Through the Sandbox Lens

I was going through photos this week and came across this gorgeous shot taken at Prague’s Kampa Island, easily accessible from the Charles Bridge. I spent quite a bit of time on Kampa Island, visiting the museums, the John Lennon Wall, and eating in the restaurants. I would love to go back. Have you visited Kampa Island? What did you think?

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You can view past Through the Sandbox Lens posts here.

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This post is my contribution to Wanderlust Wednesday, hosted by Time Travel Plans.

Adorning my apartment wall is a Burmese puppet purchased from a puppeteer  who performs in his living room at beautiful Inle Lake, Myanmar. “She” is definitely one of my favorite souvenirs from my travels, and at about $5.00US, one of the least expensive, and well within this traveler’s budget. However, I digress; that’s not the reason for this post. Imagine my excitement when I learned that there was an international puppet festival in Chiang Mai on my last weekend in the city. Entitled “Asean Enchanting Puppets 2013”, the festival showcased puppeteers from the ASEAN bloc countries.

The first evening featured Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Who could resist free food and drink, and some great puppeteering, which included Myanmar?  I was there like a dirty shirt, with my camera ready to go. I’m calling this post a tease, because when the semester ever settles down I want to share a whole lot more, including the puppet hanging on my wall. This is one of my favorite shots of the Myanmar puppets. Isn’t he gorgeous?

 (Click on the photo if you would like to see a larger version. )

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If you would like to see more puppet magic, please check out my Flickr photos of the water puppets performing in Ho Chi Minch city taken a few years back.

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Traveler’s Tip

This was a three day event, and was totally free. That included the opening night featuring delicious Thai food and your beverages of choice. That is one of the fabulous things about Chiang Mai. There is always something going on, and quite often these events are complimentary. The key is how to find out about them. First, keep your eyes open. There are often posters around town advertising gallery openings, and other free events. I found out about the puppet festival from a billboard, and they also do some promotion at the weekly walking markets in Chiang Mai. One of the major places to check out is Thapae Gate; one of the main gates to the old city. These events are not always publicized in English, but if you see a stage being erected chances are an event is imminent. Most events start early evening. There are also a few places on the web where you can find out what is happening…

City Life Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai 1

I Love Chiang Mai (Facebook Group)…informal group of travelers and expats in Chiang Mai. This is a great place to ask questions to find out what is going on in the city. 

and finally, chat up other travelers; somebody always knows about something that is happening somewhere in the city!

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Have you ever been enchanted by performing puppets? You can leave a comment below 🙂 

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In case you missed it,  the shot in this post was taken at a “surprise” free event at Chiang Mai’s Thapae Gate.

Hill Tribe Dancer 1

Wat Sri Suphan in Chiang Mai’s silver district boasts a beautiful silver Ubosot that is not to be missed! An Ubosot looks like a temple, but it has a unique function. This is where male monks are ordained. Women are not permitted in the Ubosot. This is probably the only silver ordination hall in Thailand. Having recently gone through a major reconstruction/renovation, which is not quite finished, it simply sparkles. To learn more about Wat Sri Suphan follow the link.

Travelers Tip…

There is almost never a charge to visit a temple in Thailand or Chiang Mai, but donations are always welcome. 

If you missed Through the Sandbox Lens #51…

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The sun rises around 6:40 am in Chiang Mai during the winter. My window looks out onto a temple and a chedi spire. That, combined with the sun, produces some lovely sun rise shots. This mornings sun rise was particularly nice.

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Traveler’s Tip…

If you want some interesting shots of Chiang Mai, get up and out before 7am. just when the city is waking up. You’ll discover early morning food carts, monks doing morning alms, and the temples waking up. AND…it is so peaceful!

Here are some early morning shot that I took last year in Chiang Mai.

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This is my contribution to this week’s Friday Daydreamin’ over at R We There Yet Mom and Photo Friday over at Delicious Baby.

Yesterday I was getting ready to go out, and I could hear what sounded like a parade going down the street. Sure enough, looking out the window I could see flanks of people walking with flags. Grabbing the camera, I walked into the middle of a procession heading towards Thapae Gate. I headed to the gate to find local dancers performing, and booths set up selling goods made by physically and mentally challenged young people and adults. I took quite a few shots of the traditional dancers. This is one of my favorites from the morning; a beautiful young hill tribe dancer in her traditional costume. Don’t you just love the head piece?

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If you missed, Through the Sandbox Lens #49.

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Traveler’s Tip…

Free concerts and performances are common in Chiang Mai. They often happen at Thapae Gate.

Wat Chang Lom (meaning: surrounded by elephants) in the Sukhothai Historical Park (Sukhothai, Thailand). Most of the 32 elephants ringing chedi no longer have trunks, but a couple of them do. This offering was hanging from one of the remaining trunks. I thought it made for a pretty photo.

If you missed Through the Sandbox Lens #48.

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Travel Tip:  This temple is FREE to visit.