 Blarney Castle grounds and entry tower. “Did you kiss the stone?” my daughter asked me by phone from London.
“No, but I kissed someone who did,” I replied, laughing. “They say that that is the next best thing.”
Now, I could tell you that I didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone because, as I end my second year of Weekly Wanders, I don’t want to add more gab to my postings, but that would be blarney.
Truth is, after exploring the gardens in the pouring rain and working my way around the castle and up the wet and narrow stairways, I couldn’t cope with the idea of removing my hat, glasses, raincoat, umbrella, two cameras and camera bag – all while standing exposed to the wind and rain at the top of the battlements – in order to be suspended upside-down by a gruff man in a raincoat so that I could kiss a rock. My husband, however, was more amenable, and I reckon that was enough for both of us!
I didn’t mind missing out, because – to my mind – the real joy of a visit to Blarney Castle is a walk through the extensive gardens, and taking in the charm of the castle itself. It rained on the day of our visit (as it has just about every day of our stay – Ireland has just finished the wettest June on record), but this only added to my sense that there might just be faeries around the next corner…
 It may be summer, but the visitors in the grounds of Blarney Castle, across the River Martin are rugged up in raincoats or huddled under umbrellas.  Fir boughs, laden with rain, hang low over a pathway.  Rain drops and spider webs cling to delicate plants. Water falls over the Wishing Steps. According to the story, if you walk down the Wishing Steps then backwards up them with your eyes closed, thinking of nothing but your wish, it will be granted. It is easy to imagine flower-fairies living here. This stone is said to be the likeness of the Blarney Witch, who wanders the woods looking for fire wood. The Druid Stones are mossy and over-grown. All that rain is how the island stays “Emerald.” What is left of Blarney Castle (built in 1446) is rather plain on the exterior. Without the benefit of a roof, it is as wet inside Blarney Castle as outside. Moss and ivy grows where the kitchen once operated. On the ramparts, people gather for their kisses. The formal gardens from the ramparts. Hanging from the wet Blarney ramparts to kiss the ancient stone – the ground is far below. Every castle needs a back entry. The paths wind around the castle and back through more gardens. In the still-wet gardens outside the castle, trees from around the world are on show. Tower beside the Blarney River. In the “Poison Garden” there are examples of medicinal plants, including foxglove (digitalis). Ivy grows everywhere. A simple rose climbs the old iron fence.  I didn’t notice any improvement in eloquence from my husband – or indeed myself – but I was entranced by the castle site and left it with pink cheeks and a happy heart.
That is its true gift.
Sláinte! Good health!
Photos: 2012June18
Posted in Architecture,History,Ireland,Nature,TravelTags: architecture,blog,flowers,nature,Photo Blog,ruins,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall
With an air of calm, two Buddhas preside over Wat Phra Si Rattana Mah (Wat Phra Prang), Si Satchanalai Thailand is rich with the textures of life and history.
I’ve talked before about our recent visit to Sukhothai, or more properly, the UNESCO-listed “Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns”. One of those “associated towns” is Si Satchanalai (or Sri Satchanalai, depending on whose transliteration you follow).
The trees and rice patties were full of birds as we drove north on country roads. Here, flocks of Asian Openbills perch in the rice fields. Fifty-five kilometres north of Sukhothai along country roads flanked by fields and rice patties, the ancient city of Si Satchanalai on the banks of the River Yom is in a tranquil location. In addition to various ancient wats (temples), the park includes important archaeological sites where some of the world’s earliest celadon kilns have been uncovered and preserved. In the 14C, Si Satchanalai was the biggest ceramic producer in Southeast Asia, exporting its prized Sangkhalok pottery as far afield as Japan, China, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Old trunk; new growth. Wat Chedi Chet Theao I was struck by the peaceful quiet of the grounds. I am not alone in actually preferring the somewhat understated ruins here to those of the better-known Sukhothai site.
The city and surrounds date back to the 6th century, when the inhabitants were producing tools, beads and terracotta. In the 12th and 13th century, the area was under Khmer control. While this has had little influence on the remaining buildings, the giant fig at Wat Chedi Chet Theao was reminiscent of Ta Phrom at Angkor.
