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juwelenstaat · 5 years

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inter-chapter meta

an inter-chapter ramble on foils, Phosphophyllite, the seventh treasure, the self, and Ichikawa’s story-telling (and a prediction as to where she’s taking Houseki no Kuni) : all below the cut.

(This is so incredibly a ramble, my apologies in advance.)

I think the narrative of houseki no kuni has finally hit the point where the Buddhist interpretations and influences on the text have surpassed the rich content of the first thirty chapters. Ichikawa has built her story, which, in all honesty, I’m much more comfortable calling a canon, in an incredibly poignant manner. Her idea of story-telling and her manipulation of Western-dominant literary themes, most notably the foil, is simply extraordinary in houseki no kuni. There is a lot of religious symbolism and, more importantly, worldview in houseki no kuni that a lot of the fandom has picked up on. Images of the lotus flower, lotus pod, the seven treasures, the six/seven stars, the role of suffering and of Samsara and change are all prevalent in fandom meta theories by now. However, for Ichikawa’s storytelling, houseki no kuni is dependent most of all on the theory of the self.

Phosphophyllite, of course, is the most obvious illustration of how the perception of the self and how clinging to said perception of the self is the root cause for suffering. Their desire to change through their body parts and through their acquisition of knowledge surpasses any of the other gems, and their ability to accomplish these desires only to be left even more estranged than before perfectly demonstrates Buddhist ideology.

However, Phosphophyllite is not the only showcase of this notion of the self. Ichikawa has made the conscious decision in houseki no kuni to take the task of establishing nearly every character as a foil of multiple other characters. To be honest, it’s astonishing ; very, very few authors dare to attempt this, let alone accomplish this. Ichikawa has a deep-rooted knowledge in how to make an audience ache through large landscapes, minimalist dialogue, and empty panels. This is present in nearly all of her works ; what comes to mind immediately are panels from Insect Song and her short story on lightning (which I’m forgetting the name of). But in houseki no kuni, Ichikawa goes further to integrate every single character into multiple sides of the same die.

The web that is the linking of foils in houseki no kuni allows the reader to understand distinctly the consciousness of being trapped. Lapis Lazuli is a foil of Euclase, of Ghost Quartz and Cairngorm, of Phosphophyllite, and of Alexandrite. Euclase is a foil to Padparadscha, Phosphophyllite, Yellow Diamond, and Lapis Lazuli. Diamond foils Zircon, Bort, Phosphophyllite, Yellow Diamond, and Cinnabar. All of these characters are intensely interconnected in the quality that they all are parallel – but with a key difference.

A good illustration of ‘what makes characters foils in houseki no kuni is found in my absolute favorite pair of Yellow Diamond and Phosphophyllite. The eldest and the youngest gems ; one of the hardest and one of the weakest. And yet, what do they share? They both share a deeply rooted depression over their effect on society, though this stems from opposite angles. Their main source of strength, initially, stems from their speed, and this is also the root of their anxiety for some time. In fact, many of Phosphophyllite’s earlier panels on strength seem to be debunked by Yellow Diamond themself when lamenting the uselessness of their speed in defending others (note how Phosphophyllite wishes to use this new-found speed to defend others and then fails). When Phosphophyllite gains their gold-platinum alloy arms, their speed is reduced to the point where it does not help them at all in saving Antarcticite, and, thus, Yellow Diamond and Phosphophyllite are losing partners for the same exact reasons. It’s further reinforced several times throughout the manga by involving Yellow Diamond and Phosphophyllite as a pair (Yellow finding Phos in the forest, Yellow being the main figure running after Phos when Phos is taken by the Lunarians, Phos speaking to Yellow by the flowers, Yellow putting all of their trust in Phos and, then, losing all of that trust).

It is this writing exactly that allows the reader to fully understand that the sense of self in houseki no kuni is not limited to the bodies of individual characters. Yellow Diamond’s reclusive depression in these late chapters is only showing the audience Phosphophyllite’s own spiritual death. Amethyst, Diamond, Benitoite, and Alexandrite’s success within moon society only serves to enhance how long it’s been since Phosphophyllite was ever considered part of a community. When we see Bort’s long hair gone, we are forcefully reminded that this is no longer Diamond’s partner, that this is no longer Phosphophyllite’s old ‘rival,’ but a direct consequence of every action that’s been taken within the plot.

