Just a few days after I returned to Thailand, Nok and I traveled 3-4 hours north to the city of Nakhon Sawan, where I was to attend an interview. We ended up staying in town for about three days, and it turned out to be a rather pleasant stay. The interview went well and I was offered the choice of a position in Nakhon Sawan, or Kamphaeng Phet some 115 kilometers further north. Obviously, I chose Kamphaeng Phet.
Still, Nakhon Sawan is a reasonably nice city, and Nok and I made the most of our time there. At 90,000 people it is relatively small by Thai standards, but the city center was dreadfully crowded. During the first two days we had noticed a giant golden temple and pagoda on top of one of the hills on the northern edge of town. We attempted to find it on our second night but failed, reaching the top of a neighboring hill instead. Those pictures were dutifully posted on Facebook.
The next night we tried again, and after some aimless wandering through the seemingly haphazard streets of Nakhon Sawan, we found what appeared to be the road to the top. I had attempted to post these pictures on Facebook a month ago, but due to a horrendous Internet connection I was unable to do so. But here they are at last; my apologies for the delay.
This excellent back-of-the-head shot was taken as we approached the hill. Our destination can be seen at the top. At this point, we had no idea what kind of road/path existed to get to the top.
At the foot of the hill we entered a temple complex and encountered this group of young monks.
We soon found a tiny, run-down staircase that ascended through the jungle. This seemingly forgotten Buddha greeted us as we neared the top, escorted by two smiling young monks.
The initial view from the top.
Approaching the giant hilltop temple.
The setting sun created a nice ambience - but it helped that there was almost no one else around.
Various Buddhas waited silently around the massive pagoda.
Nok and I stopped for a snack at a table behind the temple.
Nakhon Sawan at dusk.
A giant insect, which is apparently used to create somewhat of a Thai delicacy.
Lighting some incense for the myriad Buddhas inside the temple.
Posing in the magic seat. Neither of us had any idea what - if anything - it was supposed to mean.
Nakhon Sawan by night, as seen shortly before our treacherous descent down the narrow, darkened stairs.
