Today is the official start to our sightseeing of the beautiful city of Bangkok. The contrast of silver skyscrapers that tower over ancient jewel box temples, to the serene Buddhist monasteries that lie just off the bustling streets, it’s been said Thailand seems to straddle the two millennia.
Temperatures were 37°C with 100% humidity today...before noon at that! So it was smart that we loaded the bus by 8am this morning to start our exploring.
We are going to visit the Grand Palace today, an enormous royal compound bordered by high walls that once served as a barrier between kings and commoners.
With the passing of Thailand beloved king, just last year, the country is in mourning. You can observe most Thai people dressed in black around the temples and at the Grand Palace especially.
The King's body is at the Royal chapel, the Wat Phra Kato, which is also where the Emerald Buddha, Thailand most sacred Buddha image, is housed. We were able to enter the chapel but not take photos...the Emerald Buddha is carved from solid Jade and is approximately 60cm tall.
Simply stunning structures decorated with mosaic tile and gold leafing...
Next up this afternoon is a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River in these open vessels :)
Next stop is at the Temple of Dawn...
All of these temples are open, so we are entering respectfully, removing our shoes and observing proper dress code as well.
Side note: Traffic in Bangkok...it's CRAZY! So Perez our guide keeps saying the term 'traffic jam'...we think it's the language barrier thing...it's not...we traveled 7 miles to get to the restaurant and it took us just over one and a half hours!!! We counted our green light at one intersection as green for exactly 18 seconds...but we waited for our light for 10 minutes!!! Yup, you read that right...we timed it...but we weren't walking.
Our dinner is at an authentic Thai dinner and show...we were served five different courses and entertained with Thai costume, music and dance...
It was nice to see the Traditional dress of the Thai people this evening as well as some of their cuisine...but this girl is tired...until tomorrow...
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