In Buddhism in the general, the sense of the self is the existence which forces suffering. And while most ‘direct’ Buddhist beliefs rarely have weight when translated into literature, Ichikawa has taken great strides to underline the boundaries of what the self is within her own literature.

Which leads us to the seventh treasure.

Phosphophyllite is, obviously, no longer their pure body but an aggregate of several different minerals and gemstones into a single form. Their sense of self has been questioned repeatedly through the loss of memory and their acquisition of new personalities. I think the next chapter will most certainly show us that Red Diamond is the seventh treasure (although I’m so fucking ready to put on my clown shoes if my fifteen-chapters-old theory fails me). It makes almost perfect sense to have the first gem reunite with one of the last gems : the true elder with the true youth ; foiled by their intense kindness that, for Red Diamond, lasted until death and, for Phosphophyllite, was manipulated into desperation.

Phosphophyllite only has two options anymore. Their first option is to lose everything that once made them Phosphophyllite : to lose the self, and then not suffer anymore. The second option, and one that I think Ichikawa will embrace, is that Phosphophyllite will gain Red Diamond and become that kind gem that they once were. Ichikawa has had no issue returning Phosphophyllite to old locations or old mindsets as a form of plot foil. Her fondness for recurring panels only emphasize how far Phosphophyllite has really gone. If Phosphophyllite lying in the grass tells us how far Phosphophyllite has gone between the grass of chapter 1 and the grass after the moon-earth gem battle, imagine how much the narrative will tell us by having Phosphophyllite once again be cheerful.

As for how this whole thing ends, I’m really expecting Ichikawa to have all of the gems, Lunarians, and Admirabilis taken out by Adamant’s prayer. All of her other works involve the ‘lively’ characters dying and leaving a single, authoritative figure alone to ruminate on all that has transpired. In her short story on lightning, lightning is left alone at the end to ruminate over the death of the boy he had tried to save. In her short story on the young plant girl, the two men are left to ruminate on what they have done to the girl. In Insect Song, the elder brother is left to ruminate on the deaths of all of his siblings. In her short story on the interplanet colony, the robot is left to ruminate on her manipulation of another girl. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if houseki no kuni takes Ichikawa’s favored end and leaves the audience with Adamant alone and ruminating on everything that the gems had gone through on behalf of the other species.

#one person made this fucking art of phos having half of their face as lapis and half as red diamond and ngl #ngl that lit me on fucking fire to see phos become a physically-evident foil of euclase #houseki no kuni #text #phosphophyllite #red diamond

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iplanetblogs-blog · 5 years

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The Gulf of Siam Thailand-Your Tropical isle Hopping Journey Honeymoon vacation Location

Ever seen the video, The Beachfront? Idyllic beach locations, perfect seas and unending venture: the chain of isles inside the Gulf of Siam is the ideal spot for a sizzling-hot honeymoon, intimate but in addition adrenaline working.

Come getaway preparing, measure the many pros (all goods mentioned above) and downsides (costly airline flight, very long air travel) and you'll see that the benefits definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Lazing about on hammocks looking over this type of water, island hopping and forest trekking a la Leonardo DiCaprio inside the Seashore is the best fit for venture-getaway seekers.

The islands of Koh Chang on the east of the gulf, and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui on the west, are all within short and easy bus or train routes from Bangkok. On these small islands you'll find anything from beautiful, quiet shorelines, noisy and un-stopping complete moon parties, 5 star high end lodges, fairly sweet and uncomplicated cabanas, and also every h2o adventure imaginable.

Here is a two-week journey-getaway itinerary from Thailand's capital, Bangkok Town, to the main islands from the Gulf of Siam.

Below is the 14 Days Plan for Your Island Hopping tours Thailand Adventure:

Day 1:

Reach Bangkok international airport from the afternoon and go on a cab for the very affordable Amari Boulevard Shop Accommodation inside the center from the professional section (consult with your local travel agent, since this luxury shop hotel often hosts package deal handles Thai Airlines.)

