Good morning! I am going to try to put up some more photos before going to the gym this morning (I had two dinners last night at Grandma's. Grandma 2, the cook, forgot to leave the squid out of Dr. Snyder's fried rice dish, so I HAD to eat it. Don't feel bad for old Tim that was already his second order and he then did move on to one of Grandma's famous grilled cheese sandwiches). But I digress. It takes a very long time to download these photos, so be patient. I will try to get some more up later in the day (if I don't fall into one of the canals!)
When you arrive on the Suvarnibhum campus you first encounter a human-made lake with a symbolic wat or temple. I am told it is traditional in Thailand to have such a structure at all universities and the one at Suvarnibhum is exquisite and it is one of strongest Thai elements on a campus that is very European in design (The Brothers of Saint Gabriel, although a very international community, were founded in France by Saint Louis de Monfort in the early 18th century). Although not used for Buddhist liturgies, the temple is very peaceful and so the students do use it for some quiet time. This photo was taken by Dr. Tim (as he is frequently called at the University) from the roof of the Cathedral of Learning.
These two young women are studying for their finals in the temple. In another corner a young couple was enjoying each other's company. We thought it best not to trouble them for a photo.
Speaking of studying. Even though it is final exam time the library is virtually empty. When Brother Bancha brought us through the library facility (five beautiful and well-equipped floors in the Cathedral of Learning), he said in a matter-of-fact manner, "Of course it is finals time so the students do not come to the library." I explained that the Loyola/Notre Dame Library is jammed during finals time and learned that Asian students use this time for group study.
It is probably good for you to realize the limits of my technological expertise! I had the mistaken belief that this photo would not appear sideways on this post. In any case, it is a great photo of Dr. Snyder--pre-King shirt--in the temple. I thought that his spouse would like it.
It has taken over an hour to write this entry. I will try to post some more photos are my gruelling work out and healthy breakfast.
Take care, Father Linnane
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