The quiet of a giant ficus. Wat Chedi Chet Theao Smooth growth; rough laterite bricks. Wat Chedi Chet Theao Suggestion of a Buddha, Wat Chedi Chet Theao Visiting monks add life to Wat Chang Lom Many of the ruins date to the rule of King Li Thai (1347-1368) when several buildings were renovated or constructed.
After the death of King Li Thai, the city came under the control of Ayuttaya, before again becoming part of the Sukhothai kingdom in around the 15th century.
Elephants on guard: Wat Chang Lom (Rob) Ruins on the green: Wat Nang Phaya A newly ordained young monk or “nehn” travelling with his elders: Wat Nang Phaya Wat Nang Phaya features laterite blocks decorated with early-Ayutthaya style stucco. Thai temples are full of surprises. We climbed up the hill that houses Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng and Wat Khau Suwan Khiri to be assailed by a cacophony of chittering and the ripe smell of too many animals in one place. I thought it was monkeys or bats, until I looked to the tree-tops to find them full of water-birds: herons, egrets and stork – all squabbling for perching and nesting spaces.
Tree-tops full of cattle egret, with their golden nesting-head-plumage. An egret and a heron share the tree-tops. Asian openbill storks look too big for the trees they are sharing with herons. Several nests contain eggs or chicks. Not all the chicks make it; more than one chick lies on the ground around the temple. Impromptu cairns dot the Wat Khao Suwan Khiri surrounds. A dead leaf seems to illustrate the story of the temple history. As the afternoon lengthened, we drove off the main Si Satchanalai site to another temple located close by, in the fold of the river. We arrived just ahead of the travelling monks who were visiting from a central province east of Bangkok and were greeted by a seemingly ancient man playing a simple stringed instrument and hoping for payment. Naturally, we obliged!
Elderly Thai Musician – Wat Phra Prang Buddha – Wat Phra Prang A senior monk poses for his picture. Wat Phra Prang Ancient laterite wall: Wat Phra Prang Giant standing Buddha – Wat Phra Prang As if to remind us that all things pass – all things change – a Buddha sits with its head fallen. Next door to the old temple ruins of Wat Phra Prang (Wat Phra Si Rattana Mah), new works are being undertaken to expand the new temple of the same name.
The worker on the foundations of the extensions at the new Wat Phra Prang, when asked, said proudly: “Pen khon sukhothai!”: “I am a Sukhothai person!” So, the past links to the future. And the cycle continues.
Happy travels!
Photos: 21May2012
Posted in Architecture,Culture,History,Museum,Religious Practice,Thailand,TravelTags: ancient,architecture,blog,buddha,buddhism,buddhist,history,museum,people,Photo Blog,religion,Religious Practice,ruins,Sukhothai,Thailand,travel,Travel Blog,UNESCO,Ursula Wall
Crystalware Our travels can be a little haphazard sometimes.
We had work and family business in England, so we decided to go walking in the south-west of Ireland. (More about that soon.) Once I had booked our walking trip, I contacted an old friend and colleague from Thailand who had moved back to Ireland some years ago, to see if we would have the opportunity to cross paths. He and his family are in Waterford, which is not far from the Irish Ferries’ dock at Rosslare. So, that was a good enough excuse for a stopover, en route to County Kerry.
Now, as it turns out, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city, having been established by the Vikings in 914. They called it Veðrafjǫrðr; “Ram Fjord” or “windy fjord”, and sections of the city walls they built still stand.
New growth on an ancient Viking wall ~ Waterford is an interesting mix. Bits of the remaining Viking wall and towers, with later Norman “improvements”, are scattered around the charming and modern city centre of Waterford. After successive attempts, the King of Leinster, with the aid of Norman mercenaries under Richard de Clare, Second Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow), took Waterford in 1170, marking the entry of the Anglo-Normans into Ireland. The rest, as they say, is history.
I didn’t know any of this when I made our plans to stay there. Nor did I realise it was, and is again, home to the Waterford Crystal factory. I’m not a particular fan of cut crystal, but as we were going to be there for a a day, a visit to the factory seemed like a good plan.
As it turned out, watching crystal glassware being made by true craftsmen was an interesting and worthwhile experience.
