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Washrooms -- those who have travelled beyond the borders of North America will realize the delight one experiences in countries that offer clean western style facilities. In South East Asia decor includes flowers , including orchids, thought provoking sayings and shoes to wear when you remove your dirty ones. All in all a delightful experience
Buddhism is a dominant religion in Thailand - over 94% of Thais are Buddhists. Theravada school of Buddhism determined concepts and legends reflected in Thai Dragons.
At the same time Thailand shares cultural and historical heritage with Laos and Cambodia, that makes Thailand Dragons quite unique.
Head - chamelon, Scales- fish, Horns-deer, Eyes - rabbit, Ears-water buffalo, Neck - snake, Belly - clam, Paw-tiger, Claws - eagle
This tail of ceramic scales form the handrail of the 304 steps to the Doi Suthep temple. Unbeknowst to us this a place of pilgrimmage for New Year's by many Thai people -- the time when we visited.
An in-the-temple enclosure -- baby dragons, notice the intricate carving.
In Vietnam a Chinese temple provided yet another view of the Oriental dragon.
In China the Dragon first appeared in the sky, legend tells us, while an heir to the
throne was born, and the country was blessed with peace and prosperity for many
generations thereafter. Thus, the Dragon also served as a symbol of good
fortune. In preparation for the New Year's celebration motorbikes were loaded with dragon heads for delivery.
Although Western New Year is not a traditional Thai celebration it has gained a foothold, dmonstrated in the offerings in the temples, music and dance presentation on the coutryards outside.
The ceiling of the temple is adorned with offerings of money.
The temple is a place for families -- offering opportunities to explore the sound of the bells surrounding the temple.
The sweeping ornamentation of the palaces and temples is nothing less than magnificent, each one with unique features in color and decorative elements.
The evolution of architectural style is seen clearly, originating in tribal housing becoming more ornate with the carvings on the traditional housing.
And in temples, a buddha -- or many buddhas, paintings, carvvings and sculptures from a wide range of materials including jade and gold, depicting stories from his life, ranging from small statuettes to ones that are many meters high, creating a major focal point in the area.
In Vietnam the influence of the Chinese is seen, as it is in many places, across the globe, in the creation of China towns. In Ho Chi Minh City the Chinese temples are a focal point in that area. Along with the ornamentation, the fragrance of incense is a key feature. Here the incense produces an interesting focal point in conical structures that are suspended from the ceiling as well as the sticks crammed into brass pots.
And probably the most familiar sight in a buddhist country. gathering alms and food in the early mornng, selling goods at the temples and attending on mass during festivals - the saffron robed monk
