It's The Butt Crack of Dawn

5:30 am . . .

I was asleep in the cool (26c 80f) morning air inside the mosquito netting on the patio outside. I heard someone calling my name "Cowboy, wake up! We go quick!"

It was still almost dark. The sun just beginning its trek across the sky. Not sure what was going on, nobody wakes me this early, I stumbled out of bed thinking there was a problem with the pigs or something.

Nope! Evidently my presence was required at the local Wat (Buddhist Temple) for a 'good luck' ceremony.

It's not common to see a farang at these. So when I am invited, I go. If nothing else, it gives the locals something to talk about! But seriously, 5:30 in the morning?

Ok, Let's Do This . . .

Proper attire for someone of my position in the village (I have the largest farm in the area) is my best pair of 501's and a white western shirt. You wear black only for funerals.

You take off your shoes when entering a Wat, and many other places as well. So my boots have found a place on the steps among the flip-flops and sandals. At least I can easily find them! 😆

I usually sit towards the back on the floor. There are no chairs.

Everyone takes rice and assorted food to give to the monks. I send my offerings with my partner on the farm. Once I get a better grasp of how this all works, I will approach with the others. No 'rules against a farang doing it, and one of the elder monks always smiles/laughs a little as I fumble my way through.

Not sure why the monk giving the blessing has a placard covering his face?

Every Wat I have visited is elaborately adorned with murals depicting Buddha, and other aspects. Some are 100's of years old, with a few well over a 1000.

This particular building at the Wat was built about 30 years ago, with others dating from the very early 1900's. There is new construction in progress, which is also common.

Meanwhile In Issan . . .

It's lunch time!

I went on a short ride on the motorbike today, but will leave that for another time.

Best Regards

Richard Taylor

"The only limits you have are those you impose upon yourself. Remove the limits!"