Observing an ancient tradition ... Buddhist monks. Photo: Getty Images

It's still dark this early in the morning - pitch-dark. What gives, monks? I know you're hungry but couldn't it wait until later? You guys never heard of a lazy brunch?

Still, there's no telling a holy man what constitutes a reasonable hour to collect the day's only food. The monks have probably barely touched a grain of rice in the past 12 hours or so.

Plus, they've been doing it this way for centuries. It's best to be a good tourist and just take it all in.