Here in this devout city, they cling to the concept of feeding the 200 mostly young monks in the wats (temples) here. Two days ago at 4am, first day of the full moon, the gongs were rung to summon the monks. They shave their heads on the full moon every month. The drumming was repeated at 4pm again. It looks ike hard work!
Each day they parade single file from their wats to beg alms/food from the local poulation. This is called the Bat. Tourists can participate if they wish. Locals, mostly elderly ladies, sit on the side of the road with their large sticky rice pots. They dip their fingers in water and roll a ball of rice (must be fresh) to put in each monk's bowl. People can also give wrapped candies, etc. It is an act of contrition for the giver, a solemn procession, the monks eyes looking down, you are not to communicate with them, nor they to anyone. No thanks are given. It is a blessing going both ways. Such a lovely custom.
Unfortunately tour buses bring people from all over town in droves and they act totally rudely on the main road, taking flash photos in monks' faces, turning it into a total zoo. Ted went yeterday and was disgusted. Today I simply went outside our own hotel, on the backroad between two wats, and enjoyed watching the Bat. The local ladies, our neighbors, waited patiently to contribute to this kind gesture. One of our fellow hotel guests, from Jordan, participated with candy provided by the staff.
This is the advantage of a hotel right in the middle of the Old Town, we can walk to everything and enjoy being part of it.
Trees are in bloom making for nice photos. Other than tour buses, there is no vehicular traffic. Only the occasional stray dog fight breaks out to shatter the silence! And a cock crowing in the distance somewhere.
Each day they parade single file from their wats to beg alms/food from the local poulation. This is called the Bat. Tourists can participate if they wish. Locals, mostly elderly ladies, sit on the side of the road with their large sticky rice pots. They dip their fingers in water and roll a ball of rice (must be fresh) to put in each monk's bowl. People can also give wrapped candies, etc. It is an act of contrition for the giver, a solemn procession, the monks eyes looking down, you are not to communicate with them, nor they to anyone. No thanks are given. It is a blessing going both ways. Such a lovely custom.
Unfortunately tour buses bring people from all over town in droves and they act totally rudely on the main road, taking flash photos in monks' faces, turning it into a total zoo. Ted went yeterday and was disgusted. Today I simply went outside our own hotel, on the backroad between two wats, and enjoyed watching the Bat. The local ladies, our neighbors, waited patiently to contribute to this kind gesture. One of our fellow hotel guests, from Jordan, participated with candy provided by the staff.
This is the advantage of a hotel right in the middle of the Old Town, we can walk to everything and enjoy being part of it.
Trees are in bloom making for nice photos. Other than tour buses, there is no vehicular traffic. Only the occasional stray dog fight breaks out to shatter the silence! And a cock crowing in the distance somewhere.
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