Originally, I thought of writing a single post for my experience at the retreat but I ended up writing so much. Hence, I am going to write several posts on the retreat, so you can skip the boring parts easily.
The different posts would be
- Introduction
- General Overview (of the retreat)
- Day by Day (My meditation and changes in thoughts as the days go by)
- Conclusion
- Photos of the retreat (with captions)
5. Photos of the retreat (with captions)
Stairs up to the Main Temple at the top of Doi Suthep
Need to purchase a ticket (this is even after I mentioned that I am going to the meditation centre.)
After you buy the entrance ticket on the left, you walk straight ahead and will see the signage for the meditation centre.
I was early, so I did some sightseeing at the main temple before heading to the meditation centre. (I have been to this temple before. If it is your first time, you would need about 20-30 minutes to explore the whole temple properly.)
At last, you see the meditation centre.
Meditation Centre Office. You enter by the door on the left side. NOT through the sliding doors. Do take off your shoes before entering.
Heading down the slope to my room. The next 4 blocks are rooms for the meditators. The first 2 blocks for the women and the last 2 blocks for the men.
My room for 5 nights. 306
What I brought for this retreat: 3 sets of white clothes, a white cloth to be used as a shawl in the mornings, 3in1 Milo sachets and Vitamilk.
Me in my white clothes. Getting ready for the meditation demonstration.
No Talking. There are such signage all over the meditation centre. 
Programme and rules. Was surprised about the “No Reading and No Writing” rule. Check my Introduction post for my thoughts on this rule.
The dining hall. The Mini mart is on the right side.
My favourite meditation spot.
The meditation hall.
The morning, day and night views from the meditation hall. The lights are coming from Chiang Mai city. (3 photos)
Buddha Day. My flower offering. 
How big the flies here grow into? Using my big toe as comparison.
On the morning of the last day, 6th day, I was not scared when looking down from the 3rd floor of the meditation hall. I have a major fear of heights. Did meditation cure me of the phobia? Only time would tell.
See post under Day by Day, 3.5 Playing a game? Not good.
Update: Bought a meditation cushion and mat today, 3rd Feb 2019, to work hard on my meditation. 
Will travel 