Today I joined a group of spouses to explore the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Although the king no longer lives here, he does still use the formal throne rooms. Dripping in gold and hand painted in precise detail, it's amazing. Wat Phar Kaew is the name for the compound which also holds the temple with the much revered emerald Buddha. The small idol is perched high up on a gold pedestal. It is dressed in royal robes appropriate for the season. To see people bowing before an idol and laying gifts of flowers in front of it was a new experience for me.
Room after room contained rows of Buddhas. Kneeling, standing, gold, black, dressed and not dressed. It was all quiet overwhelming.
We continued onto Wat Pho, the temple with the reclining Buddha. He is large and he is laying down. We started at his head and made our way to his toes. Covered in gold leaf he sparkles and shines. The constant tinkling of people tossing their money in metal bowls is heard even outside the temple.
What I loved about both these places was the amazing architecture. Halls painted in ornate designs by hand. Tall, impressive buildings in primary colors with gold accents. It was a completely new style to me and I saw a beauty in the design that was stunning.
- Kris
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| Grand Palace |
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| Reclining Buddha |
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