AveniAdventures
  • aveniadventure
  • Blog
  • Contact

Adelphi Grande Bangkok...part 2

2/25/2015

0 Comments

 

After finishing the previous posting about our stay at the Adelphi Grande, we showed the blog results to the front lobby staff in order to make sure that they were aware of our pleasurable experience. Fortunately, the hotel manager and owner both were available for photos so that we could include them in our posting.

In addition, we would like to thank Ms. Sasima (Geedar) and Ms. Palida (Pla) from the Adelphi Grande Central Booking office for helping us secure this reservation.

Picture
Mr. Issara (Pae) hotel manager at the Adelphi Grande Bangkok.
Picture
Mr. Issara (Pae) hotel manager and Ms. Pree Adelphi Grande owner
0 Comments

Adelphi Grande Bangkok

2/25/2015

0 Comments

 

  Throughout our journey so far, we have rented furnished apartments for each location in which we stayed. When arranging for our stay in Bangkok, we learned that furnished apartments were located within hotels. The Adelphi Grande Bangkok was the serviced apartment host for this part of our trip. Ideally located for access to the areas we wished to visit, the Adelphi Grande was a pampering we had not expected. All of the staff was polite, friendly, and attentive. We were quite happy here and hope that the rest of our journey is as comfortable as our stay in Bangkok.

Picture
The Adelphi Grande Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi.
Picture
The security guards check each vehicle that enters the grounds.
Picture
...and just to make sure, there is a Buddhist shrine in the parking lot to ensure good luck.
Picture
The reception desk staff were always pleasant, polite, and helpful.
Picture
The apartment was much larger than we were used to...
Picture
...and very comfortable.
Picture
Bangkok is a constitutional monarchy and they love their King....
Picture
...and Queen.
Picture
The front lobby attendants provided us with Tuk Tuk rides down to the Skytrain when we needed it.
Picture
The hotel restaurant staff took very good care of us each morning for breakfast....
Picture
....while the cook staff provided an excellent array of foods from which to choose.
Picture
Thikumporn Sirisaree, the Executive Housekeeper and her staff kept our apartment spotless and well stocked with towels and linens.
Picture
We would stay here again in a heartbeat if we ever returned to Bangkok.
0 Comments

Bangkok Finality

2/24/2015

0 Comments

 

  With the end of our time in Bangkok approaching quickly, we need to wrap up any remaining contacts encountered, as well as any cultural pictures not yet published.

Bangkok was way outside of our comfort zone, or so we thought upon our arrival. Yet, adjustment to the cultural differences here were not as difficult as envisioned, in part due to the politeness and friendliness of the Thai people. While we did try to learn a few basic Thai phrases, English was quite prevalent, which made it easier to get directions. The ubiquitous street venders, selling everything from various Thai foods, sandals, electronics, clothing, toys, etc.,added a flavor to our visit here that will not be soon forgotten....And we continued to meet many wonderful people from around the world.

Picture
Rilke, Jaya-Luna, and Pablo from France.
Picture
Michael from Sacramento Ca., and Charlet from Lodi, Ca.
Picture
Lilly from Germany.
Picture
Joel, Orapin, Jasmine, and Micah from Cambridge, Ma.
Picture
We met Takashi (dad), Hilomi (mom), and Sami (2 years old) at the Emporium shopping mall.
Picture
Sharzi (Iran) and PG (France) on the exercise equipment in the park down the street from our apartment.
Picture
Tsubasa (2.5 years old) feeding the pigeons in the park.
Picture
Vertz, maintenance worker also in the park.
Picture
Grace and Kathrin in Chinatown.
Picture
This wonderfully warm and friendly lady from Iran, we met on the Skytrain. Unfortunately, we misplaced her name and we apologize for that.
Picture
This line-up of lunch tables is along the street to our apartment.
Picture
A food vender along Sukhumvit road.
Picture
The first Thai alphabet stone at the National Museum.
Picture
In addition to the main river and it's various transportation systems, there are a number of smaller canals with canal water taxis.
Picture
Bangkok's version of a hardware store.
Picture
Repairing roof tiles on one of the temples.
Picture
Pizza is delivered by means of motorcycles.
0 Comments

Khao San Road...part 2

2/24/2015

0 Comments

 

