Zealandia Article

I still have many things to write about Thailand, but I'm taking a slight break from that because I just saw an awesome thing that I'd like to share with you.

I have written several posts about Zealandia over the years, so it will be no surprise to you that it's one of my favourite places. Well, I discovered today that it's not just those of us who live down the road from it who have noticed. It has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Places of 2019, and I believe it is truly well deserved. Click here to read the article.

Also, if you'd like to read my past posts about Zealandia, you can click on the following links:
June 2017
July 2016
Aug 2017
Feb 2018

P.S. A Māori restaraunt in Wellington called Hiakai was also on the 100 Greatest Places list, but as I have not yet eaten there, I will save a post about it for when I can weigh in. But it's still wonderful that it's on the list.

Thailand Part 3: Sukhothai Historical Park

After arriving in Bangkok, we took the bus (a very comfortable one in which you could lay the seats back almost to horizontal) to Sukhothai, a region north of Bangkok. It is the first kingdom of Siam, established around 1250, and the name "Sukhothai" means "dawn of happiness." 

We relaxed and recuperated from the long flights in our beautiful resort the first night, then headed to Sukhothai Historical Park the next day. The park is incredible, and we were very lucky that our wonderful Intrepid group guide, Nok, used to work at this park, so she was extremely well informed. I was torn between trying to jot down notes to share with you all and focusing on enjoying the moment and soaking in all the beauty. I leaned heavily towards the latter, so while I was fascinated with Nok's facts while she was sharing them, I have not retained a huge amount to share here. But I'm hoping that the pictures will be enjoyable and you can forgive me for my lack of expertise on Thai temples, padogas, and ruins. I'll share what I remember.

This is us with Heather and Kirsten, two Americans from our group with whom we became friends. I know I said so in my last post, but just a reminder - we had the coolest tour group, and feel so fortunate!

Anyway, these pillars used to hold up the roof, but now they're all that's left. Also, notice the huge Buddha in the background - not even the biggest one we saw that day!

This is that same Buddha from further away. The whole landscape of the park was strewn with amazing ruins everywhere you looked!

Here's a better shot of that Buddha. My friend Tania had told me about seeing "The Big Buddha" and I was fully convinced that this was it... until we saw the actual one an hour or so later. Don't worry, it's coming.

One of the first things we saw was this amazing four-sided monolith. Nok told us about the writing on it, which is among the first recorded uses of the modern Thai language. She told us that Thai has 44 letters, including 32 vowels, as well as 5 tones. We only learned to say "hello" and "thank you" and probably managed to mess up the tones on both every time we said them. But the language is beautiful to listen to.

 

Nok told us that the standing Buddha is among the most sacred in Thailand.

"Figures of the Buddha walking were first developed by the metalworkers of Sukothai in Thailand in the thirteenth century AD. They stress the active aspect of the Buddha’s ministry and covey his accessibility in the way the Buddha seems to approach the viewer. In his image, the Buddha’s right hand is raised in the gesture of reassurance or the Abhaya mudra." (Quote from buddhastatues.info - please click here to read more of the story.)

This one reminded us of the leaning tower of Pisa. Also, it cast a nice shadow to stand in, which was very important, as it was about 40C (104F).

I kept noticing that the Buddha images were always quite thin and shapely, unlike images we often see in the States. I learned that the fat ones are called "Laughing Buddha" and are much less common in Thailand. 

This set of three shrines was set a little bit apart from the others, and I think it's the most beautiful of all. Nok told us that there are three because one is for Brahma, one for Shiva, and one for Krishna.

Here it is a little bit closer. The area I'm standing in originally had a roof (held up by the pillars you can see in the above picture) and must have been amazing! It still is, of course, but it would have been wonderful to see it the way it was originally designed.

This tree was our favourite of our whole trip, and again, provided some desperately needed shade. Pretty amazing root system, don't you think?

This tree is pretty stunning as well. We think that what look like vines growing around it are actually part of the tree itself.

Alright, we have finally come to the actual "Big Buddha." Can you see how far away I am from that building? And and you see the Buddha's face peeking out of it? That's the best I can do for scale, because it doesn't really fit in pictures. 

 Here he is, in all his glory. Nok told us that the gold on the hand is from people who purchase small pieces of gold leaf and adhere them to Buddha for good luck. It is not allowed, but of course people do it anyway. It is rather pretty, but I wish people would respect the rules.

As an attempt at scale, here is J and I next to Buddha's hand. 

And you can see his face a bit better in this one. He is awe-inspiring!

There are tunnels in the structure around the Big Buddha, some of which lead to stairs you can take up to access to his head. Those parts are obviously off limits to tourists, but J had fun in the accessible parts. 

I think this is a Blue Crested Lizard, and I'm sure that it is very beautiful! And kind, as it let me get rather close.

This park was probably my favourite location in Thailand. It was amazing to see more beautiful structures every time we turned around or cycled around a new corner. If you're ever in Thailand, I highly recommend it! And ask Nok to show you around - she's the best!