Day Three in Bangkok

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Today, we toured the city, including China Town, Wat Traimit (the temple of the Golden Buddha - all 5.5 tons of him), Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha, also lots of gold), ate lunch on a big river boat, walked through heavy rain back to the bus, and had dinner at the Suan Lum night market in Bangkok.

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Photos

Golden Buddha
This was a huge Buddha statue made of solid gold, approximately 5.5 tons in weight. We always remove our shoes before entering a temple and kneel down, feet under us. It is a peaceful and sacred experience.

Golden Buddha 2
Another view of the Golden Buddha.

Golden Buddha 3
A close-up of the Golden Buddha.

Orchids
Exquisite orchids grow like weeds in Thailand.

China Gate
This elaborate gate graces the entrance to the Chinatown area of Bangkok.

Chinatown Market
Every nook and cranny of Chinatown has a market stall.

Chinatown Market 2
Another view of Chinatown markets.

Chinatown Market 3
Of all the unusual foods in Chinatown, these pink porkchop-looking things were the most intriguing. They are made from rice pudding and filled with cooked meats and vegetables. The festive pink coloring is added to enhance the food's appearance for festivals and special occasions, like weddings. I believe it is served at room temp.

Wat Pho
This is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Snake Man
This guy was offering to let you take a photo with his Burmese Python for 100 baht. A total tourist trap, but fun, all the same.

Jane with the Snake
Here is Jane, one of our tour group, with the snake.

Nancy and Me with the Snake
My roomie, Nancy from Montana, wanted to get our photo with the snake. It was surprisingly heavy (the snake, not Nancy).

Statue at Wat Pho
Standing guard at Wat Pho.

Entryway at Wat Pho
Gate to the temple.

Wat Pho
I can't remember what the round temple buildings are called, but all wats have a temple building and one of these round, dome-like structures with a tall spire. Usually, a member of royalty has his or her ashes inturned at his favorite Wat.

More Orchids
You may get tired of orchid photos. I just loved them and took a ton of pictures.

Yoga Poses
Some of the statues in the Wat Pho courtyard exhibited various yoga poses. Impressive to someone who can't touch her toes.

Yoga Poses 2
Another graceful yoga pose.

Kids Dancing
These students were learning Thai dance moves at the Wat.

Another Golden Buddha
This Buddha statue was not as big as the main Golden Buddha, but was just as impressive, sitting atop a decorative, pyramid-like base.

Another Golden Buddha 2
This is the base of the Buddha - step after step of gleaming gold. Worshippers burn incense and offer flowers at the front of the Buddha shrine.