  With many of the places we visit, there usually are more photos than we can incorporate in the original post. Khao San Road was one of those. Here are some of those catch-up photos;

Picture
The Chinese temple near the start of the road had these exquisite dragon pillars around the structure.
Picture
Four claws on the dragon indicate the royal family (five claws would be for the Emperor).
Picture
The dragons even decorated the side of the building.
Picture
The ceiling paintings reminded us of the cathedral ceilings in Rome.
Picture
Even the restaurants display warrior statues to scare away evil spirits.
Picture
Pictures of the Royal family can be found everywhere. This one of the Princess was on the street next to the Phra Sumen Fort.
Picture
The Buddhist temple at the end of the street displayed various Buddha statues in different positions, very much like every other Buddhist temple we have visited.
Picture
We encountered a number of Sikhs along the street and discovered that they were promoting themselves as fortune tellers.
Picture
Another picture of the Royal Family, this time of the King, displayed on a store front.
0 Comments

Khao San Road

2/24/2015

0 Comments

 

  Approximately one kilometer north of the Grand Palace and just a couple of blocks from the river is Khao San Road, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bangkok. Khao San means "milled rice" because in the past, this was the major rice market for Bangkok. However, within the past twenty years it has become known as a world famous "backpacker's ghetto" full of hostels and cheap hotels. The street is lined with venders and shops selling handicrafts, clothing, pirated cd's and dvd's, as well as a wide range of fake id's. Anything you want can be found here. As day turns into night, the focus shifts to bars, drinking, and dancing. In mid-April, around the time of the traditional Thai new year, Khao San Road plays host to a water splash party, which is really just a big water fight.

Picture
Khao San Road, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Bangkok.
Picture
Even the shops are very close to each other.
Picture
Fake id's and international driving permits can be had at a number of locations along the street.
Picture
....just as long as super cop does not catch you.
Picture
...although some establishments do not check even legitimate id's.
Picture
One of several tailor shops that advertise suits in just a couple of hours.
Picture
Amit the tailor.
Picture
Another tailor shop just down the street.
Picture
Netra the owner and Jack the manager for this tailor shop.
Picture
Apparently Ronald McDonald loves Khao San Road...
Picture
...as do KFC and Burger King.
Picture
Between the river pier and Khao San Road is the Phra Sumen fort, one of two such forts that still remain out of an original 14 forts designed to protect the Grand Palace.
Picture
Directly opposite the beginning of the road is the Wat Chana Songkuan Buddhist temple.
Picture
This Chinese temple is located next door to the previously mentioned Buddhist temple.
0 Comments

A Quiet Day

2/21/2015

0 Comments

 

  Every once-in-awhile, no matter what activity may be filling your time, kicking back and relaxing for a bit is a necessity (if nothing more than to recharge your batteries). Today was one of those times. For the past five months, we have been delving deeply into the various cultures encountered in this adventure and have thoroughly enjoyed every experience. Time to "...sit back and smell the roses." We took a very leisurely stroll to a delightful little park about a half mile from our apartment. What a wonderful experience this turned out to be. Formerly the location for the Thai meteorology office, this park is dedicated to the Queen. It is exquisitely decorated and maintained, as well as quite peaceful.

Picture
Wind chimes caught available breezes and added delightful sounds to the area.
Picture
A number of pagoda type structures located around the park afforded the opportunity to get some shade while enjoying the ponds.
Picture
Stone gardens were well planned...
Picture
...as were the garden mazes...
Picture
...and even the topiary elephants.
Picture
Stick jugglers found shady areas to practice.
Picture
There were at least two exercise areas, two children play yards, a swimming pool, a skateboard rink, a soccer field, and a basketball court.
Picture
There was even an area for kick volleyball.
Picture
The maintenance staff made sure the whole park stayed clean.
Picture
...although they did find time to pose for a picture.
Picture
Everyone seemed to be enjoying the peace and tranquility...
Picture
...even the cats...
Picture
....and the turtles.
Picture
This was a really enjoyable place to visit.
0 Comments

Chinese New Year

2/19/2015

0 Comments

 

  Like most people, we have been aware of Chinese New Year when the media brings it up each February. We did not pay a whole lot of attention to it in the past, except when Lorraine taught a unit on it in her classroom. Experiencing Chinese New Year within an Asian culture, however, is unique. Bangkok has a rather large Chinatown, measuring approximately one square kilometer. Since our arrival here, there have been numerous advertisements regarding the upcoming Lunar New Year. We had visited Chinatown briefly during one of our earlier excursions and decided that a return visit was a must in order to experience the celebrations for ourselves. Organizers turned the main road through Chinatown into a pedestrian walkway for this event. As you will see in the following pictures, this was quite a colorful and entertaining experience.

