URBAN DOMAIN 2024

On behalf of all the group members in the Pagoda group, it can be firmly agreed that we all needed a sleep in for the action packed and long day we had. Some of us decided to commit ourselves to gym training. Some did not, and preferred the comfort of the cosy hotel bed. At approximately 8:00, the majority of our group was greeted by a variety of dishes such as fried rice, curry, bacon and waffles for breakfast. Only 45 minutes later did the real adventure begin.
We were met by the beautiful scenery of Thailand’s exotic countryside, and the urban feeling slowly dissipated the closer we got to our destination. We had thought we had arrived at the eco-village, however instead were transferred into two smaller vans and transported down a steep slope to the village. Stepping out of the vans, the home of many of Thailand’s Kayan tribes awaited us. Yawan, our local tour guide for Thailand, briefed us on the four main legends of Thailand’s famous Long neck tribe. 
One such legend depicted the male Kayans placing rings on the female’s neck and legs to claim ownership of them, and to overt the prying eyes of other tribes. After being given the opportunity to walk around, we witnessed serene mountains, beautiful rice fields and unique architecture, quite unlike anything in Australia. Even though the village was a replica, it was able to open our minds to the lives of the citizens of the traditional “Free Land” in South-East Asia.
The lunch experience was something very special. Welcomed by an “all you can eat!” Buffet, our stomachs growled in agreement with what we were thinking after seeing the food. When exploring a little bit more about this particular location, beautiful orchids hung upon pots attached to ceilings. Butterflies fluttered through the exhibition, and sat upon the flowers we had been given. This experience was to only be the first step in the next 306 that awaited us.
Another bus ride followed and suddenly our legs were shaking at the site before us. Looking up, we saw an endless amount of stairs leading up to the Doi Su Thep Temple. The stairs were steep and slow, and the distance from the top made some question whether they could make it. The amount of stairs was worth it however, as we took off our shoes and entered the temple. As our eyes tried to calculate what we were witnessing, our breath was taken away when looking upon the Pagoda. 
The Stupa Pagoda towered over us, and the perimeter was surrounded by what seemed like thousands of intricately decorated Buddhas. The smell of incense circled the temple, and in the distance the sound of bells echoed through the mountain. People crowded through the doors with clicks and flashes of cameras filling the air. The locals had a very different approach, and passionately knelt down at the feet of the four Buddha’s in the corners. In their eyes, they did not just see a tourist attraction; they saw their ticket to enlightenment and rebirth into a better life.
The day was eventually coming to an end. The day’s long journey was rewarded with some time to relax and reflect by the pool. Some of us enjoyed the cool waters, others enjoyed a game of cards. At 7:00pm, we all sat down to eat dinner, and the day finished with a quick trip to the night markets. Today was completely unlike the first two days. It offered us insight into Thailand’s culture, and the people’s relationship with it. The experience we had today excites for what is still to come on our Big Experience.
Tomi Mitchell and Peter Caddaye
Note from Mr Hay: Tomorrow we will journey to a remote hill tribe village. I hope to update the blog tomorrow, however the internet may be temperamental. If the internet does not work in the village, our next post will be on Sat 11 Nov from Chiang Rai.