theera

after visiting the ancient ruins of the old royal town of sukothai, we decided to have a short look into one of the active temples. having just set foot on the compounds, we where aproached by a small, raw-boned and very impish monk who greeted us in a not so easily understandable but very charming english: theera.

without us asking for it, he gave us a three-hour tour through the temple which was really amusing. at several locations, theera insisted that we take photos - but not only of these places. no, we had to take photos of ourselve standing next to important parts of the temple, sometimes with, sometimes without theera. like a stage director, theera had a clear idea where and how we should stand or sit so that every picture was taken in the „right attitude“*.

the tour highlight was a visit to theera’s private room - who has the chance to get such an insight into a monk’s life?
there he showed us dozens of pictures, many showing him and tourists standing next to important parts of the temple, of course always in the right position and attitude 🙂

* please excuse my inappropriate t-shirt, but i really had not expected this encounter. and fortunately, thai people don’t take this too seriously. so it is not an uncommon view to see monks with skulls and devils tattooed on their arms or backs.