Our first attempt in January was cut short by poor planning: although Thai people can just show up unannounced, we arrived to learn that foreigners need advance notice and documentation. But this time we are prepared! I already own the white duds and I've cleared my work schedule for three Internet-free days of blissful enlightenment.
"Ten days," Lian corrects.
"Huh? What happened to three?" I want to know. Turns out that three days might be fine for Thai people, the monks tell her, but my polluted Western brain will require the extra-heavy wash cycle, maybe even a pre-soak. So I'm down for ten.
I know little about what's in store -- why spoil the surprise? -- but from what I've gathered, I'm pretty sure that my favorite day will be the last one. For starters, each day begins with the ringing of the big gong at 4:30 a.m. "Is call to prayers," Lian explains.
"OK, stop right there. I want to be polite, but please understand," I warn. "If anyone tries to tell me 'here's your chant book, now you pray,' there WILL be an awkward moment." She thinks that maybe I can go do some independent study during the Buddha parts.
Also: no meals after 12 (as in noon!), only liquids. So I'll be power-loading on the monk-gruel they serve up at breakfast and lunch, and afterward I'll have my smuggled stash of whatever meal-replacement powders I can find at Rimping Market today.
I should mention, the temple offers this carefree getaway on a donation-only basis ... but no one is giving me a clue as to what would be appropriate. "Up to you," the monks tell her. So, fine -- I'm bringing a one-thousand baht note for each of us. But I'm also bring hundreds and twenties, depending on how blissed-out I'm feeling at the end. Results, guys, show me results!
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