WELCOME TO 2-2-2 TUESDAY
Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Short Stories for you to enjoy.
Inspired by Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand.
2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Thai Cat Therapy:
Do you love animals? We do, too! The surge in pet ownership in recent years speaks volumes about the universal love for our furry companions.
Thus, one of the common challenges of travel for pet owners is the separation from your beloved pets back home.
Fortunately, in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we found an interesting solution to help overcome the sadness that comes from missing your pets at home: The Cat Cafe.
Cafes, renowned for people-watching, take on an even more enchanting quality when infused with feline interactions. Despite being staunch ‘dog people,’ accustomed to befriending local dogs and amicable strays, the allure of pet therapy drew us toward the feline residents. Entering the world of cats turned out to be a serendipitous decision.
My personal favorite moment was observing humans desperately attempting to pet these whiskered friends for love and connection. The cafe cats walked right up to human spectators as if to say, “pet me!” Yet, as soon as the humans reached out in full commitment, the furballs executed astonishing backbends to the floor in a reverse limbo. You guessed it. The kitties escaped untouched, leaving the humans discouraged and let down. Alas, I too, was among the human victims. In true feline form, the cats dodged human hands with ease, as if to declare, “Only on my terms, buddy.”
Lesson learned? Set your expectations low if you’re hoping to physically connect with these unpredictable meowsters. Be patient. You’ll get your chance.
Looking back, do we believe the the cat cafe was worthwhile? Absolutely! The playful teasing is an art form; It’s both comical and endearing, a quintessential display of cats being cats. We can highly recommend such cafes.
2.
The Buddhist Temple Featuring Michael Jackson:
Consider the following list:
1. Buddha 2. Elvis Presley 3. Harry Potter 4. Spider-Man 5. Kung Fu Panda.
What do all of these figures have in common? Any ideas?
Each of these figures grace the main hall of Wat Rong Khun, renowned as The White Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
While Wat Rong Khun may not be the most inspiring of the 30,000-plus Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia (at least not in the traditional sense), it’s hands down the most bizarre.
Why is it known as The White Temple?
As you approach the Buddhist temple, you’ll encounter a glistening, all-white exterior—a masterpiece appearing similar to a celestial treat fashioned with the meticulous touch of frosting.
Who created Wat Rong Khun and Why?
The White Temple is the ambitious, non-traditional self-funded masterpiece of Buddhist Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction started in 1997, and the temple was opened to visitors later that same year. However, the project is ongoing, with an anticipated completion date of approximately 2070. That’s not a typo. At 68 years young, Kositpipat regards the project as his life’s purpose, envisioning his final resting place amid the temple’s grandeur. His dedication knows no bounds, with a vision that extends beyond his lifetime, anticipating his followers to carry forth the construction.
Are there other public figures featured in the white temple?
Yes. Other wide-ranging characters include Michael Jackson, Iron Man, Pikachu, Neo from The Matrix, a Transformer, Hello Kitty, Batman, Captain Jack Sparrow from The Pirates of the Caribbean, and Superman.
While traditional murals in ancient temples often portray scenes from Buddhist narratives, The White Temple’s walls showcase vibrant murals featuring modern interpretations of morality, including iconic figures as well as characters from comics and movies.
As an intriguing example, a gaze into the eyes of a demon in the main hall reveals depictions of both George Bush and Osama bin Laden, alongside the haunting imagery of the Twin Towers from the World Trade Center.
Did I mention this is not your typical Buddhist temple?
Controversy aside, the temple grounds are absolutely stunning and well-worth the visit if you make a trip up to Northern Thailand. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind.
2 Quotes to Consider
1. “A resourceful person will always make opportunity fit his or her needs.” Napoleon Hill
2. “Consistency enlarges ability.” – James Clear
2 Short Stories
1.
Bamboo. Is. Life.
Imagine walking through a lush jungle, the air thick with the buzzing of mosquitoes and the scent of adventure. That was the setting of a recent day trek near Chiang Rai, guided by two locals named Wat and Sammy. This journey not only led us through breathtaking landscapes but also emphasized the incredible versatility of bamboo.
As we ventured into the jungle, our trusty companions were bamboo hiking sticks, surprisingly sturdy and reliable. The abundance of bamboo was not just a visual treat; it became an essential part of our trekking experience. The journey took us through four charming villages nestled in the hills of northern Thailand, where the homes were entirely constructed out of bamboo.
Crossing rivers became an art form as we traversed bamboo bridges at the base of a massive waterfall.
Lunch was also a bamboo-infused delight. We foraged for young and tender bamboo shoots, which are apparently perfect for cooking. With a backdrop of picturesque countrysides, we washed and soaked rice, skillfully cut bamboo into sections and sealed the open ends with leaves. We then placing these bamboo tubes over an open flame transforming them into natural steamers, allowing the rice and eggs to cook slowly in their own juices. Opening the bamboo sections revealed a feast served on plates made from banana leaves—an eco-friendly touch to deliciousness.
During our hike, our guide, Wat, showcased his bamboo mastery. Chopping, carving, and whittling bamboo sections, he effortlessly crafted small bamboo cups. Eager to try my hand at this ancient art, I attempted to emulate his skill. Admittedly, I cut myself a few times, but I emerged with all fingers intact—a small price to pay for the experience and a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
The trek also featured cascading waterfalls, pineapple fields stretching into the horizon, terraced rice fields, tea plantations, banana trees swaying in the breeze, and finally, a serene dip in natural hot springs. It was a day filled with discovery and awe, a vivid showcase of the myriad uses of bamboo, and a reminder of the ingenuity of the people who call this enchanting part of the world home. Not a bad day, indeed.
2.
Mattress Mishap.
What’s your definition of a positive hotel experience?
“Comfortable sleeping conditions” probably tops the list, right? If it’s not number one, it likely falls within your top three priorities.
Yet, if you’re like the rest of us, you’ve probably faced plenty of restless nights. Typically, it’s a problematic pillow, noise pollution, or extreme temperatures. Would you agree? However, during our recent stay in Chiang Rai, the culprit was the mattress. While we usually prefer a firmer sleeping surface, this one approached the territory of a concrete slab.
The mattress was so firm, I could practically knock on it. Wondering if I’d accidentally booked a room in a WWE training facility, the absurdity of the situation struck me. Never having been to jail, I suspected this mattress rivaled a hypothetical prison floor.
After a sleepless night, I approached the reception for a solution. With a friendly smile, I asked for a mattress pad. Without hesitation, the staff offered a mattress topper, swiftly resolving the issue before I even finished my sentence. Lesson learned: polite requests go a long way.
The mattress topper became the unsung hero, leaving me wondering why I hadn’t asked for it earlier. In the end, the hotel not only provided a tale of knocking on concrete-like mattresses but also underscored the importance of kindness and timely requests. To contrast this scenario, we’ve often witnessed rude guests firing shots at hotel receptionists, which usually ends with mountains of frustration on both sides and absolutely no solution. Don’t be that guy. Or girl. Here’s a reminder for all of us – life’s too short to be angry.
Despite the initial mattress issue, the hotel and staff proved excellent in every other aspect, ensuring a memorable stay. No hard feelings.
Thanks for tuning in to 2-2-2 Tuesday! If you have any feedback, comments, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Have a wonderful week.
Zack and Farah
🙂
Super phenomenally written and experienced adventures.
So grateful you two for continuing this post!
Love you to the moon,