A Learning Journey - more cultural gems from Bangkok

There is no other city like it and I only saw 2 of the major heritage sites up close. Here are detailed shots of the Grand Palace (where the Emerald - really Jade - Buddha is) and the Reclining Buddha (the most exquisitely decorated room I may have ever entered).






Even the rooftops render me speechless


One must decorate every pillar


And every inch of the ceiling


And here is the man/statue himself - solid gold, my friends.


Something (the base?) decorated with the finest in-lay

The roof of the actual pagoda where the Buddha reclines

Some of the bejewelled characters outside the Reclining Buddha





Some scary fellows who guard him





Some delicate porcelain



The 1/2 glazed (so practical) tiles/ The maintenance is on-going so there are always artisans at work and small areas roped off. Very impressive.

A ceiling in the compound of the Reclining Buddha - because, in case you haven't figured it out by now, one must decorate every surface

What do you do...

if you have no place....

to put all your Buddhas?

A small fort on the riverbank

Wat Arun during the daytime. There are tiny VERY steep stairs you can climb on the outside if you want to risk it with no handrail