After unpacking as well as a quick lunch or dinner of Cushion pineapple and Thai fruit juice for 60 baht (about 2 US dollars - makes up to the pricey airline flight! ), walk across the major strip from the place, loaded with souvenir and traditional gift shops. Back in the resort, reserve a very inexpensive carefully guided visit of your metropolis for the next working day. Then go out to the web café/travel book and outlets a shuttle vacation, about an hour eastern side, towards the tropical isle of Koh Chang.

Day 2:

After a young breakfast time inside the hotel diner, climb up aboard the bus around 8: 30 from the expertise and day the vibrancy of the area: the tuk-tuks tugging people over the road, blossom marketplaces with buckets loaded with clean blossoms and lovely Thai silk dresses.

On the visit, you will definately get to find out a number of the city's favorite scenery: the Fantastic Palace of Siam, Wat Pho Temple, as well as the famous Reclining Buddha (that also can make an look in the video, The Seashore).

Day 3:

Climb early on and find the coach to Koh Chang Tropical island. It is actually about 1 hour ride throughout the wonderful country. From Trat, you'll require a wonderful ferry journey on the normal water for the island.

After disembarking the ferry, hitch a ride on a friendly truck to Magic Resort - a family run resort with private cabanas and honeymoon suites right on the beach. The on-web site restaurant will serve scrumptious meals - natural curries, mango salads, spicy fish mix-fry.

Day 4:

Fulfill your hosts: Nong, the community fisherman, Neng, the small town Elvis (referred to as for his wonderful karaoke performing), and Henry - a part time expat from Germany who lives in the vacation resort a few months from the 12 months and is the English translator for your loved ones. They may be a riot.

Day 5, 6:

Still right here. You won't would like to keep. After singing karaoke, you have been to each of the area thatched-roof top pubs, ridden on elephants in the jungle and viewed villagers touch the rubber trees and shrubs.

You've peaceful about the breathtaking bright white sands from the beachfront and read many books from protect to pay for, or you've meditated about the h2o, seeing monks glide over the yellow sand inside their saffron robes. You're sitting beside the one you love, inquiring, "Is that this a honeymoon vacation? Or a fantasy? "

Day 7:

Returning to Bangkok. From there book a workout to the tropical isle of Koh Samui. It is possible to capture a comfortable coach or possibly a local flight to help you stretch out your thighs and legs, even though a lengthier ride.

Day 8:

You happen to be in Koh Samui, being at the high quality Amari Palm Reef Resort. It is here, using the unrivaled view of beaches, 2 pools, and hot tub services which you will delight in the intimate "honeymoon vacation" point from the journey (in the event you haven't presently! ) Wonderful palm-fringed, hilly landscapes, Cheweng Beachfront nearby, and merely minutes or so from Wat Prha Yai, home of your sitting Golden Buddha. Hire a scooter and trip round the isle. The scenery is wilderness.

Day 9:

Still in the pool area. You only can't depart.

Day 10 and 11:

Acquiring a little bit bored stiff? Catch a ferry over to another tropical island about 30 minutes north to Koh Phangan - rumored to get the recording website for The Seaside. Here you are able to snorkel the serious oceans and living room in hammocks in the daytime. Love a seaside Thai massage therapy for 6 US bucks. Then become a member of the Fifty percent Moon or Whole Moon party through the night.

Day 12 and 13:

Another quick ferry drive north goes to Koh Tao. This can be the favorite tropical island for most journey honeymooners because of its unspoiled splendor. The surfaces is hilly, a bit more challenging for your scooter to navigate, but much less touristy.

It is actually a great diving and snorkeling location and also boasts some terrific places for rock-climbers (all of the items for these adventure sporting activities are plentiful from rentals in the isle.)

Day 14:

To the big area by teach. After your final authentic Thai dinner, find a cab straight back to the airport. In the plane, prepare a strategy for when you'll after that profit for an extended stay.

