Chiang Mai sunset panorama

This is a view from our balcony tonight in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A beautiful sunset behind the Doi Suthep mountain where one of the most famous temples of Northern Thailand is located.

We didn't have a nice sunset for a while here because of the rainy season. It was always overcast around this time. Tonight was special though, the sky was cloudy but it gave beautiful colors over the mountain.
I just love the view from our new apartment. It's even nicer from the rooftop, where the pool is located *wink wink*

You can click on the photo to have a larger view. Enjoy!

Thai temple decoration

I don't have much to say about this photo. I found it on the entrance gate to a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai and I did not really find what it represents.
The two little beings on both side of the seal look like Garuda, or Hanuman. I'm not really sure.

I would appreciate if someone could help me with the symbolism of this decoration. Thanks a lot!

UPDATE: Thanks to @fookied on twitter for telling me it's the King's seal.

Golden Chedi

If you dare to wander a few meters outside Khao San Rd when visiting Bangkok (or if you are not in bed with a hangover), you'll spot at the end of Tanao street a chedi peaking from behind the trees. This is the temple called Wat Bowon Niwet.

Surprisingly, far from being the most visited by tourists, Wat Bowon is regarded as one of the most important temples in Bangkok. Built in 1829, it was actually two different monasteries separated by a canal:  Wat Mai to the north and Wat Rangsee Suddhawas to the south. It was later incorporated into one temple during the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925).
His Majesty Bhumiphol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the present monarch, stayed here for a short time during his ordination in 1956.

Pictured here is the chedi of the temple. A chedi, or more popularly known as Stupa in English is a spire like structure containing Buddhist relics and used as a place of worship.
The shape of the chedi represents the Buddha, crowned and sitting in meditation posture on a lion throne. His crown is the top of the spire, his head is the square at the spire's base, his body is the vase shape, his legs are the four steps of the lower terrace and the base is his throne.

The entrance to the temple is free making it a good place to visit when short on time after staying on the "Khaotic" Khao San Rd.

Thai Sunset [HDR]

What I really missed in my 20+ years living in the UAE are beautiful dramatic cloudy sunsets. There's an average of 5-6 cloudy days per year in the Emirates so I've had my share of blue bland boring skies.
Now that I am in Thailand, and it's rainy season, I often experience beautiful sunsets worth stopping and taking a shot of... if it's not pouring down of course.

I also haven't posted any HDR shots for ages too. Unlike the big flashy over-saturated I'm-on-acid-looking HDR photos many people seem to post, I prefer more subtle use of this technique to bring out contrasts in the photos. Some more will follow soon. Hope you enjoy!

Buddha Statue

Thailand has a prevalence of Buddhism that ranks among the highest in the world. 94.6% of the population are Buddhists. The Thai calendar is also based on the Eastern version of the Buddhist Era which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
Each city has many old magnificently decorated temples that I love visiting. Each temple hosts also a few Buddha statues.
Some temple "etiquette" to follow when visiting temples:

• Wear modest clothes. No shorts, tank tops, mini-skirts, flashy jewelry.
• Take off your shoes before entering a temple.
• Keep your head lower than the Buddha statues.
• DO NOT touch the head of a Buddha statue, climb over it, take a photo with it.
• Do not point your feet at Buddha images or anyone else.

In other words, be respectful and don't do anything you wouldn't do in worship place of your own confession.

Tuk-Tuk line

Yes, it is completely impossible for anyone to avoid the tuk-tuk calls when walking in Thailand. No matter the hour, place or weather. They are everywhere and will take you on a temple tour for 10 baht / 0.3$ (and many shops on the way to get a commission).

So when you see a line of tuk-tuks on Khao San road in Bangkok, all waiting to jump on you with the "tempting" offers, either run for your life... or simply mention them that you are deaf!

Wat Doi Suthep

Wat Doi Suthep (Wat means temple in Thai) is located North of Thailand, in the city of Chiang Mai, on the mountain carrying the same name (Doi Suthep).

It is the most famous temple of Northern Thailand and a highly respected place among buddhists. It also is home of an Emerald Buddha statue (actually made of jade).

I had the occasion to visit it with a thai person who also showed us how to pray and pay respect to Buddha through various rituals.

From the top of the mountain, there is also a gorgeous view of Chiang Mai city when the weather is clear (which it is most of the time actually hehe).

Enjoy!