Picture
Yaowarat Road became devoid of all but pedestrian traffic.
Picture
Red is considered to be a lucky color, so we saw it everywhere.
Picture
Even the Terra Cotta warriors came for a visit.
Picture
Traditional Chinese puppet theaters were in evidence....
Picture
...as well as some non-traditional displays.
Picture
Children seemed to be getting into the spirit of the event.
Picture
Dragon dancers were everywhere.
Picture
More dragons.
Picture
Drummers accompanied the dragon dancers along the route.
Picture
As the dragons danced down the street, they often stopped at local establishments seeking monetary donations for good luck. It was not uncommon to see individuals on the street also putting money in the dragon's mouth for their own good luck.
Picture
Some of the dragons became acrobatic.
Picture
Of course, what would a dragon dance be without a little smoke coming from the dragon?
Picture
We stopped at a very nice Chinese restaurant for some lunch.
Picture
The one disappointment we had was when police cleared the road for a visit from the Thai Princess, only to wait nearly two and a half hours with no sight of her.
0 Comments

Bangkok National Museum...part 2

2/18/2015

0 Comments

 

  Buddhist religious beliefs treat death very seriously, but also as just a different part of life. Within the Royal family, ceremonies following the death of one of its members can be quite a spectacle. These ceremonies are so important that the National Museum dedicated one of its buildings to the trappings for funeral processions.

Picture
There are specific funeral barges for members of the Royal family depending upon that person's rank in the hierarchy.
Picture
Each barge is designed to carry the funeral urn at a height that can be seen easily by crowds lining the streets.
Picture
The funeral urns are transported to the barges on these platforms.
Picture
The urns are then lifted onto the barges by these hoists.
Picture
Other trappings that make up the funeral procession.
Picture
A sandalwood urn for HRH Princess Galyani.
Picture
Sandalwood urn of HRH the Princess Mother.
0 Comments

Bangkok National Museum

2/18/2015

0 Comments

 

  Bangkok has been very good to us for the three weeks we have been here so far. The weather has been in the nineties with no signs of rain. People have shown us nothing but friendliness. Perhaps the most interesting parts for us are the many different sights we encounter as we head towards a particular destination.

Picture
As we exited the water taxi and left the pier, we passed through what could best be described as an alleyway lined with vender stalls.
Picture
Everything from clothes...
Picture
...to trinkets can be found here.
Picture
We never know what we will come across along the street.

  We finally arrived at our destination...the National Museum ( or more formally known as the Museum at the Palace of the Front..."Wang Na"). Constructed in 1782, it used to be the residence of five Viceroys (or Deputy Kings). Following the death of Viceroy Wichaichan, the Palace of the Front was abandoned. In1887 the reigning King renovated the grounds and moved the Royal Museum here. It was finally converted into theNational Museum in 1926.

Picture
Like many other attractions in Bangkok, the National Museum comprises several buildings. This is the main entrance building which exhibits the history of Thailand.
Picture
There are a number of pagoda type buildings that served various ceremonial functions.
Picture
This red teakwood building was used by the Queen.
Picture
The Queen's audience hall.
Picture
...and her personal dinning area.
Picture
These fearsome figures guarded the entrance to the Buddha temple on the grounds.
Picture
Every temple we have encountered has been exquisitely decorated and furnished.
0 Comments

People we have met...part 3

2/15/2015

3 Comments

 

  In previous postings, we have stated that one of the great joys of this trip is the varied, interesting, and delightful people we have met along the way. Reaching out to total strangers can carry quite enjoyable consequences. Contained herein is the latest group of pleasant folks that have returned our friendly overtures;

