Driving away from Bangkok, the busy, quick-moving roads began to get smaller, narrower, less crowded. Small shack shops replaced the tall, concrete buildings. People in work clothes and field boots replaced the skirts, ties, and polished black shoes. Babies skillfully wrapped around their mothers so work can continue replaced the children in strollers out for an afternoon walk in the park.
Turning up a deserted dirt road, we passed a shrine and monk burial ground then came to a cluster of trees and spread out buildings. It was eerily quiet, not even the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees or birds chattering to themselves could be heard. The rumble of our car was very out of place and the ring of my phone even more so. The space was open, with one central building for ceremonies and daily cooperate prayers.
As we walked down a small dirt road, we came to one of the monk's quarters. My friend's uncle stayed here for the past week, pacing along the roofed path in an effort to clear his mind of everything.
Now before everything becomes too abstract, let me put a face to my friend's uncle. Three weeks out of the month, he is a "regular person," living in Bangkok with his two sons, in a simple house and a quiet neighborhood. He spends one week each month away from everything at this monk's retreat, gaining merit for himself and his family.
It was an honor to be invited to travel here. My friend commented on the idea of inviting a Christian to visit this Buddhist place. Through our conversations, I learned a lot and hopefully so did they.
And one picture to finish out the trip, the uncle's friend...Mr. Snake. Supposedly he is friendly and even likes to sleep with the uncle. I'm glad he already has a friend, because I don't know if I would be a welcoming. :)
