So it turns out that the Buddha symbol that is so prevalent in Pier One catalgoues 
serves a greater purpose then just a decorating accessory. An early rise today took us to the te
mples of Thailand. First stop, the "Grand Palace" and oh my it is grand. Bordering on ostentaious really. There are gold flecks, mirrors and jewels everywhre; tourists are also abundant - as you will see in all of my photos. I am not sure of the exact statistics but I am willing to bet that at any given moment 75% of Bangkok's tourists are at the Grand Palace. After some obligatory snaps we made our we to Wat Pho.
serves a greater purpose then just a decorating accessory. An early rise today took us to the te
mples of Thailand. First stop, the "Grand Palace" and oh my it is grand. Bordering on ostentaious really. There are gold flecks, mirrors and jewels everywhre; tourists are also abundant - as you will see in all of my photos. I am not sure of the exact statistics but I am willing to bet that at any given moment 75% of Bangkok's tourists are at the Grand Palace. After some obligatory snaps we made our we to Wat Pho.
These temple grounds house two treasures; 1) the worlds largest reclining Buddha (looks like a regular Buddha but more relaxed/comfortable) and 2) a fantastic massage school. The 
Buddha is large and impressive (would look great on a mantle - I wonder why Pier One hasn't jumped upon this idea yet). The massage school is amazing - about $7 to have your body bent in ways that are not natural - but it feels great.
Buddha is large and impressive (would look great on a mantle - I wonder why Pier One hasn't jumped upon this idea yet). The massage school is amazing - about $7 to have your body bent in ways that are not natural - but it feels great.
All relaxed we grabbed a quick bite of street food (Pad Thai and springrolls - I do love a city that has spring rolls available on every co
rner) before tackling Wat Arun. Bit of a different temple, tiled rather than gold covered. I should mention that all of these temples have a fantastic amount of history and importance in Buddhist society. I also should mention that I only recall snippets and 
you would be better served to utilize Wikipedia if you want any valid information.
rner) before tackling Wat Arun. Bit of a different temple, tiled rather than gold covered. I should mention that all of these temples have a fantastic amount of history and importance in Buddhist society. I also should mention that I only recall snippets and 
you would be better served to utilize Wikipedia if you want any valid information.
Deciding that we had seen too much of 'wealthy' Bangkok we took to the canals. Or rather we paid a Thai man with a longtail boat to drive us through these waterways. I had read quite a bit about these canal tours as the best wa
y to see the real Bangkok; and that is true. The people here use the canals for everything - transportation, sewer, laundry, food source etc. While it was a unique experience I felt a little of that 'privillged, white person guilt' whle putting through their homelands taking photos. These tours are very common place and most people waved but I still seemed a little Eva Peroni
sh.
y to see the real Bangkok; and that is true. The people here use the canals for everything - transportation, sewer, laundry, food source etc. While it was a unique experience I felt a little of that 'privillged, white person guilt' whle putting through their homelands taking photos. These tours are very common place and most people waved but I still seemed a little Eva Peroni
sh.
Our night concluded with a trip to the night market; home of dirt cheap knock off watchs and many, many, many opportunities to purchase 'sex DVDs'. In Bangkok's seedier part of town, this market is well known for its counterfit items mingled in with 'dance clubs'. True to form we were encountered rats, ping pong show offers and foot massage propostions. (We did utilize the foot massage option - so fantastic...1 hour was less than $10) A terrifing tuk tuk ride later (driver had us at over 80km/hr - there are no seatbelts or even doors/sides to this 'vehicle' and I won't even touch the quality of their trauma system) and I am getting ready to climb into bed...early day in the AM (0500).
Kap-coon-ka for reading
great to hear more! I love how you say thank you in each language at the end. :) nice touch. be safe! Cindy
ReplyDeleteWell I'll admit this only to you. I was fighting a tear as you described the temples. Something about that culture captivated me. I know this is a side of me all too strange to most but it exists. :)
ReplyDeleteJB