We have been told that it is nearly blasphemous not to see it when you are here and we figured that we have more than used up our blasphemous cards so we better get up there.
We woke up to find a very clear day, so
by noon we made up our minds that this was the day! We hired a car
to pick us up at 2 pm and bring us back at 6:30. The air conditioned
van was so comfortable compared to our usual songtheaw or tuk tuk!
Once we left the city proper the road
became more and more windy as we reached the top. There were plenty
of traffic going both ways, but our driver seemed to know every inch
of the road.
Upon arrival we chose not to climb the
300 plus stairs to the top but to take the elevator which is more of
an enclosed box on a track. After snapping a few pictures we found
the highest overlook and were afforded with outstanding views.
The tall white building in the center is the Holiday Inn. Our condo next to it on the right.
Carved wooden pillars
Alabaster Buddha
The Chedi houses a relic of The Buddha and is covered in gold plating
Marble Buddha nearly 5 feet tall
As we staked out our spot to wait for the magical evening light we were surprised how many people were
also waiting for sunset. But they didn't know the secret of getting
amazing sunset pictures because just after the sun dipped behind the
mountain 90% of the people left.
We were surprised and happy to catch one of just three fireworks
The time between the actual sunset and
just before dark which is usually 20 to 30 minutes later is when the
color will come out to do it's dance for you. It is truly magical
and you won't be sorry you waited.
While Vince does have photo editing
software he only uses it to sparingly to make pictures more crisp or
lighten some shadows. The photos you see here have not been
retouched. What you see is the natural colors we were privileged to
see from the top of the mountain.
On the way out Vince got a shot of the Chedi as they light it at night. It can be seen glowing from the mountain for miles around.