Picture
Samawan (nickname Nag); Thanaporn (nickname Poon); and Nonthicha (nickname Maew); three young school girls we met near the Giant Swing. They were kind enough to escort us part of the way.
Picture
Wayne and Caroline from Wales. We met on the Skytrain.
Picture
Jim, Suellen, Yrai, and Frank kept us company as we visited the Jim Thompson House.
Picture
Panya and Boonsanong in a local pharmacy were kind enough to provide us with some much needed directions.
Picture
Eva and Sulastr, two Indonesian sisters we met in Chinatown.
Picture
Thom and Jackie from Manchester were fellow Skytrain travelers.
Picture
We met Nicole and Alan at the Grand Palace. They are from France.
Picture
Ray and Linda from Westerly R.I. Shared a quiet moment with us at Wat Arun.
3 Comments

Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing

2/14/2015

0 Comments

 

  Exploring, the way we do, the various locales we have visited during this adventure has provided us a cultural perspective that we probably would not have gained doing just the "touristy" route. The following pictures of street life in parts of Bangkok is a testament to that perspective.

Picture
"You order; we deliver."
Picture
Normal sized streets are narrowed significantly by venders setting up off the curbs.
Picture
Everything is for sale this way, even CD's.
Picture
Do you need chair or decoration replacements?
Picture
How about electronics parts?
Picture
Everything...and we mean everything...can be found on the streets.

We finally arrived at our destination for the day (approximately 3 miles from the pier through winding streets). This Giant Swing, built in 1784, is a religious structure formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony, one of 12 royal ceremonies held each month of the Thai lunar calander. This ceremony, lasting ten days, celebrates the Brahmin new year. The two side pillars, representing mountains, are 30 meters high and the circular bases represent the earth and seas. Tradition held that Brahmins would swing up to the 82 foot level to catch (in their teeth)a bag of silver coins suspended at the top. That part of the ceremony was discontinued in 1935 following several fatal accidents.

Picture
The Giant Swing structure opposite the Wat Suthat temple.

  Wat Suthat is a Royal Temple of the First Grade, one of ten such temples in Bangkok. Construction of this temple began in 1807 under the reign of King Rama I and was completed in 1847. This complex covers ten acres of land surrounded by an outer wall and four main gates. The lower terrace of the temple contains 28 Chinese pagodas representing the 28 Buddhas born on earth. There are 156 Buddha images along the outer wall. The grounds also contain monastic living quarters for the monks studying here. There is a 25 foot tall Buddha in the main hall, the base of which contains the ashes of Rama VIII, brother of the current King. The exquisite wall paintings in the main hall depict the 24 previous lives of Buddha, as well as the early history of Bangkok.

Picture
One of the Chinese pagodas on the property.
Picture
The main entrance to the temple facing the Giant Swing. As evidenced by the buses out front, this is a major tourist attraction.
Picture
The complex is also a Buddist monastery. Today appears to be examination day for the monks.
Picture
Entrance to the main hall housing the 25 foot Buddha image.
Picture
A very impressive sight.
Picture
Some of the wall paintings depicting early Bangkok history and the many lives of Buddha.
Picture
The back-side entrance to the main hall.
Picture
This dragon shaped wagon apparently is used to transport Buddha images around the complex.
Picture
Front view of the dragon wagon.
0 Comments

The Golden Mountain

2/13/2015

0 Comments

 

  This steep artificial mountain pre-dates Bangkok as the Capitol of Thailand. King Rama III(1787-1851), grandson of Rama I, decided to build a mud and brick "chedi", or mountain temple, of huge dimensions to house Budhist relics. Unfortunately,   the soft soil underneath was unable to support the weight and it collapsed while under construction. Laying abandoned for ensuing decades, the collapsed structure took on the shape of a natural hill. King Rama IV decided to construct a smaller temple mountain and it was completed during the reign of his son Rama V (1853-1910). Concrete walls surrounding the structure were added during the 1940's. A series of animals, corresponding to the Chinese Zodiac can be found the base of the hill.

