Today I decided to do the quintessential tourist thing…postcards. My personal tiny twist is I like to go pick out a few postcards for the area, which, of course, always showcase the most beautiful and/or recognizable touristy spots and THEN I go visit them. It’s my own little 50-cent tour guide. So instead of the lovely depiction of the botanic garden, I instead grabbed the first unrecognizable image and flipped it over to ensure that it was, indeed, in Singapore. I flashed the card to the nearest taxi driver and he said “Chinatown”.

 

As with any postcard, this image would either showcase an unbelievably amazing once in a lifetime moment that only a paid photographer would have privy too, or it would fall dismally short of capturing the energy and presence of the true place. Considering what I had witnessed so far from this larger than life urban metropolis, I feared the former. As I approached the street corner of the “Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’ I knew I had underestimated the magic within this city/country once again.

I was just in time for ceremony and I was welcomed in lovingly. This temple is half spiritual practice and half museum allowing tourists to wonder around the ornate perimeter throughout ceremonies as well as between.

The main hall was covered from floor to ceiling with amazing statues and ornate design.  Each floor gave way to a rich expansive museum coexisting with quiet prayer areas throughout where both locals and travelers can find their moments of peace.

The 5 stories to the temple rose high into the city sky with the top being an open roof garden complete with prayer areas, fountains, and the largest prayer wheel in the world.

The temple and the kind people who resided there offered me, and every wary heavyhearted traveler, respite, a sense of compassion, and a moment to truly remember to breathe.  Like the gardens of yesterday morning, this place will remain with me and remind me that there is beauty everywhere…you simply have to remember that you see what it is you look for.