The modern crystal manufacturing plant and showroom in downtown Waterford was opened in June 2010. Tours of the facility run regularly. Alison, our guide, gives us a brief rundown of the company history. Wooden molds are used for limited edition items; steel is used for production items. The pear-wood moulds for crystal blowing are quickly charred by the molten glass. Making crystal is skilled and labour-intensive. The “blowers” have served apprenticeships of up to six years and need to handle more than one task. The furnaces for melting the glass mixture are over 1,200 degrees centigrade. Turning and shaping the “gob” of molten glass. “The craftsmen have to be, not only capable of working in a team, they also have to be quite athletic.” (https://www.waterfordcrystalworld.com) The newly-blown vase is cut away from the blower. Glassware is annealed on a slow-moving belt through special ovens. Water acts as a coolant as the excess glass is trimmed off … … and as the edges are ground smooth. Marking up patterns can be as “easy” as markers strapped to a turntable. A selection of cut and partially cut crystal trophies and vases – including a London Olympic Games trophy, sit on the marking table. Cutting the crystal takes strength and concentration. Water is again used as a coolant. A cutter is happy to show off his work; it makes a break from the concentration! “Well, I’ve been doin’ it for on forty-four years.” A display of some of the special Waterford pieces. A work station with engraving tools. Art, craft and work… Waterford shop display room. Sales staff check inventory. Chandeliers over a table set with Waterford crystal and table-ware from the partner-companies Royal Doultan and Wedgwood. Carved crystal stemware.  I’m still not cut-crystal’s biggest fan, but I’ve gained a new appreciation for the work and skill that goes into it.
And we did buy one or two pieces…
Pictures: 16June2012
Posted in Craft,Fine Arts,History,Ireland,Travel,WorkTags: arts and crafts,blog,Ireland,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall,work
Offerings to ancient Buddhas The beauty (and frustration) of living in Thailand lies in the ability of people to hold mutually incompatible ideas at the same time, and to never speak about some things which everyone knows.
Take Sukhothai, for example: that most revered of ancient Thai cities.
Sukhothai was originally a trade centre, enjoying a degree of autonomy under the various rule of the Mons of Lavo and the Khmer Empire, until becoming the centre of a kingdom in its own right in 1239. Even thought the kingdom only ruled for two hundred years, starting with the upper Chao Phraya valley, by some accounts, it eventually extended north into what is now Laos and south across much of the Isthmus of Kra. Traditional historians see this as the start of Thai history.
But, like everything else in Thailand, it is best not to try to examine concepts too closely. The Sukhothai legend has been invested with national importance and political ideology from the time King Mongkut read it into Thai history in the late nineteenth century. Since then, it has been used to defend the succession of kingdoms from father to son as a form of “Thai democracy”, and as a model of “freedom” from the colonial and Khmer rulers.
The most influential of the Sukhothai rulers, King Ramkhamhaeng, is credited with expanding the empire, inventing the Thai alphabet, and spreading Theravada Buddhism as the official religion. This influence is according to an engraved stone: the Ramkhamhaeng stele, reputedly discovered by King Mongkut in 1883. The authenticity of the inscriptions have been questioned, but if the doubts are proven, then much Thai history is thrown into question.
Whatever truths are buried in the legends, the ruins of the old empire are magnificent. Driving aroung the region, remains of red laterite brick wall, stupas and temples can be seen everywhere. Four separate sites are maintained, as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, under the unwieldly title of “Sukhothai and associated historic towns”.
Fishing for fish-food: in the moat around Wat Mahathat Modern tourist ~ ancient ruins. Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai. Some of the most evocative Buddha images at Wat Mahathat, to my mind, are those which have not been restored. An imposing white buddha image in the Abhaya mudra – the hand gesture imparting fearlessness or reassurance. Flowers at the feet of another standing buddha. Wat Mahathat. Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra , or ‘touching the earth’ hand position. Everything was rich and green, with lotus – symbols of purity and enlightenment – rising from the muddy moats. A view of Sukhothai ruins through fresh green trees. Workers, in long sleeves against the sun, work hard to keep the grounds nice. Of course, they don’t get paid much; I guess the honour is enough. People bringing tributes and saying prayers to King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. For them, his “greatness” is not in question. Thai Buddhists are not necessarily vegetarian; for some reason, many people were offering King Ramkhamhaeng pigs’ heads and feet. Of course, King Ramkhamhaeng is also the recipient of flowers. Karma, an integral part of Hinduism and Buddhism, is another one of those tricky words, and trickier concepts. In Thai, the word for Karma is “kaam” (กรรม), which, if not pronounced correctly becomes a vulgar epithet.
