Martian Temples and the Majestic White Buddha

The city of Nha Trang in Vietnam is a fascinating blend of old and new, with ancient monuments standing alongside modern skyscrapers. What really caught my attention, though, was the Ponagar Towers of Cham - they're like nothing I've ever seen before, like something out of a science fiction movie. When I read "The Martian Chronicles", I imagined the ancient temples of a long-lost Martian civilization to be similar to these towers. But, as it turns out, the Ponagar Towers were actually built by Indian settlers over a period of five centuries, from the 7th to the 12th centuries. This complex is one of the last remaining temples of the ancient Champa state, and it's dedicated to the goddess Ponagar, who represents the nurturing power of the earth. I have a special fondness for temples dedicated to female goddesses - they serve as a reminder that the world wasn't always patriarchal, and that's a really powerful thing to remember.
"Hey Mom, come check this out, it's not the usual Buddha they have in these temples, it's a woman," Erica said, her voice filled with curiosity. She pointed at the statue, noticing the distinct features that set it apart from the typical depictions of Buddha they had seen before.

- Yes, daughter, women can also be goddesses, and not just a vessel for bearing the son of God
The complex has three main levels. The first level is where the entrance used to be, but sadly, the gate is no longer there. If you move up to the second level, you'll find a peaceful meditation hall with columns - and amazingly, many of these columns are still standing today. Then, on the third level, things get really interesting - there are three unusual temples to explore. The largest temple is home to a striking statue of Ponogar, carved out of black stone.
Another landmark is the Longshon Pagoda. Here you can see a statue of a huge Buddha. The snow-white giant is visible from different corners of the city.

- I am just a tiny thing against his background, - said Erica, having overcome as many as 193 steps to the majestic statue.

Arian wanted a photo of himself, so he asked someone to take a picture that would make it look like he was holding the Buddha.

Erica exclaimed, "I want that too, it'll be really cool!" She couldn't help but feel a little amazed, thinking to herself, I'm so small, and yet I get to hold him in my arms.

We also came across a massive statue of a sleeping Buddha within the temple grounds. As we wrapped up our stroll through the city, we stopped by a relic from the colonial era - the Cathedral of Christ the King. This impressive structure was designed by French architects and completed in 1933. It was here that Erica made a declaration, her voice filled with emotion as she took in the sights and sounds of this historic landmark. The cathedral's stunning architecture and rich history seemed to leave a lasting impression on her, and she couldn't help but express her thoughts and feelings about the experience.

- Oh, this is our church.

As she settled onto the bench, she started reciting a Spanish prayer from memory. Arian joined in, echoing her words. The atheist mother couldn't help but think, that's what happens when you attend a Catholic school - it stays with you, even if you don't practice the faith.

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