Tropical Punch Tour: Thailand Part 5
Monday, July 19, 2010
Phuket Town, Thailand
I was low on cash today, so I looked around for a bank that charges the lowest commission to cash traveler’s checks. After comparing three, I realized they’re all the same. It’s always a good feeling to be flush with local cash again. Since I got such a late start, I decided to just continue my photo mission around Phuket Town from the night before. I started out at a small Chinese Buddhist temple called called Saeng Tham, tucked away behind Southwind Books. Also known as the Shrine of Serene Light, it was filled with the recorded sound of a Buddhist monk singing accompanied by a gong and a whacky Chinese movie playing on a small TV. The juxtaposition of sound was so striking, that I couldn’t help but record it.
Next, I dropped by the Phuket Thaihua Museum, which puts on handsome display the history of the Chinese in Phuket, many generations of whom worked in the tin mines over the past several centuries. (Since the 1980s, that industry has been replaced by the tourism trade.) Too bad the displays weren’t lit up because of remodeling, but I drew a circle A on my forehead and looked at them in the dark anyway. Last but not least, I bagged a couple of more Chinese Buddhist temples, including Jui Tui, which is situated right next to Put Jut, and the Thye Guan Tong Shrine. I love relaxing within the peaceful, incense-smoked atmosphere in these places of worship, and all of the statues, carvings and paintings are amazing to behold.
Roll over photos for captions.
All words and photos ©2010 Arcane Candy.
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