Jerry's Travels and Observations: January 2017

Sunday 29 January 2017

::: January 30, 2017 Pattaya Thailand - Khao Chi Chan Buddha (Buddha on the Mountain) and Silver Lake Vineyard

Buddha Mountain is arguably the most splendid religious symbol in Pattaya. What is not arguable is the fact that it is the largest of its kind on the planet. It is found in the picturesque Silverlake area, about six kilometres from Pattaya. The 109 meter tall Buddha image was formed on the side of the mountain to commemorate the King’s 50th year on the throne in 1996. It is quite hard to find any information as to how the image was carved in to the side of the mountain, some say it was carved out by laser in a matter of days, others say the laser was only used to cast a template of the Buddha for the Thai craftsmen who then carved the image with hammer and chisel. After the image of Buddha was carved in to the side of the mountain the gold was inlaid.

Dedication plaque with coins ...

Silver Lake Winery

Silverlake is a large vineyard just a 25 minute drive south from Pattaya and can make a pleasant excursion out of Pattaya for an hour or two. Arrival at the vineyard is made at the reception buildings which have been constructed in a copied french vineyard style. The elevated terrace here gives some nice views over the vineyard and the lake beyond, There is also a vineyard shop here selling grape juice, grape cookies and dried grapes as well of course as Silverlake Vineyard wine (which is quite pricey at 1100 baht per bottle).

Friday 27 January 2017

::: January 28, 2017 Pattaya Thailand - Chinese New Year and Celebration

Again, my trip has coincided with Chinese New Year! The Year of the Rooster.

Special Rooster lanterns

Offerings

Mall celebrating

Bougainvillea

Sunset from the Hilton restaurant...

Thursday 26 January 2017

::: January 26, 2017 Si Racha and Bang Saray Thailand (revisited)

Today, I planned a trip to Si Racha for which the hot sauce is named. Ko Loy Park there contains a turtle sanctuary and temple. What I failed to do was research more ... it appears the causeway is under repair and will reopen in 2018.