Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand
My very lovely travel friends Henry, Aidy, and Ella rode motorbikes from the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai to the temple of Doi Suthep. It was a typically hot day in April, and by the time we got there and then climbed the two-hundred-odd steps to the temple, we were already dripping with sweat.
The place itself was beautiful but full of tourists, like most major temples that are listed on any “must-see” list in Southeast Asia. We spent the afternoon walking around and around, listening to traditional music, watching monks, eating jackfruit, and attempting to take in all of the gold buildings and Buddhas.
Like most days I spend travelling, however, the adventure, the learning, and the laughter all stemmed from the journey, not the destination. Back on our motorbikes, we zoomed down mountain roads, we stopped to chat with locals, we cat-called each other, we relished in our youth and our freedom, not even feeling the heat of the hot sun. I am so grateful to have seen the famous places I have, but more often than not, I’m even more grateful for the good times and the great friends I’ve made on the way there.
5 comments
That is it, right there — the essence of why we love to travel. The people we meet along the way all shape us in some way or another — they give us a new memory and a new story to tell. There’s nothing more thrilling than watching how your life crosses with someone else’s, and then sitting back to see what happens.
So well-said!
Thank you very much, Katie! I’m glad you agree.
This was such a cool day, I disagree though I did feel the heat of the hot sun, I got more than burnt riding that bike around all day!
What an awesome place to spend the New Year!!! Happy New Year! 🙂
Henry – Perhaps your pale English skin just couldn’t handle it!!! 😉 xx
Andi – It would have definitely been a great place to spend NYE! Sadly I was in cold Canada this January 1, but I would love to celebrate a holiday like that on the beaches of Thailand…