Ancient Kingdoms

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Diane arrived today at 3:30 a.m., then was up by 7:30 for breakfast and a full day of sight-seeing. She shows no sign of fatigue --- amazing! Today was spent at The Grand Palace in Bangkok. There were 4 Kings who took up residence beginning in 1782 and is where Rama 4 lived (think The King And I). One high-light within massive palace grounds is the 26" Emerald Buddha which is actually carved from Jade. There are numerous government, ceremonial and residential buildings within the grounds and all are gilded with jewels and gold leaf. Truly amazing.

This evening was spent on a traditional wooden rice barge where we enjoyed a traditional Thai dinner as we cruised Bangkok's beautiful river. We passed some of the world's fanciest hotels as well as The Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn and numerous temples. All was viewed under a moon-lit sky.

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Photos

Bangkok Rice Barge Dinner River Cruise
Suspension Bridge --- absolutely beautiful!

The Grand Palace
Inside the Grand Palace --- spectacular buildings.

Emerald Buddha
26" tall --- all Jade and jewels surrounding it.

Chinese New Year traffic
EVERYONE in Bangkok celebrates Chinese New Year for a week. Traffic is terrible as people are shopping and preparing for it to begin on Feb. 19th. It is similar to Christmas in U.S. with gifts, food, family gatherings etc.....

Temple of Dawn
From Rice Barge Dinner cruise.

Comments

[Mary Grigware]

I wish I could be with you, but even more I wish we were still neighbors and I could see the pictures
and the wonderful things you will bring home (oh yes, I could still see Augie Doggi)