January 30-31^st 2010

Bangkok, Thailand

Our first trip out of Singapore. We hired a guide with her driver and set off for the Grand Palace.

Grand is simply an understatement. The girls and I were not fully prepared with appropriate clothing, so we had to “borrow” blouses in order to be sufficiently covered while in the palace grounds. Also knees and heals must be covered before entering. One of the many highlights is the “Emerald Buddha”

In the early 1400’s a stucco Buddha was discovered after a lightning strike at a temple. It was later discovered that it was only covered in plaster and upon further inspection a jade Buddha was revealed.

It measures 26 inches tall and is carved from a single piece of jade. The image is clothed in 3 different costumes made from ornate gold and gems that are changed by the reigning monarch for the three main seasons. We weren’t allowed to photograph the Buddha while inside the temple, but it was very incredibly decorated within the building with real gold and jewels.

We participated in the tradition of offerings to the Buddha by offering a lotus flower (which by the way, you are not allowed to smell), a lit candle and burning incense as well as applying a small square of gold leaf to a small Buddha statue. We also sprinkled holy water on ourselves with a lotus flower.

From the little I have learned about the Buddhist culture, they are an extremely gentle and giving people. According to our guide, 95% of the population are “practicing” Buddhists. They are a very devout people. This is a culture that warrants more exploration.

There was so much to see here and it was all so beautiful. I'll just post a few pictures.

So this is how we spent our morning. Fabulous!