Great Sites Near Us
Lots of photos but, PLEASE NOTE THAT I’VE LEARNED HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM BETTER SO NOW WHEN YOU CLICK ON A THUMBNAIL, THE “FULL” IMAGE COMES UP MUCH QUICKER. PLEASE TRY IT.
When we went motocy touring around the area with Jennifer and Nathan back in April, we didn’t know where we were going. We were on an “explore.” We found a view-point, more beaches, and a great sea food restaurant (we didn’t know it at the time as we only stopped for liquid refreshment). Last week we rented motocys and took off with a French friend of ours who has been living here for five years. He knows all the great places to visit. We went to three sites, all less than a 30 minute ride from home. I think you will see there are three distinct groups of photos. The first set of photographs is from a wat which I call The Children’s Wat. I called it this for two reasons. We could hear the typical sounds many children make emanating from a building and there was the little boy sent outside because he wouldn’t stop crying. I think we are talking pre-school age kids. The second reason for calling it The Children’s Wat is the cartoon like animal statues found throughout the grounds. This is an expansive compound of many shrines in many different styles: Taiwanese, Chinese, Thai, and Indian. Very interesting; I wish I could find out the history of this eclectic collection. The second set of photos are from a Buddhist shrine on the top of a very high hill. If you look closely at the photo of the whole Buddha, you will see me at the base adding scale so you can understand just how big this statue is. I neglected to put a scale factor in the image of the Buddha footprint but, if memory serves me correctly, it is about five feet in length. The dark brown Buddha, which is at the same location, is only about two feet tall; I love the serenity of this piece. The paintings, which go all the way around the inside of a small building, depict the life of Buddha from birth to nirvana. The third grouping is from the “Monkey” Wat; I need to find out the real name. A small troop of dusky langur live there. It was a real thrill to hang out with them. This wat also has several caves on its grounds used as shrines. Hope you enjoy the photographs.
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Jane Estes
John and Jane in Thailand 
Hi John & Jane
Great pics — brought back lots of memories! You 2 are looking fab Thailand is treating you well
I did not understand clicking on the thumbnail bit I am not a techy!
if you come to Canada you will have to visit Newfoundland
I only had a week there but you would love the locals !
Love Corrie
Corrie Galloway
June 15, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Hi John and Jane, I enjoy the posts as well, usually from my desk as I eat my lunch. I trust the taxpayers of Ontario appreciate my deligence. So glad you are enjoying life as ex pats. I imagine it is easy or easier to get fit when you can walk or bike everyday. Not sure how I would fare in the heat. Just back from 6 days in the backcountry of Killarney Prov. Park again. I think it took me 6 days to get my feet clean even though we we lake side and got in lots of swimming. My water mad lab X was in heaven, with people 24 hrs a day and able to swim anytime any place and lots of chipmunks and red squirrels to chase. Saw three deer, unusual, moose being more common. No bear sightings this time. Good news, bad news. The blueberries were a week or so behind where they were last year at the same time. I’m off to Ireland for a week of touring in Sept., diving in Cozumel in Nov. I have a few work trips planned around the province. They give me an opportunity to visit friends around the province. If you need some time in N. Amer. come on by, the door is usually open! Make friends with the dog first. Cheers, Kathy p.s. I’ll show Corrie how to use the thumbnails. We are mtg. up in 10 days to tour a winery or 3.
Kathy
July 14, 2011 at 8:11 am
Hi Corrie,
I’m very glad you are reading the blog and keeping in touch. I have always wanted to go to Newfoundland but haven’t had the chance. After two years in this heat I will probably be ready for an extended stay in Newfoundland. About the clicking of thumbnails: If you put your mouse cursor over one of the photos and click it, the image will be enlarged. No tecky skills needed.
Jane Estes
June 16, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Great pic’s Jane. Miss
you but glad you are enjoying your new life..
Sheila
sheila shannon
June 30, 2011 at 11:25 pm