Shambala Festival

Greetings all. 

I have had an amazing week since arriving back in Thailand.  I visited a nice city in northern Thailand called Chiang Rai. I was completely blown away by an artistic wonder called the "White Temple" built and designed by a Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat.  Words cannot describe its magic.  The artist is a very famous architect and painter in Thailand.  Pictures are posted below.

After spending 2 days in Chiang Rai I decided to move on.  I met a woman in Laos that mentioned a nice village north of Chiang Rai.  Moving quite slowely in the morning I decided to stew over my next destination over some tea and breakfast. I was meeting my friend, Adam, in Pai and thought maybe I would go there earlier.  The idea of being in one place for 9 days seemed tempting as I was starting to feel the wear of travel on my body.  A man from France and a woman from China sat down with me and we start chatting.  I gave them some of my belongings- my Laos Lonely Planet book, a shirt and some bracelets.  Both were so happy with their new found gifts as my new friend, Jade, excitedly ran to her room and came back with a shirt.  I was blown away by this trade.  It was a tank top painted upside down of a man's face.  She is an artist and made this shirt at a Japanese music festival in a small town about 4 hours away.  What..... a Japanese music festival in Thailand????  They placed headphones over my ears and I listened to the most beautiful sounds.  They recorded this music only 2 days before at the festival.  It was decided... I must head to the Shambala festival in Chiang Dao.

I opted to take the bus via the northern route for some different scenery.  I was told at the bus station that I could make my 2 bus connections and arrive the same day.  The bus dropped me off at the first stop- only 30 minutes from Chiang Rai.  I did not see a bus station.  Hmmm.... I walked into a building- turned out to be a government building that takes care of land permits.  I walked in with my large backpack and all looked up and stared at me.  I asked if anyone spoke English and a woman approached me.  She informed me that there were no more buses going to Chiang Dao; I had to wait until morning.  She thought we could try one more thing as she loaded me in her truck, left work and drove me to a private bus company.  It was confirmed, I was stuck here until morning.  No problem she says, you will just stay with me.  Myriam is her name.  She is a 38 year old Thai woman that has worked for the government agency for almost 17 years.  She gets moved around many places in Thailand with her job because she is not married with children.  We had a large conversation about this injustice!!  She drove me to her house where I hung out and read for about 3 hours while she went back to work.  When she came home we went to a hot springs and then we shared an amazing meal together.  The next morning she drove me to the bus station.  Such a sweet, amazing, calm spirit.  She even called me the next day to make sure I arrived safely.  I hope she comes to the States someday so I can show her the same kindness and hospitality that she showed me.

The music festival was located about 15 km outside of the small town of Chiang Dao.  I arrived not really sure what to expect.  I rented a tent and blankets and set up my new "home" next to the river and a tepee.  There were approximately 250 people at the festival and 85% were Japanese.  There was a little music during the day; however most of the musical amazement came out after dark.  The daytime consisted of trying to stay out of the sun.  I spent much time in the tepee and met some amazing Japanese people.   There was a stage set up and musician after musician played such incredible sounds.  I have never been to Japan and the only real experience with Japanese culture has been from my good friends, Kanau and Tomoko, from New York.  I was blown away by the generosity, talent and constant sense of sharing that I found.  I sat for hours listening to Japanese songs, Japanese conversation and admired the great sense of style the women had.  To top off the incredible beauty of the experience, there was a free hot springs located just 5 minutes from the festival.  It was such a magical time and I know that I was meant to be there.

Currently in Pai- happy to be back to this beautiful town.  Catching up with Adam and enjoying "doing nothing."  Many of my new Japanese friends have also made there way to Pai and have really enjoyed reconnecting with them.

 

White Temple

White Temple