Picture
The start of the climb up the Golden Mountain. This is no exercise for the feint of heart. The 318 steps to the top, especially in 90 degree heat, is not to be taken hastily.
Picture
At the start of the climb, water jets spray a fine mist which we found quite helpful.
Picture
Bells for prayers ("please God let me make it up this hill") are found along the route.
Picture
Or you can bang this gong to really get God's attention...
Picture
The top is insight...I think...it might be an illusion.
Picture
The view from the top is amazing and (after the fact) well worth the trip.
Picture
Many beautiful Buddha displays are on exhibit in the gallery at the top.
Picture
More Buddhas in different positions.
Picture
The top piece is so huge that We could not fit it all in the camera lens.
Picture
The rest of the top piece capping off the Golden Mountain.
Picture
Some of the poorer housing at the base of the Golden Mountain, along the canal.
Picture
Bells seem to play an important part in Buddhist religious beliefs.
0 Comments

The Jim Thompson House

2/12/2015

0 Comments

 

  Right from the start of our stay in Bangkok, we had heard about the Jim Thompson House and museum, so we just had to go see it.

Born in 1906 in Greenville, Delaware, Jim Thompson was a trained archetect. He volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War II, eventually ending up in Asia. Thompson fell in love with Thailand , deciding to live there permanently. In 1958 he began building his home, partly to display his collection of Thai art. Many feel that a highlight of his collection are the six antique (all at least two centuries old) teakwood houses that were dismantled from remote locations and then reassembled on the present site. The largest of these houses became his living room. Adhering to Thai customs, Thompson had the houses elevated a full story above the ground to avoid the rainy season flooding. A number of the relocated houses became service quarters. While the chandeliers are a bit more modern, they came from 18th and 19th century Bangkok palaces.

Thompson's attention was drawn to the ancient art of hand weaving of silk, a long-neglected cottage industry. He spent the rest of his life trying to revive the craft. He was considered to be a highly gifted designer and textile colorist. His devotion to this effort is credited with the substantial growth of this industry along with the worldwide recognition of Thai silk.

While on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia on March 26th, 1967, Thompson mysteriously disappeared. No valid clues as to what may have happened to him has ever surfaced. His nephew donated the property to the Thai Kingdom in the 1970's.

Picture
The main house (one of six Teakwood buildings on the property).
Picture
As much attention was devoted to the gardens on the property as to the buildings and the art collection.
Picture
Each of the six antique buildings on the complex are at least two centuries old.
Picture
Part of Thompson's art collection. If you look closely you can see that pattern on the wall wood panel is similar to that on the ceramic vase.
Picture
One of the unique features is this teakwood staircase "inside" the house. Tradition had the staircases on the outside.
Picture
The caterpillar cocoons are boiled to soften them and to aid in separating the silk threads.
Picture
Dying and weaving the threads into silk cloths.
Picture
This multi-talented weaver also is an accomplished traditional Thai dancer.
0 Comments

The Golden Buddha

2/10/2015

0 Comments

 

  Known to be at least 700 years old, the actual origins of this magnificent Buddha have been lost to history. The interesting part of this story is that this 5.5 ton pure gold statue was at one time covered in plaster to hide it from invading enemies of Thailand. The temple in which it was located became deserted early in the 1930's , when the East Asiatic Company began to acquire the land around it. In 1955,wishing to own the land on which the Buddha was located, the East Asiatic Company made a deal to relocate the statue. They misjudged the weight of the statue and the lifting ropes broke. Since a huge thunderstorm was brewing, it was decided to leave the Buddha statue where it fell overnight and try to move it again the following morning. The next day, passing monks noticed some of the plaster was flaking off. Upon further investigation they discovered that the Buddha was constructed of pure gold. It is considered to be the most valuable public attraction in Thailand.

Picture
Measuring 12 feet 5 inches in diameter and has a height of 15 feet 9 inches from the base to the crown.
Picture
The temple that houses the Golden Buddha is part of a complex that also houses other Buddha statues, exhibition halls, a conference center, and a school.
Picture
Weighing in at 5.5 tons, at current gold prices, it is estimated to be worth close to 250 million dollars (U.S.).
Picture
This Buddha is located in the conference center. At the time we visited this complex, there appeared to be a conference of military personnel going on.
0 Comments

Bangkok's Chinatown

2/9/2015

0 Comments

 

  This one square kilometer of land has been the main center of trade between China and Thailand for several centuries. The first Chinese traders arrived in Bangkok in the 16 th century, pre-dating the founding of the Thai Capitol. They operated maritime "junk" trade between China and Siam (the older name for Thailand). Originally located a bit west of its present location, the Chinese community was asked to move to where it is now (one of the oldest areas of Bangkok) by King Rama I in 1782 so that he could begin construction of the Grand Palace. Today, Chinatown is packed with shops and market stalls selling such items as stationary, textiles, souvenirs, food, electronics, etc, along with a dense concentration of gold shops. The main road through Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat road, was constructed in 1902 and is said to resemble a dragon's curvy body (considered a good luck sign).

