Ghostly Monks of Amphawa

I can’t remember if I had my alarm on that particular morning or if something else woke me. All I can remember is that I was half-asleep and half-awake standing on a terrace. For me, early mornings are the best time of the day. No matter how tired I am, I always try to wake up early when I’m traveling.

A mist concealed some of the wooden houses in the distance. It was hot, sticky, and humid.

A closer inspection revealed a distinct orange robe coming into focus. The silhouette turned out to be that of a monk. He was alone at first, but several more arrived just moments after him.

I watched in wonderment as they parked their boats and as groups of people approached them. In exchange for prayers, the locals provided them with food. Hanging loosely on their shoulders were drum-shaped containers used to store food. Every morning, the monks visited the towns, filling up their bags with food, then went back to the temple to share it with the rest.

Sometimes, they walked a considerable amount of distance just to get food. The act of trading goods is so primal that I wonder why it’s not as common today. I found it refreshing how these gentle souls interact with their environment. They moved so gracefully and quietly that just by observing them, I felt a sense of calm.