Wats and more Wats

Today was a day full of Wats for me. Luckily I was able to join Jody's teaching group for a tour of the Grand Palace. It was a bit of an adventure for me to get there because I wasn't on an air conditioned tour bus like the rest of the group. From our hotel I had to take a taxi to a subway (12 stops) then another taxi. All told, it was an adventurous 1:30 trip but definitely worth it. I was able to make it in time with the help of a local taxi driver (They're all super nice BTW). He didn't know the Grand Palace so he called his friend who spoke English. She didn't know either so I had to call Jody's Phone (From the Cabbies Phone). I found it strange that nobody heard of the Grand Palace but everybody here is so nice they are determined to make sure you are comfortable and happy. We made it happen in the end but a crazy start to the day nonetheless.

This Grand Palace is special. You know those places that are just too overwhelming to describe in words or too awe-inspiring to capture in a picture? This one fits the bill. It's a complex of buildings in the heart of Old Bangkok. It's been the official residence of the King since the 1700's. Apparently 60,000 people visit the palace every day so you can imagine the congestion. Now add 95 degree heat and 80% humidity. That's what we were dealing with.

Jody and I at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew (or Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is just beautiful. The place is full of intricate buildings and it's set up in a way that you can wander wherever you wish. I appreciate the flexibility for sure. Colored glass, gold and jewels coat every nook and cranny of the ancient structures. The whole place is just rich in history, material and meaning.

After the Palace I wandered on my own to check out Wat Pho. Great decision. It was definitely my highlight of the day. It's famous for the Reclining Buddha Statue but the place has a lot more to offer. It had a much more relaxed and spiritual feeling than the Grand Palace, and that may be because it's one of Thailand's largest and oldest Wats. Definitely more reflective of the Buddhist culture. There were monks walking everywhere and the sounds of chanting and running water as I wandered in and out of countless hallways. Interesting to have some peace and quiet right in the middle of the craziness that is central Bangkok. I'd definitely recommend it.

That's One Big Buddha!

The reclining Buddha itself is massive. 50 feet high and 141 feet long, it rests in quite a relaxing pose on it's side. Definitely a sight to see. There are gold buddha statues in every position and size littered throughout the complex but this one outshone them all.

















Definitely a memorable morning. I think I started out my Wat experience on a good note. This city (and country for that manner) is full of them.

That's it for my first blog ever! Fun stuff actually. I might have to continue this. Some more cool pics:

Emerald Buddha