We arrived for a third time in Bangkok yesterday and are excited to be staying on Khoa San Road for the next few days. Last night, we explored the bustling road around us, complete with street food, vendors, bars and nightclubs. Today Ash and I explored the grounds of Wat Pho and The Grand Palace, two major temple sites in Bangkok.
Our hotel's rooftop pool where you can see the Bangkok skyline.
This dog travels in style.
Elephant statue seen on the way to the temples. In Thailand the elephant is symbolic for nation and carries sacred meaning in the Budhist religion.
The white elephant in particular is considered to belong to the God Indra.
At the temples, Buddhist put a gold leaf on statues of Buddah in order to ask for favors and receive good fortune.
Obama was here in November and they have a picture collage on display to prove it!
The great Reclining Buddha. 15 m high and 43 m long! This is in the Wat Pho Temple.
Incredible detailing all across the walls and ceilings
The Reclining Buddha has mother of pearl feet!
Outside, still part of the Wat Pho Temple
Wat Pho has over 1,000 images of Buddha
Look we found an American Flag!
Walking to the Grand Palace
And a New Zealand Flag!
The Grand Palace- The King's "official" although not current residence. Construction began in 1782, but the palace has gone through multiple restorations since then.
The upper terrace of the Grand Palace where the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is.
The Emerald Buddha- This Buddha carved from a single piece of jade is seen as a symbol of the Kingdom of Thailand. When Ash and I entered the temple, many rows of people were kneeling before the Buddha in prayer. According to the Buddha's legend it was created in India in 43 BC. It is adorned in gold clothing which the King of Thailand changes three times a year.
Ash and I outside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The official residence of the King.
Thai Royal Guard- similar to London, these guys don't move a muscle.
Maintaining the trees around the palace grounds.
This was our first day in Bangkok, tomorrow there will be more to come! Sending love to our family and friends back home!
Jackie & Ash
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