Snake stairs
(Naga scales at Doi Suthep Temple: Chiang Mai, Thailand)
The Naga are the serpent protectors of Buddhist temples in Thailand and these were the longest pair we saw in my time there. The snakes run down the entire stairway leading up the hill and each is entirely encrusted with smart green scales, their sheen more glossy and rich in the dying afternoon sun. It was so muggy and humid in Thailand that any relief from the heat was welcome, I ran my palms down the tiles to cool my hands and arms. We left the tails of Naga long behind us at the summit, and by the time we reached the bottom of the slope, I had entirely forgotten about the front ends. The Naga appeared to be vomiting more smaller Naga from their mouths like a chasm of serpents – I could imagine Indiana Jones flinching in his leather jacket at the sight.