Picture
Many of the small, closely packed, shops are like a combination of Haymarket Square in Boston, the old RIPS warehouse in Abington, and a page out of the Oriental Trading Company's catalogue (for our teacher friends).
Picture
Often, there is barely enough room to get by.
Picture
Lottery betting tables are everywhere.
Picture
A quick snack of fish is available.
Picture
...or of crabs, snails, and some things we did not want to even venture a guess as to what they were.
Picture
Of course, if your tastes run more to meat products rather than fish, there is always a succulent pig's head.
Picture
We have found chestnut venders in every place we have visited so far on this trip. This is Bangkok's Chinatown version of how to prepare them.
Picture
The Golden Buddha temple we wrote about earlier is located in the heart of Chinatown. As part of that complex, there is an excellent exhibition about the history of the emergence of the Chinese community here. This is a scale model of Chinatown.
Picture
From the early shops of the Chinese traders centuries ago...
Picture
....to a replica of the customs and tax collectors offices...
Picture
....to the temples they erected to celebrate their beliefs, this exhibition is well worth seeing.
Picture
In a few days, February 19th, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated.
Picture
We have plans to be there for part of it.
Picture
We will fill you in on some of the festivities we experience.
0 Comments

Dusit Palace

2/8/2015

0 Comments

 

  Built between 1897 and 1901 by King Chulalongkon, the Dusit Palace ("Celestrial Dwelling") is a huge compound of 13 different royal residences encompassing 696,950 square feet. The official royal residence, The Grand Palace, became too crowded and stifling in the summer heat, so the king got the idea to build a new royal residence with spacious gardens on the outskirts of the capital. The different residence halls and gardens were allocated to the various consorts and children of the King. As with all Thai royal palaces, the Dusit Palace was divided into three areas; the outer, middle, and inner courts, separated by canals and gardens rather than walls. In 1932 the absolute monarchy was abolished and part of the Dusit Palace was reduced in size and transferred to the constitutional government. Currently, the various buildings house several museums and exhibitions.

Picture
The main palace building.
Picture
The Vimanmek mansion was renovated in 1982 by Queen Sirikit into a showcase of Thai national heritage and became the world's largest golden teakwood mansion.
Picture
...and this is the small dinning room.
Picture
The king used this room as a work area.
Picture
Oh, to have a house that we could have this staircase in.
Picture
On the other hand, we could have a parade up and down this staircase.
Picture
This Chinese pavilion is decorated exquisitely.
Picture
One of the "small" residences on the grounds that originally was used by one of the princesses as her house.
Picture
The gardens around the grounds are beautiful.
0 Comments

Another surprise!

2/6/2015

2 Comments

 

  This was a total surprise for us! While traveling to our next attraction, we came across the following sign;

Picture

For people who may not know our background, back in 1967, Lorraine and I joined the Peace Corps. We had only been married for four months and had just graduated from college. We joined the program training for Senegal in Africa. So coming across this sign in Bangkok brought back a lot of memories. We rang the bell in order to see if we could get a look around. We were greeted by Phanuthat Suwan, safety and security coordinator. He graciously brought us in and introduced us around.

Picture
From left to right; Phanuthat Suwan; Peace Corps Volunteer, J.M. Ascension; Lorraine; Phatthumon, Program Assistant TCCS; Suthanya, Executive Assistant and Communications.
Picture
Safety and Security Coordinator Phanuthat Suwan on the left; with Director Of Management and Operations Frank Smith on the right.
Picture
The main Bangkok U.S. Peace Corps building.
2 Comments

The Grand Palace

2/5/2015

0 Comments

 

  In a previous posting, we indicated that many of the Bangkok attractions are rather large complexes. Perhaps one of the largest is the Grand Palace, consisting of the royal residence, throne halls, government offices, and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Created in 1782 on the orders of King Rama I, this complex covers an area of 218,000 square meters ( or 654,000 square feet) and is protected by four perimeter walls. The previous royal residential complex was located on the western side of the Chao Phraya River. Once King Rama I ascended the throne, he decided that his residence was unsuitable and ordered that the new complex be constructed on the eastern side of the river. This compound became known as the Grand Palace. It is as beautiful as it is massive. One could easily get lost roaming the grounds without the aide of a map.

