Buddhism & sexism

There is an assumption that Buddhism is rational, modern and liberal in matters of gender, especially in comparison with Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. But is it? I think not. Here’s why.

What makes a good wat?

We have spent just over three months in southeast Asia. Here they arguably make the most beautiful and impressive places of buddhist worship, whether they are called wats, payas, temples or pagodas. During these months I couldn’t help but become a bit of a wat connoisseur (or wat snob) myself.

Buddhist bollocks

I’m an atheist. I believe that when we die it’s lights out, game over.

Thailand – Worst

It wasn’t all delicious desserts and fun taxi trucks in Thailand (see Thailand – Best). Here are my complaints.

Thailand – Best

I didn’t post much while we were in Thailand – too busy enjoying Thailand – so there’s a lot to cover here. I’ll post separately about the best and worst.

White, black & blue

Even though I was feeling ill in Chiang Rai (much better now, but unfortunately Bernd has it) we soldiered on and hired a driver for a day, to take us to see the sights in the surrounding area.

Thai 7-Elevens

I’ve always thought of 7-Eleven stores as quintessentially American but they are everywhere in Thailand. In fact there are more than 10,000 of them in the country, most of which are in Bangkok. Our Bangkok hotel was within easy walking distance of at least 10 of them.

Flu like symptoms

Being on holiday is very boring when you have a cold. Especially when you’re stuck in your Airbnb with the internet in a tropical country and against your better judgment you google your symptoms, discovering that in addition to malaria and dengue fever, swine flu and bird flu are still a “thing” here (who knew?)

Elephant sanctuary

In Chiang Mai we spent a day at an elephant sanctuary, where elephants have been rescued (bought with government assistance) from a life of hard labour and cruelty. Most have visible signs of abuse such as cuts, missing tusks and even holes punched in their ears, where they were previously chained to a tree.

One of those days

Today has been one of those days. A day when just going outside is an exercise in extreme annoyance.