Today is the temple stay. It was a long day of traveling. I really enjoyed the train ride. It was so beautiful, and it reminded me of Studio Ghibli movie. We rode across the whole country in baout 3 hours. It is a small country. My friend said we got up to 170 mph.

At the temple, we had to change our clothes to the attire they provided. It was baggy brown pants and an orange vest It was a sign of humbleness and a giving up of ones belongings. As a group we watched a demonstration of men doing taekwondo. An old man did a head stand; it was very impressive.

After that we had stretching and yoga. It was very relaxing to me. I am a big fan of yoga, so I enjoyed the practice very much. He showed us some positions and when they mean. For instance, hands palms together is a symbol of things coming together to be one, just like all living things. I loved the symbolism. Another important part of the practice was the breathing. Breathe in for up and out for down etc. We learned how to touch our first chakra with yoga and breathing.

After the practice there were optional bows for buddhas 108 prostrations. You had to stand and get on your kneed and bow then stand again 108 time while the monk reads each prostration. I managed to do all of them. It was a great test of mental strength and mindfulness practice.

Dinner was immediately after. It was a vegetarian meal because monks do not eat meat. I am not a huge fan of the lack of protein, though it was pretty good tasting. Other people were more upset at it than I was.

The scheduled day ended with a traditional performance. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

While most people went back to their rooms, my best friend and a couple others stayed back to explore and go on a walk. We ran into these students in a masters program studying real estate. We talked for a while and played wavelength with them. That is the kind of experience you cannot plan, but the most valuable ones. The people met are the best part of every adventure and I am happy to have made friends from different walks of life than I.