Lop Buri & "Wat Pra Baht Nampoo", Thurs 30th Oct 2008

Leaving Sai Thong, we took a south-southwesterly route which would bring us into "Lop Buri". Lop Buri is also known as the "Monkey City" due to the many wild monkeys living in and around the temples and markets of the city. We did not see any - it was evening by the time we arrived, again, in the rain - except for the pair on guard at the entrance to the "Lop Buri Inn" (I would have included a second photograph of the monkey to the left of the door but felt that it might offend - suffice it to say that it was obviously a male of the species!). The statue shown has its paw facing down in a beckoning motion. This is common in Thailand and it is believed that it will entice customers to enter the establishment be it a hotel, shop, restaurant or bar (usually the statues are of a cat or "Lady Luck" and are not quite so large!). Unfortunately, we were unable to have a proper look around Lop Buri due to the rain, but we did have a very enjoyable dinner at one of the many Thai-Chinese restaurants. The rain did make the roundabout in the centre of town (photo left) look most attractive (Thai driving instruction does not go so far as to include proper roundabout etiquette which can make for an interesting few moments on a bike!).

Since we were steering clear of the main thoroughfares as much as possible, it was easier to appreciate the interesting and sometimes dramatic scenery on the way. The photograph (above - left) of the temple at the base of the mountain does not really do it credit - spot the Buddha statue set in the cliff - quite a climb I should think!

Thailand really is a "fascination" country. Approaching the level crossing at Chao Badan, about half way between Sai Thong and Lop Buri, I spotted this vehicle parked on the verge. Now I am not, on the whole, a real fan of (large) four-wheel drive vehicles, especially when they come flying at me on the wrong side of the road with lights flashing (this indicates that they have right of way - so keep out of it!). A Land Rover, on the other hand, is fine; especially an old vehicle like this one which, no doubt, has a story to tell (a story based on rather more than trips to school with Tarquin and Jemima - sorry!). This one, whilst appearing to be in reasonably good condition from the outside, was actually in need of some "TLC". A giveaway was the towing chain attached to the front bumper!

The main reason for visiting Lop Buri was to visit "Wat Pra Baht Nampoo" ("Wat" means "temple") on the outskirts of the city. Nestled under an impressive rocky mountain this temple is dedicated to caring for people suffering with HIV and AIDS. It is a beautiful temple and at first I questioned the reasoning behind spending so much money on the temples and grounds when it could be used in fighting the disease. However, such a serene setting must provide a great deal of comfort to those afflicted with the terrible disease; one had a feeling of real peace and goodness at Wat Pra Baht Nampoo. The photograph (left) was taken near the base of the stairs which lead straight up the mountain (NB. A cable car track is in the process of being built for those who might appreciate the view but not the exercise!). The main office, hospital and temple grounds are located below. Although we were far from being the only visitors, we were made to feel extremely welcome and were given a tour of the area. Schools are invited to visit, the children bringing with them vitality and joy (Gung's children had all been). There are many such places throughout Thailand and, although they receive a certain amount of government funding, rely heavily on private donations. More photographs of the temple may be found in the accompanying "Picasa" album (link yet to be added).

Continuing our journey south we were both quiet and thoughtful. With all the begging letters that one receives in the UK, it is becoming increasingly difficult to decide where any money, if donated, will be best utilised. I feel that such work as is being carried out at places like Wat Pra Baht Nampoo deserve as much support as they can get. Neither of us felt sad having visited the temple; on the contrary, such an open display of humanity made one feel proud to be part of the human race and positive for the future.