Tiger Cave Temple and Materialism

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  Ao Nang, Thailand
Monday, September 24, 2007

Monday, September 24th- 9:50 am

Yesterday, another morning found me in Ao Nang. I've been giving some thought as to what I should do and where I should go in the next five days or so. One option I was considering was to pack up and head out of Ao Nang alone, probably in the direction of Ko Phi Phi. This seems the most appealing, a I am losing interest in this town and the surrounding area. But after spending time with Ryan after his accident, I think I would feel extremely guilty simply leaving him alone in his condition. He's not mobile and needs others to bring him food, drink and medical supplies. Plus spending all day and night practically alone in a bungalow is simply depressing. So, I think I've decided to stay put for at least a couple of more days to keep him company and help him out until he's ok on his own. Another thing to keep in my mind is that today is Monday and Lee could end up showing up and changing plans entirely.

So, I spent the moring with Ryan yesterday before hopping on a song-thaew in Krabi town. At the bus station there, I met up with Ramin on his motorbike and we headed to Tiger Cave temple. But first, of course, a pit stop. This time, Ramin had this craving for a particular cake that he used to get in Sweden, that could only be found at this store called Tesco. Tesco is a shiny, new mid-sized mall which includes many, many stores, one of them being some sort of Superstone monstrosity. Here, in the neon lights and the polished floors, Thai materialism really shine. I would say, surpassing anything I've seem in Canada. And the place was packed, of course, and making me feel very uneasy. These are the type of places I normally avoid back home. However, be in the moment.

The cake was not there. But we did end up buying some snacks and drnks fo the day, including some fruit and pastries and I also bought Ryan a pair of slip on shoes, so that he could walk on his injured foot.

Back on the motorbike, we travelled only about six minutes doen the road and arrived at the temple. After parking, we took some time and walked around to view the smaller shrines that are kept by Buddhist nuns. Then we started climbing the 1237 stairs that led to the top of the mountain. It was certainly a challenge. The stairs themselves were poured concrete and there was a railing along the side to give you and hand. But still. Certain flights were so steep that it was like climbing a ladder with rungs a foot and a half apart from eachother. Combined with he heat and humidity of the day, I was tired out by the time I reached the top.

But it was worth it! At the top was a huge golden Buddha statue and several other smaller shrines, complete with candles and insense. And the view and air up there was incredible! You could see the ocean, mountains to one side, fields  in the other direction and the neighbouring towns. After resting and taking it all in for about an hour, we climbed the relatively easy descent to the bottom.

And you will never guess what we found when we got to the bottom! Back at the motorbike, someone had taken the mangos and shoes that we left in the basket, under the helmuts! Isn't that crazy? At a Buddhist temple, someone steals! I just don't get it.

At that point, we were hungry and stopped at a night food vendor market in Krabi, where I ate a fantasically filling meal, for only 45 baht! Then, I caught a song-thaew back to Ao Nang, where I visited with Ryan until it was time for bed. It was a long day and all those stairs really tired me out!

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