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fadingfartconnoisseur · 7 years

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25 Awesome Things to Do in Thailand

There are so many things to do in Thailand, you could spend a lifetime there and just barely scratch the surface. It is a dream destination for many travelers, and for good reason. The Kingdom of Smiles checks so many boxes that make it an excellent destination for all types of travelers.

You’ll find bustling cities, sandy beaches, lush jungles, and ruins of ancient kingdoms. The cuisine is some of the best in the world, and the nightlife is the stuff of legends. Your money goes far here, ensuring a great trip without breaking the bank.

The only problem with planning a trip to Thailand is that there are so many things to do. To make your life a bit easier and to show you just how awesome a country it is, here are 25 things to do in Thailand.

1. Temple Hopping in Bangkok

Let’s start out with the most sacred site in the entire country. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the grandest and most important temple in Thailand. It’s believed that the Emerald Buddha was found after lightning struck a temple in Chiang Rai way back in 1434.

The sacred figurine had quite the journey over the centuries, eventually ending up in the newly constructed temple in Bangkok in 1784. Only the King of Thailand can touch the image, and he does so three times a year during important ceremonies.

The stunning Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

In addition to Wat Phra Kaew, you should also be sure to check out Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). It’s easy to visit all three in one busy day if you’re motivated. Take a lunch break down by the Chao Phraya River to break it up in the middle, and then relax in the large Sanam Luang park when you’re all finished.

2. Ride the 1,864 Curves of the Mae Hong Son Loop

If it’s an adventure that you seek, head to the north and rent some wheels to tackle this famed loop. It’s said that there are 1,864 curves in the road that takes you from Chiang Mai through a few other towns and back, but you’ll probably lose track trying to count them. Along the way, you can stop off in a national park and scenic small towns for hiking, hot springs, caves, and so much more.

It’s possible to travel the MHS loop by public transport, but just be ready for locals who can’t handle the many curves to be constantly losing their lunch. You’re much better off riding your own bike, as intimidating as the roads may be. Bikes and maps are readily available in Chiang Mai. This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Thailand!

3. Party on Ko Pha-Ngan

You’ve probably heard of the Full Moon Party that goes down every month, but that’s not the only shindig on this Thai island. In addition to the monthly lunacy of Full Moon, there’s also the Jungle Experience. It’s a much smaller, chilled out affair, but it’s tons of fun. Where else will you watch a DJ spin out of a neon-lit cheetah head?

The island also hosts half and new moon gatherings and a waterfall party, so if you stay for a few days you’ll probably catch one. Of course, you’ll also find a wide range of bars around the island for those nights when a party isn’t going on.

4. Jungle Trekking

While traveling in the north, you’ve got plenty of options for great multi-day treks into the jungle. On a 3-day trip out of Chiang Mai, you can swim in waterfalls, hike to epic temples, sleep in remote villages, and do a bit of cliff diving.

Home for the night on a 3-day trek.

You’ll also learn a lot about the Thai jungle and the plants and animals that call it home. It’s a great break from the busy tourist centers and a chance to disconnect from the modern world for a short while.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Shopping is one of the top things to do in Thailand. This Bangkok market is the largest in the country and one of the biggest in the world. It’s like being inside the Internet, as you can literally find everything here. There are thousands upon thousands of stalls that are supposedly organized into 27 categories. It’s also quite popular, attracting over 200,000 visitors a day.

Wandering around the maze-like structure, you’re sure to get lost. That’s half the fun, though! Bring your camera and your best bargaining skills and you’ll have an awesome time. I personally hate shopping and absolutely love visiting Chatuchak.

6. Fall in Love With Pai

Whether or not you ride the Mae Hong Son loop, you should definitely pay a visit to the town of Pai. This little hippie town is in a beautiful corner of Thailand with lots to do. You can play in waterfalls, hike in a canyon, and soak in hot springs all within a half-hour motorbike ride.

Back in town, there’s an awesome night market, several art galleries, great cafes, and plenty of bars for some fun after dark. Check to see if the monthly art & music party is going on when you visit, it’s tons of fun.

7. Eat All the Foods

One of the best things to do in Thailand is sample the local cuisine. There’s a reason why Thai food is famous all around the world, and there’s nothing like the real thing. Whether it’s khao soi from a street vendor or a fancy Bangkok restaurant, it’s all mouth-wateringly delicious.

