Day 13 (April 14, 2011)
As we’re getting into the 2nd half of our 2nd week in Thailand, we need to get some moew sightseeing and also some shopping done! Therefore, Kristina ,Clae, Kody, Heidi, Rainer, Kirk & I are headed towards the southern part of the Phuket Island again.
First stop on today’s route: WatChalong, the island’s largest temple. With several buildings throughout the complex, an hour plus is quickly spent with just short visits into each of them. Temple workers are also lighting firecrackers in the fireplace outside, as part of this week’s Thai New Year celebration.
After that, we’re continuing on, to the Big Buddha. Being built since 2007 (main construction is completed), this statue represents the largest Buddha statue in Thailand! Quite impressive by itself, the stunning views into all directions are an added bonus!
Then it is time for a late lunch, followed by shopping at the Phuket Town market hall (mall), where locals and tourists alike spend their money.
What a day!
Kody playing at the “lobby pool”
Tour Guide Andi
Scooters at Central Festival
Waiting in line at the gas station … scooter style
Pimp my ride!
Wat Chalong detail
Watch those arms!
If praying at the temple isn’t working, try calling buddha on your cell!
Incents
Place of worship
Pretty
Ring the bell
Coconut anyone?
Hug, hug!
Resting …
Growing my beard? Getting eaten by the dragon?
Smile!
Dress code for the buddha
Read at your leisure
Following in the footsteps of the monks
View from the top
Hmmm …
Shrine
Spikey hair!
View over Phuket Bay
Taking pics’
The Thai flags
Kirk, Heiodi & Rainer ready for some sightseeing
Kody, Clae & Kristina, too!
Kirk at the temple
Andrea & Kirki at Wat Chalong
Looking across the temple grounds
Bell tower
But(t) the elephants … !!
School is out (not yet)
Roof lines
The large temple tower
Kirk and the dragon(s)
Mom & Dad at the temple
Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest temple
Welcome to the Big Buddha of Phuket
Andrea, Kirk & the buddha
Smile for the camera!
Donating a marble tile for the project
And this is what the whole thing will look like when it’s done
The Big Buddha
And a little, golden Buddha
View to the West (Kata, Karon Beach)
Looking over Wat Chalong to Phuket Town (East)
South Bay
Looking North across the Phuket Island
Andrea & Kirk
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