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Weekend Snapshot: The AIDS Temple (Lopburi I)

It is sometimes referred to as the AIDS Museum, I tend to call it AIDS Temple. Descriptively it is a buddhist hospice for AIDS patients, the largest one in Thailand. Three of us, a friend, my son and I paid Wat (temple) Phrabat Nampu in Lopburi a visit last weekend. As it is where people with AIDS go to to die, most of what we saw are not exactly the ones I'm in a hurry to show off. But if you are curious, you may want to click on a post I did days ago. Anyway, on with shots that I don't think will give anyone a coronary:

100 steps to the wat


After the climb this is where you arrive at

"View from the top" - those are bare cornfields visitors pass by on their way to the temple

Side view of the Life Museum which ironically displays mummies

A usual sight around Thai temples

Bone sculptures

The temple bell

Life is beautiful. Most of us would prefer that of course. AIDS is also real.

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Comments

Anonymous said…
what a nice place
26 April 2009 at 06:59
Hazel said…
that's rather nicely odd mmm....
26 April 2009 at 09:06
Karen said…
It's so wonderful. Hope to visit that place someday.
26 April 2009 at 23:06
Enchie said…
fascinating...looks like an enchanting place. Very peaceful, and the color red is very inviting to the eyes.
26 April 2009 at 23:13
Ebie said…
I have always admired their Architecture. And that's a lot of steps to climb(Huff & Puff). But I think, the price is so rewarding when you get to the top.
27 April 2009 at 00:21
Willa said…
i want to try the 100 steps, that's a great excercise! :)
27 April 2009 at 00:57
Juliana said…
Wow...looks great place to visit.

My WS entry this week : in HERE. I hope you have time to visit. Thanks
27 April 2009 at 01:44
Carver said…
What a beautiful place and for such an important service to those with AIDS in need of hospice care. Great post.
27 April 2009 at 08:23
Bella Sweet Cakes said…
Looks peaceful and solemn place ....
Mine is here http://whenmomtalks.com/2009/04/weekend-nature-trip.html
27 April 2009 at 10:23
Dora said…
100 steps? Think my legs will ache when i reach the top! ;p
27 April 2009 at 10:33
Anonymous said…
Beautiful photos and gorgeous colors.
mine is here
http://aguthrieimages.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/weekend-snapshotvasquez-rocks-natural-area-nature-center/
27 April 2009 at 12:57
Hazel said…
@Karen and Juliana, try visiting! I can guarantee it's very interesting in there, albeit sad, but lots of education to experience.

@Enchie, peaceful is one fitting adjective for the place. And for the patients, I like to think they find inner peace before they leave this earth.

@Ebie, yeah long climb indeed. They keep the ashes of AIDS patients who died at the hospice in the shrine, so it's not just beauty on the outside that you see. You can also ponder on life while getting over the huff and puff, as you said :)

@Willa, I like the way you see what you can get for the climb. Very positive!

@Carver, I admit the place really sent my emotions flying in every direction. The visit made me appreciate life (mine at least) more.

@Dora, keep the legs on flat ground then ;p
27 April 2009 at 14:33
marites1034 said…
What a beautiful place and it's good to know that people who are suffering from this dreaded place have this place to turn to.

My WS entry is up too.
27 April 2009 at 14:53
SASSY MOM said…
That's a lovely temple. Love the architecture.
Looks like anyone who will visit will have a good cardio exercise. Mine is here.
27 April 2009 at 14:53
khitara said…
Nice place. I wonder when will I visit a place like that. :)
27 April 2009 at 14:57
Unknown said…
beautiful photos you have! it's a lovely place to spend your last days when you're sick.:D
27 April 2009 at 16:18
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