From the Sanskrit, karma can be defined as “the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, deciding their fate in future existences”. In Thailand (and other countries in the region) it is not uncommon to see sparrows crowded into cages outside temples. The idea is that you purchase them and release them into freedom, thus buying good Karma for yourself. At Sukhothai, bags of fish and frogs were available for the same purpose.
Selling Karma: bags of fish and frogs for release back into the wild. Captured spirits looking for release. I find the idea that you can buy “good Karma” somewhat startling, and cannot help but wonder what capturing the birds, fish, and frogs does to the Karma of the collectors!
Wooden bridge leading to Wat Sa Si, Sukhothai Looking through the rough, red laterite at a delicate white buddha. Wat Sa Si. Flanked by pillars: Buddha, Wat Sa Si, Sukhothai. Buddha in Vitarka mudra, symbolising intellectual argument and discussion. Wat Traphang Ngoen, Sukhothai. Back robe detailing: Wat Traphang Ngoen Buddha Remains ~ Wat Traphang Ngoen After a morning of clambering around ruins, we arrived back at Wat Mahathat… … ready for a hot, sweet, stimulant coffee after all that calm.  Beautiful Buddhas, Karma and a Sukhothai king ~
And coffee.
Never mind the inconsistencies; you can’t ask much more than that!
Posted in Architecture,History,Museum,Religious Practice,Thailand,TravelTags: ancient,architecture,Bay of Thailand,blog,buddha,buddhism,buddhist,museum,people,Photo Blog,religion,ruins,Sukhothai,Travel Blog,UNESCO,Ursula Wall
Amazing colours ~ "Amazing Canoeing" ~ Amazing Thailand People can be forgiven for thinking that my husband and I are permanently on holidays.
It is not true! It is just that we spend a lot of time living out of suitcases in interesting locations. Last week, for example, we were living in the lap of four-star luxury on the tropical island of Phuket – thanks to a very special deal that a friend of ours had bought and couldn’t use. But, we spent most of that time tied to our computers. Granted, the fact that it was unseasonably windy and wet – even by rainy season standards – made it easier to stay focussed on work.
Still, we made a point of scheduling some “tourist” time. Monday we took the day off as a reward for diligence, and went on a “Big Boat” trip to the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay. We were incredibly lucky with our timing: the rain was intermittent, rather than incessant, and the seas were calm. For the two to three days following, Phuket was battered by torrential rains and gale-force winds, and we were again pretty much trapped indoors.
Touring in Thailand is much more enjoyable if you prepare for almost anything, turn your brain into neutral, and take what comes. Put your bathers under your clothes, put valuables in waterproof bags and bring your own towels. Don’t be surprised if your transportation is five minutes early or half an hour late. Be ready to hunch up in the front of a van cab, squashed, with your belongings on your lap, between the person at the door and the gear shift, or wedged in the back of a truck with center-facing seating. Stay good humoured when, almost two hours after your stated collection time, you are still faffing about on the pier and your boat is nowhere in sight…
For even on the pier there are people to meet and things to explore.
