Basith Mountain

Apparently our hike group had already gone to Basith Mountain and because everyone loved it so much they decided to go again. This mountain, and I use the term "mountain" loosely here, is 45 minutes outside the city. It is scattered with pagodas and statues which made for some fun photo opportunities. The group keeps getting larger which makes keeping everyone together a challenge but I had to laugh at the scene such a large group of foreigners made while traipsing through these rural communities during mid-day when it's 1000 degrees out.

The top of the "mountain". 

On the way. 

Our first pagoda stop. Almost every pagoda I have been to here is fully functioning and is occupied by vendors, monks and  locals. It appears (although I have never done it) that you can ask to be blessed then you would leave a money offering. 

These kids were having a blast swimming and doing cannon balls. This is the communities main water supply. By looking at it you might be surprised to know they use it for drinking, washing and cooking. 

Here is a small community that felt like being in the desert in the middle of nowhere. They were even setting up for a wedding (colourful tent, decorative chairs and tables, music blaring, wedding party members getting dolled-up) which put a smile on my face and resulted in lots of smiles back.

It's a shame we can never read the signs. So we goof off instead. 

Exhibit B. 

This temple was so neat. It was different than anything I had seen before and the inside was huge and airy. 

A massive fake tree sat at the centre along with some common religious ornaments. There was also a monk sitting at the base should you want to be blessed.