Sanctuary of Truth: Part 2

     As promised, here are more photos I took of the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Thailand. Enjoy!

The epicenter and ceiling of the Sanctuary

With the other tourists. We were all required to wear hard hats because of the ongoing and continuous maintenance and repairing of the Sanctuary - with that much wood, how can it not require so much attention?? 

Looking through one of the windows. :) 

Me wondering what it'd feel like if I have a home as big as this! 

The topmost spire of the structure

Sarah enjoying the sunshine

     And here are some of the photos of me by my friend and travel partner, Sarah. Isn't she creative?? And skilled at finding that perfect lighting! Can you believe these are shot using her Sony Ericsson cellphone? I wouldn't if I wasn't there to personally witness it!

Probably my favorite spot in the premises of the Sanctuary... So serene and beautiful! 

     If I am not mistaken, the Sanctuary of Truth was built as a symbol to remind not just the Thai but all of us, that we are only dust particles in this world. And that together, we are here to create something big - a better picture.

     Look how that symbolism turned out! So pretty. So let's start making this world prettier and stronger by helping each other out.

     Love one another! ♥

     A.

Sanctuary of Truth

     Before I flew to Thailand, I made it a point to research about the possible places and tourist spots that I might visit during my stay there. I wasn't only blessed enough to visit Bangkok (capital city of Thailand) but extra blessed to have had the opportunity to visit Pattaya -- a beach area located in the Eastern part of the country.

     I had no idea where and what was in Pattaya. I never even heard of it until I saw that it was part of our tour package. So then I decided to Google about it... and voila! I came upon a list of 'must-see' places in Pattaya and The Sanctuary of Truth was among the, if not number 1, list.

     Based on the photos I've seen on my Google search and Instagram, I became determined to not go back to the Philippines unless  I see the Sanctuary with my very own eyes! Well... I didn't realize that once I decide on something I really like, I'll really commit to it. What a revelation. Haha.

     Long story short: Sarah and I went there since Riza didn't come with us to Pattaya and she just stayed in Bangkok. Needless to say, this was definitely the highlight of my Pattaya trip... well, one of the highlights. ;)

**photo heavy post!

Look at how intricate the wood carvings are! 

Random tourist taking an elephant ride around the premises of the Sanctuary

I tried to capture ALL the angles and every detail of the beautiful temple

From the foundation to the tips of the roof, EVERYTHING is made up of wood!

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The Sanctuary is located at the edge of a beach... this is the view from one of the windows inside

     This post seems too long and photo heavy already, so I'd just post another one about the Sanctuary. Stay tuned! 

     A. 

Hooray For October!

     It's final! Everything is set for my short vacation on Thailand by the end of this month! ♥ I am so excited! Can you not tell by the many times I've used the exclamation point already??? Hahahaha.

     Yesterday, I've already paid for my hotel accommodations and tours and earlier today, I paid for my plane ticket. If that doesn't suggest that my travel plans are final, then I don't know what is. 

     Last night, as I was booking my plane ticket, I conducted a research regarding the "must-see" spots in Thailand. I got so caught up on it that I managed to fill an entire paper with all the places I want to visit. I refuse to leave that country without seeing such places! So my 5 days of staying there better be filled with plans and tours. 

      I'm so excited that I can't wait for my own photos to upload here and let you all see what I saw! But since I won't be leaving for another 2 weeks, here are the places I want to see in Thailand. 

*All photos are NOT mine

PATTAYA

1. Sanctuary of Truth 

           A temple made entirely out of wood filled with religious artifacts and sculptures made of wood as well. With its gothic look, it's not hard for me to really want to go there. I've always been fascinated with all kinds of temples. This is probably the closest thing to La Sagrada Familia that I can visit... but you'll never know. Someday, I just might get to travel around Europe as well. 

2. Mini Siam and Mini Europe

          Have I not said that maybe someday I'd get to see Europe? Well, apparently I'd get to see some parts of Europe on my trip to Thailand. They have a mini version of the Window of the World in China. Even if I've read quite a number of negative reviews regarding this place, I'd still like to go see it. 

3. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

          I'm not a green thumbed person but I do appreciate the beauty a garden brings to this world of ours. Apparently, I'd get to see yet another part of Europe here... the Stonehenge. Is this place awesome or what? 

4. Wat Yansangwararam 

          Another set of temples that I'd like to visit. I don't know if it's just me who likes seeing the intricate designs of temples or it's just a fact that Thailand is a religious country and that temples really are abundant. Whatever the reason is, I'd like to see this place. 

5. Pattaya Hill

          Based on what I've read and seen on pictures, the hill is a main attraction in Pattaya because it enables one to overlook the amazing beach and coast of the area. Aside from that, there are also some statues (i think) on top of the hill where patrons get to pray. 

6. Ripley's Believe It or Not

          I was quite surprised when I stumbled upon a website that says there is one in Thailand. Looks like I'd be visiting a part of U.S.A through this one. Hahaha. I can't wait to see this museum/exhibit. It's mostly haunted stuff based on what I read. 

7. Underwater World 

          I'd like to see this one too. Although, not so much. But if we get there, I'd be more than willing to go inside and see the ocean creatures. It may just be better (i mean, bigger) than that of Manila Ocean Park. 

     And of course... the main reason and attraction of Pattaya: beach! According to our itinerary, we'd go on a coral reef diving or some sort. Although I cannot swim and I don't want to get a tan, I am willing to experience the beach life in Thailand. Jomtien beach, I'll see you soon! ♥

.....to be continued.....