Mekor Haim Synagogue in Çanakkale

Originally three Jewish temples were in Çanakkale and now there's only the Mekor Haim synagogue. It was built in 1890, used by the military during WWII, renovated in 1964 and still active today.

Tan stone walls, blue front doors, a red mat. Inviting.

Airy, classic interior and maroon velvet curtains protecting the holy Torah scrolls.

Another view of the main temple room, including the balcony. Women sit upstairs.

And how do the women have to get upstairs? By way of the exterior steps. Tablets, imbedded.

Back out front, the street view of the quirky, corner, circular security gate.

Monkeying Around At Phra Prang Sam Yod

An easy pun title for this blog post. Phra Prang Sam Yod is located in Lopuri, Thailand, also know as a town of monkeys. It's a slight exaggeration, the monkeys are concentrated in a small section of town. Where the monkeys are, there are plenty of them. Trust us, you'll know when you are in monkey town.

Phra Prang Sam Yod is definitely in the middle of monkey town. Zip up your pockets, stow your glasses, watch for monkeys jumping on your back.

The temple. It dates from the 13th century, built by the Khmer empire as Buddhist, converted for a time to Hindu and then back to Buddhist. Elements of both religions are present in the design.

Hello monkeys. They hang out in waves, a big clump of busy fur flowing around the temple.

Oh boy.

Portrait of the monkey guard. The stick comes in handy. Inside the temple, only humans allowed. They've installed thick metal screens and a gate over the openings to keep monkeys outside.

Phra Prang Sam Yod in silhouette.

Wat Phra Singh In Chiang Mai

Anchoring the western part of old town Chiang Mai in Thailand is mighty Wat Phra Singh. It's a whole complex of golden beauties, started way back in 1325.

The main temple, Wihan Luang.

Things get golden out back at the big chedi, stupa. Bling! Back inside of Wihan Luang, it's time for a quick prayer.

Monk hall of fame. Wat Phra Singh must have a rich history of head monks as many of them have been lovingly preserved in wax. Role call.

They know what they're doing in wax, right down to liver spots and original eyeglasses. Too bad you can't be remembered when you were say 42 instead of 82. Donation box section, one for any taste.

Back at the chedi, a gold elephant emerges.

Wandering The Many Wats Of Chiang Mai

It's impossible to visit every Wat in the Chiang Mai area of Thailand unless you're either born or live there. Doesn't mean one can't make a feeble attempt at seeing as many Wats as possible during a few days' visit. Time for a random romp.

Here's Wat Hua Khwang, all buttoned up and neat.

The main chedi is allowed to grow a little nature fuzz, since it's authentically old. Buddha statue, you stay under your protective plastic. Mysterious.

Morning monk services at Wat Phan On.

A little shoutout at the Wat to one of the persons bankrolling the operation. Oh, just in case you couldn't tell, the Wat lets you know the devotee is female. Wherever they get their money, it's being poured like gold into the place.

Moving on, it's the rustic, rural laid back vibe of Wat Mahawan.

Their Buddha is quite the prepared monk-scout, complete with walking stick and trusty umbrella. The stately, whitewashed stupa in morning light.

A regal door at Wat Lamchang.

Big Ol' Borobudur

Asia has a handful of must-see temple complexes and one place that always makes the list is Borobudur in Java, Indonesia. It's easy to understand why: the temple is a behemoth and perfectly restored like a stone cupcake. Time to eat it up.

Sign in at the front desk.

Borobudur does not disappoint. The first six levels are square and heavily carved, each section its own endless corridor of friezes and zig-zag turns.

The star of the show is the top, which consists of three round levels that are dotted with little lattice stupas. Good morning, Borobudur.

Each bell-shaped stupa contains a Buddha statue. They've left a handful of stupas open, for the claustrophobic Buddhas.

The architecture and environment are flawless.

The temple in moody blue, sunrise in the rain. Another angle on a Buddha and the stupas.

Someone communing with Borobudur.

Ku Pueai Noi Near Khon Kaen

There's a lovely Khmer sanctuary a bit south of the Thai city of Khon Kaen. The site consists of three small buildings made of red sandstone. Pueai Noi dates from around 11th, 12th century A.D.

A bit difficult to make out the front entrance at sunset. Yep, it faces east.

Heading in. Various lintels have detailed carvings.

Someone's left a small Ganesh shrine.

Nice late day dapple on the complex.

View from the west, the sandstone glowing in the fading light of day.

A Pilgrimage To The Futarasan-jinja Shrine In Nikko

Nothing like a beautiful shrine from 1619, set in a mystical landscape, to humble a person. Futarasan-jinji is Nikko's oldest structure and it's the protector of the city itself. Oh, and stunning.

The main shrine.

Impressive steps leading to the complex. Roof detail, landscape awe.

Off to the side, a fantasyland of old Japan.

Japanese Ema, prayer tablets. This one depicts the famous local Shin-kyo bridge. Another slice of Nikko environment porn.

Wall of old Sake barrels. Just to mix it up.