Picture
King Rama I had a seven-headed Naga (deity in the form of a great snake) built behind this Buddha statue to indicate Naga protecting the Buddha. (The only kind of snakes we can tolerate are statues of snakes).
Picture
The Chinese stone statues are present around the complex, as we saw in the other Temples we have visited.
Picture
While this is a beautiful Buddha statue, it is not the famous Emerald Buddha because photographs of the latter were prohibited. The building housing the Emerald Buddha is just north of the royal residence. It is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand. Carved from a block of green jade, it was first discovered in 1434 and was covered with plaster...an abbot noticed that the plaster on the nose was flaking off and the the green stone was revealed.
Picture
These scary guys seem to be protecting a number of the gates around the complex.
Picture
Perspective as to how big these actually are.
Picture
In olden days, these canon also protected the Palace.
Picture
While these slightly less scary guys protect the grand Palace itself.
Picture
The Grand Palace building in the center of the complex. Unfortunately, it was not open to the public.
0 Comments

The Reclining Buddha

2/3/2015

0 Comments

 

  Situated along the East bank of the Chao Phraya river (opposite the Wat Arun temple) is the "Reclining Buddha" complex. It is one of the best-known and popular attractions in Thailand. Measuring approximately 138 feet (46 meters) in length and 45 feet (15 meters) in height, this massive structure is made from brick and stucco and then lacquered and gilded. The feet of this statue by themselves measure 15 feet (5 meters) by 9 feet (3 meters)...I will never again complain about my feet. As you walk around the feet, you see inlaid patterns of mother-of-pearl indicating auspiciousness. The position of this Buddha statue is said to resemble that of a lion reclining. Thai and other Buddists believe that praying to this image brings them peace and happiness.

Picture
These Chinese stone "dolls" are found all over the complex, decorating door porches, artificial hills, and other spots. Originally used as ballast to help stabilize ships returning from trade with China, these statues are carved from stone and then molded in clay.
Picture
Miniature model of the Reclining Buddha.
Picture
Actual size of just the head.
Picture
Looking down the full length of the Buddha.
Picture
This picture does not really do justice to the size of the feet. Can you imagine what shoes would cost him?
Picture
These colonnades of Buddha images are found in both the Wat Arun and the Reclining Buddha complexes.
Picture
Smaller individual shrines are located all through the complex.
Picture
As in other Buddist temples, this one is comprised of many beautifully ceramic tile decorated buildings. In spite of 90 degree temperatures, the crowds visiting the complex were huge.
0 Comments

World of difference

2/3/2015

1 Comment

 

  Part of the philosophy of this whole adventurous trip was to sometimes move out of our comfort zone and experience life differently. Everything so far in Bangkok is out of the ordinary for us. Up to this point, the cities we have visited have been very walkable. Bangkok on the other hand is so spread out that we have had to rely upon public transportation (i.e. The sky train - elevated train system -and the river water taxis). Even the weather here is different. Whereas Florence, Rome, and Istanbul tended to be a bit chilly and rainy, Bangkok has been sunny with temperatures in the 90's. Rome was the city of 2000 churches. Istanbul was the city of 2000 mosques. Bangkok appears to be the city of 2000 temples.

In that regard, one of the best known temple landmarks in Bangkok is the Buddist Temple Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Located on the West Bank of the Chao Phraya River. It derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna (frequently personified as the rays of the rising sun).

Picture
One of the river water taxis.
Picture
...but there are other means of water transportation available.
Picture
Wat Arun temple as seen from the river.
Picture
From what we have seen, Buddist temples are rarely single entities but rather a complex of buildings.
Picture
...and they usually include well planned out gardens.
Picture
We are going to climb that????
Picture
The sides of the temples are exquisitely decorated with God-like creatures and ceramic tiles.
Picture
Looking out from the first-tier level at an adjacent building.
Picture
View of the river from the top-tier level...I really climbed up here without a safety harness?
Picture
At least these guys had scaffolding to hang on to!!!
Picture
Back on terra firma, one of the complex of buildings as part of the temple.
1 Comment
    Carl and Lorraine  Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.

    Archives

    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.