July 26, 2017

You every day I think that the next day really can't get any better than the day before, but somehow it does. Today was our free day to do what we wanted so we decided to go to Wat Arun Temple of the Dawn since wwe did not got do the day before. With a stroke of genius on Kaceys part, we decided to take a 45 minute über commute that would cost us a mere $8. Upon arriving we wandering around he Cambodian inspired design of the temple and watched as the Thai natives bustled around us to set up for an event. We happened upon and elaborate temple that was meticulous and gleaming. We embraced our bare feet against the cool marble and entered into the building. Upon entering my eyes settled on the monk performing a blessing. Kacey knelt before him and I leaned into my discomfort, followed suit and I too knelt before him. I sat the listen to the hum of the monks voice drown out the chimes blowing in the breeze as I felt the warm air enter my lungs and my body become enveloped by excitement. It was but moment later that my restless and anxious mind took overe and I got up feeling as though I shouldnt be there. I then proceeded to stand with the tourists to watch him continue the blessing as a sense of regret came over me, knowing I had missed and opportunity of a life time. Not moments later though he began to pray again in which I jumped on the opportunity to join in on this blessing. I kneeled before the monk feeling ground, allowing the earth to support me as I push back on it. Allowing the hum of the prayer resonant through me and thinking about each breath filling my lungs, feeling utterly present in the room. As he sprinkled the holy water over us it sent chills down my spine making me never want to shower again...and you know how I feel about my showers. He then encouraged us to come before as he maticulously tied a white bracelet onto our left wrist with our palms facing up, assuring that he would not touch us as it is not allowed for a monk to touch women. The surreal moment was filled with utter gratitude for the  opportunity to be in that space. We remained in there for a few more minutes allowing myself to feel present in that space. We en proceeded on to visit the vendors outside and spending all of our baht on souvenirs. I finally go the coconut I had been waiting for and oh boy did that bring that child like sense of excitement. Speaking of child like, wee returned to the hotel for a swim and then off to Siam where we would go to the Sea Life Aquarium. I'm pretty sure I just about died as we ran from one exhibit to the next in exciment.  This was hands down one of the coolest aquariums I have every laid my eyes on. There was every thing from tropical fish, to fresh water amazon fish, to the massive shark enclosure. we then ended our night at the neon night market where we got a multitude of delicious treats.