Buddha's Upon High

Today I had my fitting for my suits. Sweet. After breakfast (which was excellent as always) we strolled back over to Paul Smith Tailors to see our friend Peter. It took about 20 minutes to sort everything out, but to say the least, I’m pretty psyched for how the final products will look.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel to grab our stuff for today’s adventure to Wat Saket, the Golden Mountain. The Golden Mountain is a beautiful landmark with 318 spiraling stairs that leads to the top of the building, well in view of the massive golden chedi (the pointy buildings and tops you’ve seen in the pictures at the temples) and a magnificent view of the Bangkok cityscape. Construction of the Golden Mountain was started by King Rama III, continued under King Rama IV and finished under King Rama IV. I think they were related.

Once we arrived, we happened upon the smaller alter building, which was home to a giant gold Buddha that was ~40 feet high. There were preparations on the grounds for a ceremony involving the temple monks and you may notice string throughout some of the pictures. I believe it was a coronation ceremony for new monks they were preparing for. Inside we sat for a few minutes taking it all in. Small birds flew in and out of the open windows and would perch on the crystal chandeliers above. Lovely yellow and purple flowers adorned the alter before the seated Buddha.

We headed up to the entrance of the Golden Mountain and prepared ourselves for the trek upwards. Along our trek were big steel bells that are rung as you move higher and higher, and of course we helped in the ringing. Once to the base of the mountain, before the hike to the top chedi, we walked around a bit to catch our breath and take in the city. Because of New Year’s Eve, Thai’s generally have the day off and head home to do things with family… such as visit the Golden Mountain. It was packed with Thai folks who were praying and paying there respects to celebrate the New Year. While I was snapping some pictures, some boys asked to take their picture with Heather. I guess they like blondes too.

We were sweatin’ bad once we got to the top, as the heat and humidity was beating down on us. I hoped they would sell ice cream, but instead they sold small bells that we could hang near the corners of the chedi. We purchased two and scribbled a little message and hung them. We made our way downwards to the base to carry on to our next adventure.

We walked a little while over the river to Wat Rachanada, Temple of the metal Castle (if you couldn’t tell yet, Wat is Thai for temple). We walked through the winding streets taking in the Thai everyday culture as people went about there business enjoying the New Year’s Eve Day. We arrived at the temple and made our way in to find, lo-and-behold, another giant Gold Buddha. Beautiful. We spent some time sitting and observing before moving onto the Metal Castle next door.

Despite popular belief, the Metal Castle does not pay homage to Metallica, Slayer or Black Sabbath. The castle is meant to be a replica of Loha Prasat, a mythical castle of the gods, passed down from Hindu mythology and Wat Rachanada is the last of its kind. The castle is a maze of hallways with a long spiral staircase that leads to the top. As we walked though the smells of fresh cut flowers and incense burning filled our noses. On the first floor, at each turn there were picturesque statues of Buddha and as we moved up to the top floors we had a grand view of the city of Bangkok.

We left and headed back to the hotel to get some rest for the evening’s plans. We ordered room service and a bottle of champagne to celebrate Heather’s birthday, and passed out watching Batman (Why so serious? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQHfoz9Be7U)

For dinner we took to the high seas and sailed along the Chao Phraya River, the River of Kings, on a dinner cruise. It was lovely evening with traditional Thai performers dancing and some good grub and drinks. Afterwards we counted down the New Year on a rooftop bar at our hotel, before heading out to Patong for some drinks at local bars.

Happy New Year’s 2009 to all and may it be a prosperous, safe, and good 2009.


P.S. - We just watched the ball drop in New York. Happy New Years home!!!! Start spreadin' the news....


P.S.S. - please don’t worry, we were no where near the nightclub fire. We’re nerds and don’t got to cool places like that - i.e. places with one exit. We need at least two.

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