A mystical afternoon

The museum at King Narai palace in Lopburi closes at half past four. We were late. But the ruins outside the inner palace gate was perfect for the time we arrived, less than thirty minutes to five. Sunset was approaching, the early birds were leaving. We were among the few who loitered behind. We couldn't have chosen a more wondrous time to be there. I have noticed it in our previous visit to the ruins of the french ambassador's mansion on the other side of this historical town: a resident mystique envelopes relics of the past, especially those that enjoyed splendor in their day. When it's not disturbed by the sounds of present reality, it is magical.

We explored in peace. I wondered if these gates were as huge as those mammoth elephants I saw on encyclopedias as a kid. Behind me are the elephant stables.

Trying to get an idea of what was in store the next day, I peeped through the slit. I managed outlines of edifices even bigger than the skeletal remains standing on the outer grounds, still proud.

A hymn played in my head, the shadows lengthen as the sun hurried west.

Waxing meditative is easy when ruins speak to you

Electric bulbs are placed in lower corners. How do you imagine these ruins when they are aglow with lights? It made me wish out loud, I want a wedding here... :) Float lotuses on the pond, play a lace-adorned grand and my appetite for forensics and archeology is mentally well-fed.

Ebie and Arlene host Our Weekend Memoirs