Our trip officially began in Thailand where we spent two days in Klong Toey Bay in Bangkok. As you may remember, Thailand was once called Siam and there was a book/film/musical called The "King and I" based on the real life of King Rama IV. Today the country is ruled by King Rama the VII if I am not mistaken. Even today, these people highly regard their king and the Buddhist religion. Buddhism is an inseparable part of the Thai society. Everything they do is influenced by the teaching of the Buddah. They are a kind and gently people and it was my favorite country of this entire trip. It was also the hottest!
Our first stop was at the Grand Palace which was founded by King Rama I in 1782. As the monarchy grew the compound also grew and was expanded to encompass over 100 buildings in the 200 year Royal history. Located within the Grand Palace grounds are numerous statues, and smaller buildings and temples as well as Wat Phra Kaew or 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha'. Dan and I are standing outside the temple. A Wat is a temple and this is the most decorated and ornate of all the temples in Thailand. Inside this temple is a Buddha carved from a single piece of jade. They believe it was carved around 1464-before Columbus discovered America. We were able to go inside, but as it is an official 'worship' site we had to take our shoes off and sit inside facing the Buddha. No photos inside. Pretty amazing. Pho dogs everywhere!
Note how we are dressed...it is 90F, humid and we are covered head to toe. BUGS, mosquitoes to be specific carry horrid diseases and despite all our shots, we were taking no chances. I fan is a must, so I invested in a $2 US fan and it got A LOT of use on this trip. You literally drip in sweat, but thanks to the miracle of wicking, this clothing was relatively comfortable.
Our first stop was at the Grand Palace which was founded by King Rama I in 1782. As the monarchy grew the compound also grew and was expanded to encompass over 100 buildings in the 200 year Royal history. Located within the Grand Palace grounds are numerous statues, and smaller buildings and temples as well as Wat Phra Kaew or 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha'. Dan and I are standing outside the temple. A Wat is a temple and this is the most decorated and ornate of all the temples in Thailand. Inside this temple is a Buddha carved from a single piece of jade. They believe it was carved around 1464-before Columbus discovered America. We were able to go inside, but as it is an official 'worship' site we had to take our shoes off and sit inside facing the Buddha. No photos inside. Pretty amazing. Pho dogs everywhere!
Note how we are dressed...it is 90F, humid and we are covered head to toe. BUGS, mosquitoes to be specific carry horrid diseases and despite all our shots, we were taking no chances. I fan is a must, so I invested in a $2 US fan and it got A LOT of use on this trip. You literally drip in sweat, but thanks to the miracle of wicking, this clothing was relatively comfortable.
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