| From Chang Mai we took a bus to Sukhothai. There, we rented bikes from our wonderful hotel, and pedaled around the ruins |
| Sukhothai is noted for its elaborate early brick and stone work |
| The Sukhothai Historical Park is the site of the old capital of the kingdom, dating from the mid-1200's |
| The brick walled city contained numerous monasteries, temples, and monuments |
| Sukhothai was a center for government, art, and religion; now a serene setting for ancient relics |
| A good example of a temple "chedi," in the shape of a lotus blossom on a square base atop a 3-tiered foundation |
| This old monastery, called a "wat," was encircled by a moat, and contained a lotus pond. The flowers were symbols of perfected spirituality and mental purity. |
| Buddha in another one of the 4 classic poses: seated, standing, walking or reclining |
| The statue depicts the "Calling the Earth to Witness" pose, a moment of enlightenment for the Buddha |
| The lotus position of the legs denotes peace, awareness and knowledge |
| The site of the seated Buddha of Sukhothai and the temple ruins |
| By the hand pose, or mudra, of this Buddha, he is offering protection and peace, and dispelling fear |
| Though it was not a drizzly day, the sky was smudged from wood smoke from cooking and heating fires |
| The site of the Standing Buddha of Sukhothai |
| They made and used a lot of bricks |
| Lions stand guard around the rim of this temple |
| Temple details were made of easily shaped tufa or coral limestone rock |
| Portal gates to the temples were made of massive limestone blocks |
| The most intricate silk textiles are still made on the crudest looms, as they have been for centuries |
| A yarn winder to measure yarn and keep it untangled |
| It takes real skill and talent to coordinate shuttles, batten, foot treadles, and heddles |
| The younger generation looks on |