If t here is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. That’s where we spent the morning! Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
Although it was impressive, to be sure, the entire palace grounds had a sort of Seuss-like feeling to me. Sort of whimsical, but was just a little too much glitter for my taste. And the way everything is sort of jammed together within a small space, coupled with the ka-zillion tourists (Thai and the rest of us) gave me such a claustrophobic feeling I was glad when our time there was over. I don’t mean to be critical. The Grand Palace truly is lovely and the Thai people appear to be very proud of their heritage. I was happy to see many school children visiting this special site. But, I guess I’m a just country girl in my heart and ready to head out where the crowds are smaller, things are more natural and the gilt of the buildings doesn’t hurt my eyes.
We broke from the crowd to enjoy a light lunch with a just a few of the folks from the tour. We found a little cafe where we shared several appetizers that were not only scump-dee-licious, but beautiful as well. The chefs here take great pride in presentation and make every meal an event!
We are headed out this afternoon to visit the Marble Palace and then see a dance show tonight. Whew! It’s true, it’s true – There is no rest for the wicked! LOL Tomorrow we’ll be heading to the mountains and the countryside. We’ll be staying in tents for the next three nights – no Internet - perhaps no electricity? Don’t look for a blog update. J More later as time and that magic we call “The Internet” are available…..Bring on the elephants!
Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.
Although it was impressive, to be sure, the entire palace grounds had a sort of Seuss-like feeling to me. Sort of whimsical, but was just a little too much glitter for my taste. And the way everything is sort of jammed together within a small space, coupled with the ka-zillion tourists (Thai and the rest of us) gave me such a claustrophobic feeling I was glad when our time there was over. I don’t mean to be critical. The Grand Palace truly is lovely and the Thai people appear to be very proud of their heritage. I was happy to see many school children visiting this special site. But, I guess I’m a just country girl in my heart and ready to head out where the crowds are smaller, things are more natural and the gilt of the buildings doesn’t hurt my eyes.
We broke from the crowd to enjoy a light lunch with a just a few of the folks from the tour. We found a little cafe where we shared several appetizers that were not only scump-dee-licious, but beautiful as well. The chefs here take great pride in presentation and make every meal an event!
We are headed out this afternoon to visit the Marble Palace and then see a dance show tonight. Whew! It’s true, it’s true – There is no rest for the wicked! LOL Tomorrow we’ll be heading to the mountains and the countryside. We’ll be staying in tents for the next three nights – no Internet - perhaps no electricity? Don’t look for a blog update. J More later as time and that magic we call “The Internet” are available…..Bring on the elephants!
~Nancy
Glad you missed the return of winter. Amazing photos and commentary. Just keep up the good work so we can go along at home.
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