Wat a Difference a Day Makes

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After 12 hours of sleep I set off for a day of sightseeing. I crammed Bangkok's "must sees" into one walking tour. It was simply awesome. I toured Wat Phraw Kaew ("wat" means temple), The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. These are Bangkok's oldest and most venerated temples. Wat Phraw Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha (no cameras allowed!). It is a sight for Buddhist pilgrimages to pay homage and try to get in good with the big guy for good luck and fortune. Wat Pho is where The Reclining Buddha is shown preparing his ascent into Nirvana. The computer I am on is very slow but will try to upload a few pics.

I'm staying at the Buddy Guest House in Ko San Road...it's a mecca for travelers making their way to other parts of the country. There are more tourists than Thai, not a true local experience. But I'm on my way to Chaing Mai via the overnight train tomorrow. In Chaing Mai I'll be at the CM Blue House for a few days before heading to the Northern border near Myanmar (Burma) for some "trekking" as the brits like to call it.

Stay tuned!

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Photos

Wat Phraw Kaew
Standing out at WPK! Not only is it stylish, but you have to wear longsleeves to get into the temple.

Wat Phraw Kaew
Bangkok's most visited temple. Phraw Kaew houses the famous Emerald Buddha (13th c.)

Wat Pho-Reclining Buddha
Reclining Buddha peacefully awaits heaven.

Wat Phraw Kaew
Monks' offerings to Buddha

Wat Phraw Kaew
Wat Chidas

Reclining Buddha
Laid back...

Wat Arun
This is one relaxed kitty!

Wat Arun
Wat Arun elephant statue

Wat Pho
Adorned Buddha at Wat Pho

The Grand Palace
Thailand's beautiful Old Palace used now for ceremonies.

Wat Arun
"The Temple of Dawn"...Buddha statues greet visitors.

Offerings to Buddha
Offerings to Buddha to pay respect and bring luck...(check out the pig head!)