picking Kai up,
and off to the Thai Temple or Buddhapadipa Temple to give it it's proper name in Wimbledon,
set in 4 acres of ground, to day it was the home of the Loy Krathong ceremony,
stalls were set up,
selling food and drinks,
we had arrived deliberately early,
as parking is always a problem,
but not to worry,
we were here,
along with Linda, Peter and Namfon,
a quick look at some of the food to tempt us,
so much to choose from,
all served,
by happy smiling helpers,
back to the food,
lots on sticks,
it saves on messy fingers!
also many dishes,
where plates are needed,
I started on a walk around,
before it got busy,
some of the stalls in another section,
selling household items,
wicker ware to stone pestle and mortars,
china,
to wooden ornaments,
as well as these,
there was a stall selling fresh foods,
like these banana sprouts,
along with other foodstuffs,
awnings being put up, hopefully it will not rain,
as it happened so far it was bright and sunny,
early morning shoppers already buying a few things,
I made my way,
towards the temple,
at the entrance to it,
one of the lion guards,
and before it on the steps a Buddha image,
not a cloud in the sky,
also here is the retreat,
where the monks stay and devotees can meditate and at certain times of the year use as a retreat,
this memorial I believe details the subscriptions made in the building of the temple,
walking down the steps,
there is an open area with the temple bell,
and some stalls,
like these,
selling Katongs,
here an explanation,
of what takes place,
looking back from the lake to the retreat,
one of the ducks had me down for an early morning feed,
I started to walk along the side of the lake,
the ducks accompanying me, still looking for food I guess,
a lady lighting some candles,
I walked over one of the bridges,
as a few more people arrived,
in a few steps,
I was alone,
looking at the sunlight stream through the trees,
at the side of the temple,
I turned to go back,
over the bridge,
and on the second bridge I disturbed a squirrel,
I followed the pathway,
to a wooded area,
where various statues,
had been left,
I do not know the significance of the stone circle,
a spirit house,
most homes and buildings in Thailand have one, I have been told that it is to house the land spirits that you displaced when you built on the land the spirits inhabited,
another of the many statues,
looking back from the far bridge,
continuing my circular route,
I was back at the showground by the side of the temple,
later this area will be covered with people enjoying the show and having a picnic,
on the steps of the temple one of the ladies dancing in traditional Thai costume,
walking back to the lake,
some krathongs,
had already been launched,
one of the shrines,
by the retreat,
on the steps of the temple,
another dancer,
was performing a Thai classical dance,
to accompanying music,
all very graceful,
as the music ended,
one of the many stalls that will be open later as more visitors arrive,
the girls had been in the temple,
now outside it was time to lite,
the candles,
on their katrongs,
nearly there,
then down to the water's edge,
well a selfie first!
Kai's krathong,
successfully launched,
then Diana's turn,
all set,
and off it went,
this is Diana's made with water lily petals,
Kai's featuring an orchid,
by now there were a few on the lake,
we moved back to the main courtyard,
meeting up with Linda and Peter,
for a few photographs,
along with Namfon,
next Kai, Diana, Linda and Namfon,
time for a tea and a coffee,
whilst the girls were buying some food,
I watched some being prepared,
this is like a mussel omelet,
and this is how it begins,
the main part of the omelet with the mussels is added a hot pan,
eggs added,
then mixed,
when partially cooked it is then moved to a second pan, where it is fully cooked,
Namfon, with what is going to be a shared dish,
eyes down and tuck in!
Namfon, Linda, Peter, Kai and Diana,
I think they all found it delicious!
time for a few selfies,
the stage was now set up,
the ground soon filling,
with visitors, we had spent more than a few hours here so it was time to go,
but as we left what a great surprise,
it was George, who we had last seen in Thailand when we ate at The George,
where we had so many wonderful Sunday lunches,
we caught up with everyone for a last photograph, and then we were off, we dropped Kai off at her home,
then for us a Sunday roast, first a starter of lamb kebab on a salad,
for today beef with gravy for Diana,
sans gravy for myself,
'Cheers!', in the evening Steve and Kai called round, we wanted to sort out dates for our Christmas look at Kew Gardens at night, we went there last year and enjoyed it so much we thought we would go back, we spent the rest of the evening chatting away, after Steve and Kai left we watched one form the Poirot box, I am only making one post today, as it took some time, but all will be back to normal tomorrow, and with that we were off to bed.
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