A yummy bowl of khao soi.

8. Scuba Dive on Ko Tao

If you’re not already scuba certified, the island of Ko Tao is one of the best places in the world to get certified. There are tons of dive centers here offering a wide range of courses, and the competition ensures good quality and low prices.

Unlike other places where you’ll train in a pool, you can actually get out in the ocean to practice the basics here. After a few days, you’ll have your certificate in hand and be ready to explore the other 70% of the planet.

9. Watch a Ladyboy Cabaret Show

There are a lot of shows you can see in Thailand. Some of them are classy, while some are anything but. A ladyboy cabaret show falls somewhere in the middle. At the very least, it’s a good time and one of the more unique things to do in Thailand. Plus, it makes for a good story when you get back home.

10. Get Wet and Wild During Songkran

Thai people like to have a good time, plain and simple. If something is not sanuk (fun), then it’s not worth doing. This attitude really shines through during Songkran, the Thai New Year. Joining in the party is hands down one of the best things to do in Thailand.

Songkran is a massive party.

While the first two days are about visiting family, going to temples, and making merit, the third day is a massive water fight and a raging party. It happens every year from April 13-15, with the biggest celebrations taking place in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

11. Participate in a Buddhist Holiday

In Thailand, around 95% of the population is Buddhist. To understand the importance of Buddhism in Thai culture, try to be in the country during one of the major Buddhist holidays. There are several throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar.

Join the crowds and head to the biggest temple wherever you are. Thai people are very welcoming and are happy to have you there. Just be sure to dress and act appropriately. No flip-flops and singlets in the temple, folks.

12. Go Rock Climbing in Railay

The province of Krabi is home to tons of majestic karst mountains. The beach towns of Railay and Tonsai are somewhat of a climbing Mecca, with hundreds of routes to choose from. If you’re a beginner, there are schools where you can train using a wall first.

When it comes to choosing where to stay over here, Railay is a bit more upscale and touristy. Tonsai is a backpacker hotspot with plenty of budget accommodation so you can spend more money on enjoying the climbing.

13. Visit the Heaven and Hell of Architecture

Near the northern city of Chiang Rai, you can visit heaven and hell in a single day. First up is the White Temple, which is the brainchild of a famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. There are thousands of temples in Thailand, but none quite like this one. Come here to see how Neo from “The Matrix,” Hello Kitty, and George W. Bush fit into a Buddhist temple.

The dreamlike White Temple.

On the other side of town, you’ll find the Black House. Built by another artist (the late Thawan Duchanee), this complex is now a museum of his various collections. We’re not talking about Persian rugs and fine China here. Instead, you’ll see plenty of animal fur, skins, bones, and teeth. It’s creepy, but awesome.

14. Try a Fish Spa

Ever wondered what it feels like to have hundreds of tiny fish eat all the dead skin off your feet? You’re in luck, because so-called “fish spas” are plentiful in Thailand. Grab an ice cold Chang beer and enjoy the silly experience. On the one occasion where I tried it, I couldn’t stop laughing the entire time.

15. See or Train in Muay Thai

Martial arts are a big deal in Asia. China has kung-fu, Japan has karate, and Thailand has Muay Thai. This style of kickboxing is Thailand’s national sport, and it has been around for thousands of years. It’s often called the “Science of Eight Limbs” because of the many ways you can attack.

There are plenty of places to catch an evening of Muay Thai bouts around the country. You can even join a program to train in Muay Thai if you’re looking to get in the ring. It’s one way to work off all that pad Thai and mango with sticky rice you’ve eaten.

16. Explore Ko Tarutao National Park

Thailand is such a popular destination that it’s hard to imagine there are still places where you can find a totally empty beach. Welcome to Ko Tarutao National Park! This island in the far south was once a prison (crocodiles and sharks ensured prisoners didn’t try to escape), but it’s now a hotspot for adventure.

An empty beach… in Thailand?!

Spend a few days here cycling, hiking, and spotting wildlife. You can also take a boat ride through the mangroves to explore a cave. It’s the best place to have a Robinson Crusoe-esque trip in Thailand.

