September 28: Bangkok - The Last Day

 Royal Palace & Reclining Buddha

We began our last day as we've started all days, with breakfast downstairs.  And today, for the last time we were able to enjoy the large buffet by looking out over the water.  We've so enjoyed while in Bangkok our transportation by boat along the river rather than by bus.  We met in the lobby at 8am for our final excursion as we headed to the Royal Palace - ironically by bus :)  Our guides "Pete" and "Jay" both said that if you visit Thailand, you haven't really seen the country unless you visit the Royal Palace here in Bangkok.  And while I might have debated that prior to going, after we walked around for a couple hours, I would say it is a MUST see to any visit to SE Asia!  The first thing you learn is that they dug a tunnel beneath the road five years ago and it's a huge, tiled area....but what is interesting is that they found all kinds of artifacts buried there which are now on display.  The second thing that you discover is that the amount of temples and structures adorned in jewels and 14K gold is just mind boggling.  You could spend quite a while on each structure admiring the fine detail put into the decorations and learning all the symbolism, but they are all over the place.  It's just stunning.

THAT is how you start the day

You emerge from the tunnel and all you can see is one structure after another

These fully intact ancient structures are some of the things found below the tunnel

Close-up of one of the statutes

Pause for a photo op

One of the many detailed mural paintings (78 in all) that each have their own unique story

Temples everywhere

The mausoleums are adorned with demons & monkeys to protect them

This inner-palace gate is guarded by enormous "guard"

Guard close-up

Then you arrive at the "Emerald Buddha."  The story behind this is that it was discovered over 1000 years ago by a Buddhist monk.  But at the time it was covered in plaster and seemed like any other Buddha statute.  Then one day a part of the plaster chipped off and revealed a brilliant green color.  The monk mistakenly told the king he'd found an emerald Buddha and it was moved to the palace where it was revealed to be made of jade.  It is housed in it's own temple and sit high upon a "throne."  What's interesting is, as you can see below, the Buddha has three different outfits, one for each season of the Thai year.  And ONLY the king can change the outfit!

The "Emerald Buddha" in each of his three ceremonial outfits

But here's what most amazing.  You look at these photos - as we did - and you assume it's a large statute, right?  Then you walk into the temple.....

Looking into the temple and you get your first glimpse of the "Emerald Buddha" (left).  You get a better idea of his size on the right.  NOTE:  This was shot outside the temple as photography is forbidden inside.

He's only about three feet tall and when you see him perched up there it's so amazing he's so tiny!  Once we returned outside, put our shoes back on and looked around - even more stunning, glittering structures.

Photo op just outside the "Emerald Buddha" temple

One of the many towering domes glittering in the sun

Finally as the sun blazed down on us we'd reach the end of the adventure inside the magnificent palace.  A short walk to the bus and then a short drive to the temple of the "Reclining Buddha."  As we walked the grounds here there were many small pavilions, statutes and structures.  We went through a gate and then were given a green canvas bag to put our shoes in.  Inside the "Reclining Buddha" temple where you're told he's huge....but he's not huge - he's H-U-G-E.  The best shot is from his feet.  And you'll note on his feet the detail, even of his toe-prints - all inlaid with mother-of-pearl that had to be carved and inserted into the statute.  The second photo you can get some kind of sense of how enormous he is!

Small shrine - note the detail inside the tower windows (inset at right)

The "Reclining Buddha" guards with a waterfall right outside the temple

Truly (as they say here), "OH MY BUDDHA!"

Note the tourists in front for perspective of how big the Buddha is!

The requisite "we saw the Reclining Buddha" selfie :)

We returned to the hotel about 11:45am and Kim and I took the boat down the river to the mall for a light lunch overlooking the river.  Spent the afternoon recovering from the walking (about three miles) in the heat & humidity, and then began the final packing process for the long journey home tomorrow.  Had one last night out/dinner with Val & John before bidding them a fond farewell with the promise of keeping in touch and trying to find an adventure we can share in the not too distant future.

Thanks for following along!  We'll be back on the adventure trail in December when we head to the Christmas Markets along the Elbe River with Viking!