CS5 – MikeHawkey.com

Part of our time in Bangkok was spent touring around some of the local temples. For those who don’t know, Thailand is pretty much a Buddhist country. For me, it was quite interesting to see these temples pepper potted around the city (and other areas of the country – particularly the northern part). The above feature Buddha being the Fasting Buddha (I only saw the one fasting one on my journey).

We looked at the different styles of Thai Buddha’s – in part different craftsmen, put also specifically Buddha at different stages of social peace or times of war. Some clues had when looking at the arms, bone structure of face and ‘ringlet’ size (for lack of a better term as I write) of the hair. Of the two above, the one on the right shows he is made in tougher times with likely neighbourly wars.

The Golden Buddha (above) was impressive to see. Story has it, during war times, he was covered in concrete to disguise that it was actually made of gold. Years (I’m guessing many) went by, and people forgot about the golden one. Then one day, then moving to a new temple the concrete cracked (imagine the instant ‘oh my god’ as you the mover crack this massive statue), but rather than a disaster, the gold was again revealed.

One of my favourites was the Reclining Buddha. This is one MASSIVE figure. Too big to move, renovations of the building had to happen around it.

Once upon a time temples were the schools or universities of the community. People went to further their learning and studies. One such example was the temple area of the Reclining Buddha. Small building (open sided ones) surrounded the main temple areas, all featuring teachings on the body, herbs, yoga, meditation, and general wellbeing. Some pretty cool stuff.

Probably one more day of Bangkok tomorrow I think!

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

(As sung by Tom Jones – performed with Cerys Matthews)
I really can’t stay
But baby, it’s cold outside
I’ve got to go away
Ah, baby, it’s cold outside
This evening has been
Been hoping that you’d drop in
So very nice
I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice
My mother will start to worry
Beautiful, what’s your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor
Listen to that fireplace roar
So really I’d better scurry
Oh beautiful, please don’t hurry
Maybe just a half a drink more
Why don’t you put some records on while I pour
The neighbours might think
Oh baby, it’s bad out there
Say, what’s in this drink
There’s no cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how
Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell
I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no, sir
Mind if I move a little closer
At least I’m gonna say that I tried
What’s the sense of hurting my pride
I really can’t stay
Baby don’t hold out
Ahh, but it’s cold outside
I simply must go
Oh, baby, it’s cold outside
The answer is no
You know it’s cold outside
This welcome has been
I’m lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious
Oh, your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door
Like waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt’s mind is vicious
Eww, your lips are delicious
Well maybe just a cigarette more
Never such a blizzard before
I’ve got to go home
Ah, baby, you would freeze out there
Say, lend me a comb
You know it’s up to your knees out there
You’ve really been grand
I thrill when you touch my hand
But don’t you see
How can you do this thing to me
There’s bound to be talk tomorrow
Making my life long sorrow
At least there will plenty implied
If you caught pneumonia and died
I really can’t stay
Get over that old out
Ah but it’s cold outside