17. Cycle Around an Ancient Kingdom

History and culture buffs should be sure to include a visit to one of Thailand’s two ancient kingdoms on their itinerary. You can choose between Ayutthaya or Sukhothai, or just check out both! Rent a bicycle and spend a day cycling around the ruins of once grand palaces and temples.

It’s possible to do Ayutthaya on a day trip from Bangkok, but you’ll probably want to spend at least a night in the area if you choose to visit Sukhothai. Whichever you choose, this is one of the best things to do in Thailand.

18. Take a Cooking Class

After eating nothing but delicious, authentic Thai food, it will be hard to go back to your bland old comfort food. Why not take a cooking class and learn how to make classic Thai dishes yourself?

In tourist hubs like Phuket and Chiang Mai, you’ve got tons of options for a culinary course. Learn to whip up some papaya salad or Massaman curry and throw a Thai dinner party when you get home.

19. Stay in a Luxury Villa

Hostels are great and all, but sometimes you just need to feel like you’re on vacation. Thanks to sites like Airbnb and VRBO, it’s possible to rent your very own luxury villa on the Thai islands for about the same price as a night in a major hotel chain.

Grab a bottle of Sangsom rum and a coconut to fix up my personal favorite vacation beverage, a coco-rum-onut. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your own private pool with a good book. Save the dorm rooms for the cities.

20. Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants are an important part of Thai culture. They even named their most famous beer after them! Enjoy a great day out while helping to protect these magnificent creatures by volunteering at an elephant sanctuary for the day.

Kisses from a pachyderm.

Unfortunately, many of the tourist focussed elephant camps in Thailand have extremely poor records of animal welfare, and elephant rides and shows are still relatively common. However, by visiting an elephant sanctuary you’ll get to see these beautiful beasts up close while bathing and feeding them, and be lending a helping hand to the preservation efforts at the same time.

21. Poi Show + Buckets

If you’re traveling on a Thai island, chances are you’ll end up at a bar that serves drinks in beach buckets and has a fire-spinning poi show. Sure, it’s a bit cliched at this point, but when in Rome, right? You never know when you’ll catch a poi spinner who absolutely blows your mind, and it’s a fun night out either way.

22. Fly Through the Jungle

For an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled day, try one of the zipline courses outside of Chiang Mai. You’ll spend a few hours flying through the jungle on various ziplines, walking across sky bridges or abseiling between them. Chances are you’ll also get hilarious guides who show off their fearlessness on the course.

23. Ride in a Tuk-Tuk

No trip to Thailand would be complete without a tuk-tuk ride. These colorful three-wheeled taxis are ubiquitous in Bangkok, and they make for quite the thrill ride. Be sure to bargain on the fare, and then hold on for dear life as you zip through the city’s intense traffic.

Speed across Bangkok in one of these bad boys.

It’s also possible to arrange for a tuk-tuk driver to take you on a tour. Hiring one driver for a day or a few hours is a great way to pack a lot of sightseeing into a short time period, and it’s the most uniquely Thai way to travel around.

24. Experience Bangkok’s Nightlife

For night owls, there’s no place quite like BKK. Pound cheap drinks with other backpackers on the infamous Khao San Road. Sip craft cocktails on a fancy rooftop. Hang out with expats at the popular Cheap Charlie’s before taking in some live music at Bangkok Beat. Order a beer from an old VW microbus that’s been converted into a bar. The world is your oyster come nightfall in Bangkok.

25. Take the Slow Boat to Laos

When your Thailand trip comes to a close, why not keep the journey rolling into neighboring Laos? The 2-day slow boat ride along the mighty Mekong River is incredibly scenic and sure beats cramming onto a budget airline. Cruise into Luang Prabang and start a whole new adventure.

We’re just getting started with all the incredible things to do in Thailand. There’s so much going on here that you’ll definitely want to maximize your stay. Many nationalities are granted 30 days on arrival, so why not just go ahead and spend an awesome month in Thailand? Chances are you’ll be left wanting more even if you do that, as Thailand is the travel gift that keeps on giving.

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