Omaha daily bee., 1895-05-01

temples full of idols. In each temple there is
| usually one large idol placed on a pedestal
and about its base are multitudes OF smaller
ones. Sometimes the idol is so large that a
separate building is devoted to 1t. Near
Cheung Wal, the capitol OF Laos, there is a
reclining idol ninety feet long, entirely COW
cred with gold leaf Often times the entire
front Of temple will be covered with gold
leaf, dotted here and there with bright
colored pieces OF glass, which shine and
sparkle in the sun, making a very pretty
sight. Some Of the temples have fallen into
decay and are picturesque enough to satisfy
temples have been deserted by the priests.
temples have been dserted by the priests.
The idols are then supposed to change into
evil spirits. The large idols are especially
feared and 1t would be next to impossible to
persuade native to pass a deserted temple
after dark.
There is much throughout the country to
interest and attract travellers. One can with
perfect safety traverse the length and
breadth of the land.
| Early this morning we were awakened by
| the shifting Of our car-No 26-TeXas Pa
| cific, from the express train to a side track
where We were to spend delightful day.
We were seven in our special car, taking
| in the beauties and joys of Mexico, and had
decided to spend Sunday in this curious old
| village, with its still more curious baths
| Presently heard voice say in low tone:
| Are you awake? / can't sleep" AS l re-
| plled In the amrmatVe, the VOICE went on,
| well, let us get up and have our dip before
| breakfast, 1 have been awake hours" So
we quietly dressed and on emerging from
! our sections found that the gentlemen were
out Of the car looking with interested eyes
| towards the baths. These baths were about
200 feet from the railway. We quickly Joined
our friends and moved towards the long, low
adobe houses, which contained the object Of
| our visit The buildings are on three sides
| of square. In the middle Of square and
| towards
| with walks, shrubs and flower beds. Going
| up few steps we found ourselves on a
| platform, or raised sidewalk. On the left
| was a large, free swimming bath. On the
| north was a row Of low Gothic doors, and
over them the notice that some baths were
20 cents, and some 20 cents, We inquired
| the meaning, and were told by our Spanish
student that the 25-cent baths had towels,
otherwise you provided your own. After
choosing one Of these apartments, the at
tendant brought a large Turkish towel a
piece Of new soap, and a bunch Of the nopal
plant shredded for a sponge and a linen
into convent cell at first the long, low
room, the floor tiled with glazed red brick
and the only light from a little window at
the further end near the ceiling. The fur
| nishings consisted OF a rush bottom chair a
rush mat, and shelf with looking glass
over 1t. An arch led the way to the bath-a
pool of warm water at least twenty feet
square, and the blue sky and bright sun for
| roo1 Alter enjoying 10 the full this ideal
tub" and leisurely dressing, / left reluc-
tantly only TO find that my door was being
beaten, and | was being implored TO make
haste that we might have our breakfast On
the right side were smaller bath rooms, the
marble tub set down in the floor 80 that
one walked down steps into the water, but
they seemed ordinary after our late luxurious
experience, b ~
After Breakfast we took the single mule
car and drove through the narrow dusty and
apparently endless street TO the forlorn plaza
We found near by the little Presbyterian
mission. and went in to have a few word:
with the faithful pastor. To our regret the
service was too late for us to catch our train
so the minister kindly had little service foi
us, and we started on our journey refreshed
in body and soul.