The guides are smiling as they chat with each other and joke with us - clearly this "hanging-around-time" is built into the plan! Off-season quiet: many shops around the Ao Por pier are closed for the day - or for the season. Muslim Thais of ethnic Malay origins are common in the south. I was amused because the woman in the yellow headscarf had an anti-Thaksin sticker on her hat. I asked them if they were "yellow shirts" - one of the warring protest factions in Thailand - and it was their turn to look surprised. It seems someone had put the sticker on her hat as a joke, and they were wearing yellow because, by the Thai colour system, that is the colour for Monday! Wet bags for sale or rent: "Raining today. Sure!" The hat seller is happy to smile - even though we aren't buying anything. We are used to unusual road signs, and particularly like the one ahead of speed humps warning about "car jump". This one, exhorting us to "Please wear jacket lift" was new! One of the staff keeps an eye on the large group of international tourists heading for the Big Boat. We are not allowed to walk to the boat: we must climb into buses which run us to the end of the pier. Other tourist boats rafted and waiting - it's going to be a busy day on the bay. And we are finally off! Thailand abounds in "unnatural" colours as well as natural ones: Fanta and Coke at the ready Thailand truly is an amazing and colourful place. I’ve visited Ao Phang Nga National Park several times before (always on clear sunny days) and it is unbelievably beautiful. Even in inclement weather, it is impressive. And many of the colours – natural and man-made – still shine through.
The pink tour boat is going to beat us to Panak Island - the largest of the many islands in the Phang Nga Bay National Park. Our crew snooze or chat as we make our way to the islands. Once we are stopped, the boatmen launch the sea kayaks... ... and passengers are assisted in ... ... to be paddled off ... ... to the caves of Koh Panak. Because of the large group, the kayaks went out in two shifts. Once our turn arrived, and we were in our kayak, the winds lifted and the skies opened up. I was very glad my camera was in its water-proof bag, for we looked like drowned rats. My hat went flying into the sea, where I thought it would sink and be lost, but our boatman skilfully brought us around to rescue it, before heading into the dark cave full of bats.
I’ve seen better stalactites, but our boatman was clearly proud of them as he pointed out fancifully-named formations using his head lamp, so we ooh-ed and ah-ed dutifully, snapping bad pictures with our iPhones. At least it was dry, and the bat smell eased off as we paddled further into the cave system.
When we came out, the skies were still gloomy, but the rains had stopped.
The other tourist boats head off before us, across Phang Nga Bay, under continued grey skies. Koh Panak meets the bay. Tourists chat as more Phang Nga Bay islands come into view. Even cloudy skys cannot diminish the beauty of Koh Hong (Room Island). If you see a Thai with a camera, you can be sure you will see your own face on a plate or in a shell frame before the day is finished. Karst mountains ... ... and caves. One of the youngest "boatmen": this paddler is still at school. Meanwhile, in the galley, lunch is being prepared. Kitchen preparation. Lunch is ready! Lunch is a casual affair. As we head towards Khao Phing Kan and Khao Tapu (otherwise known as James Bond Island) the rains set in again. Once on Koh Phing Kan, tourists huddle in the shelter of a cave in plastic raincoats... ... and try to get pictures of the iconic Koh Tapu without getting too wet. A visitor from Brazil watches the islands go by. Like something out of a primeval novel, as we sail towards home, countless red-backed sea eagles fill the skies behind us ~ Eagle-eyed: a Brahminy kite looks for food. As if to highlight the contrasts that Thailand offers up, the amazing sight of a veritable flock of birds of prey was shortly followed by head-pounding music and the “Ladyboy Show”. It was hard to know quite what to make of the performers as they shimmied the poles of the upper deck and gyrated around the room in outlandish wigs.
Taupe pantyhose, black and red g-string and a yellow wig ~ ~ our young worker with the morning clip-board has transformed! And so, we headed home. Amazing Thailand.
Just Amazing.
Posted in Adventure,Nature,Thailand,TravelTags: Bay of Thailand,blog,boating,boats,day trip,National Park,nature,people,Photo Blog,travel,Travel Blog,Ursula Wall,water
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I didn’t notice any improvement in eloquence from my husband – or indeed myself – but I was entranced by the castle site and left it with pink cheeks and a happy heart.
Great photos, funny too!
DX
Thanks, Debbie!
Next year, Umbria. 😉
Ursula a nice report and super photos. Warm greetings Dietmut
Thanks, Dietmut.
I hope you had better weather in June than we did here in Ireland!
lovely and congrats on your two years… have thoroughly enjoyed the posts and look forward to many more.
happy travels.
Thanks, Signe! It’s been great to have your company. 😀
What a great read and awesome pics
Thanks, Gisella!
So glad you liked it! Did you recognise the stone-kisser? 😉