I’m going to lump some of the themes together although they probably happened over several days.
If you only got one day in Bangkok, The Grand Palace is a must see! It is utterly astounding.
In 1782 the King Rama I decided to move the capital city to the position it is now as he felt it would be more defensive. Surrounded by high crenellated walls it had the royal residence, administrative buildings, throne room and a Temple.
It is opulent! The cloisters have illuminated pictures telling the stories of the gods. It was shaded so we wandered there for quite a while.
I think I will just leave you to marvel at the pictures that don’t really do it justice!
The temple has so many influences, Chinese, Thai and European.
Part of the ticket price includes a trip to the Khon theatre and I will talk about that later.
The other must see is Wat Pho (Wat Po) the oldest temple in Bangkok. Rama I (around 1800) had the complex enlarged to house statues that were removed from the old city, then Rama III expanded it further. It was a place of learning and there is an exhibition on Thai medicine and massage here.
Jenny who provides me with massages in the UK partly trained here and recommended we try the massage and I must say that was by far and away the best massage and Tatjana went back for another one a few days later too!
We eventually got back to Wat Saket, the golden mount. This is were we were during the Earthquake. Unfortunately Phramaha To was not able to meet us again.
This place has an interesting history, it’s another beautiful stupa. All places of worship are moneymaking enterprises for the upkeep of the temples and home to monks.
Wat Saket was formed when Rama I, stopped on his way home after war. There seems to be a lot of reasons why he stopped there but they involve a sacred pond or well, which was built over when he left as no other human would be allowed to use the sacred water afterwards. This has developed into a man made mound (probably with a crumbling temple or two under it) and a huge golden stupa on top.
The other aspect of this temple is that in the past it was famous for it’s vultures. In 1820 there was a cholera outbreak and because at that time they didn’t cremate the dead within the city and Wat Saket was just outside, the dead were brought there (along with a couple of other sites). However 30,000 people died during this period and the volume overwhelmed the temple. Apparently the vultures descended and covered every tree and roof space for the feast.
On that cheery note….it’s show time next!
The Travelling Bee 