In the footsteps of the Gods

On the approach to the pyramid, we saw photogenic stone animals. There was a statue of each zodiac animal before we crossed. As we got closer, every corner of the pagoda had some beautifully preserved painted animal on its corner. As we ascended, we saw huge blocks of flats over the riverside, but these were overwhelmed by the green mountains in the background. Inside the pyramid, the higher we climbed, the steeper the journey became until it developed from staircases to ladders. In the final hall just before the summit, the statues were very freshly painted. There was even a wooden bridge for the final ascension for the truly devoted. On our return, we decided to sample some ice cream from the local vendors, however my mother made the mistake of ordering a frozen yoghurt from one of them which made her feel bad the following day. Either that or it was something to do with the cocktails that we had in the evening.