main temple in the Chang-Mai area. We knew it was going to be an interesting drive when our guide, Ajan Gai, asked if there was anybody who was easily car sick, fortunately there were only two who were able to sit in the front seats. The road was steep and very twisty. At points we could look out of the window and see the street below us that we had just driven on. This also provided great views of Chang-Mai along the way. We finally arrived at the top only to be greeted by a fairly steep winding path lined on both sides with booths selling food, souvenirs, or items related to temple worship. The path led to a steep staircase of over 300 stairs. The staircase was guarded by two dragons with seven heads. The dragon was being eaten by a large fish and its body spanned the entire length of the staircase. Once at the top we entered the main temple courtyard. We were in awe of the rich colors, red, blue, green and the gold leaf that covered significant portions of the temple complex.
On each side of the main temple there were rows of large bells made from what appeared to be cast iron and ranged in size from one to three feet tall. They were ornate with floral details and images of animals such as dragons. Our students, and many young and young at heart, enjoyed ringing them and striking the gongs. We saw many monks in their orange robes, but failed to see any maechi (the women who serve in the temples). We also had a great view of the city and saw many Buddha images including a beautiful jade Buddha. In the center of the temple was a very large, gold spire. Around the inside of the temple area was an extensive mural illustrating the story of the Buddha.
After our temple visit we went to a jade factory. We were able to see a short film on the two different kinds of jade and the processing from rock into art. We also saw the carving room where the jade Buddha that made for the 50th anniversary of the king's reign, which now resides in the grand palace, was made. Many of us had not known before that jade comes in several different colors including white, lavender and black (that glows green when held up to a flashlight). Closing out our trip many of us snacked on fresh strawberries or corn, or sipped coffee from a regional grower.
As we reflect at the midpoint of our trip, not only have we grown together as a group sharing everything from moving moments to colds, but we have grown as individuals in many ways. It is clear that the diversity of the group has enhanced our experience and learning as each of the members bring our own lens to the trip. As we look forward we are thinking about the immersion in the Luisu village with both anticipation and hesitation. This may be the most challenging part of our trip, as well as the most rewarding. Our hope is that what we have done to this point and what we have done together will help us appreciate and grow from the experience with our hosts in the village. Rest well, we know we will.
Linda and Sarah
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