Today, we enjoy Bangkok Thailand. Thailand is a place I would like to go back to and explore more, we definitely didn't have enough time there.
As most of you probably are aware, Thailand's king died in October. The country is in official mourning for one year. While visiting some locations in the country (the Grand Palace where the king will be lying in state for a year for example, and many temples) there is a dress code. Covered ankles and shoulders, and wearing black or white (or a dark colour). I actually heard someone say the cruise ship should do something because it wasn't fair they had to wear black or white. I am pretty sure the ship doesn't control a country in mourning and I think people need to really think about what they are complaining about!
Throughout the city you see many posters remembering the King.
Even businesses display black and white. Unfortunately, we were on a bus tour and couldn't check out this tea room.
Besides driving around Bangkok, we visited 2 temples. The first is the home to the Gold Buddha. It is the largest gold Buddha statue in the world.
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| Another remembrance to the King |
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| A panel by the Buddha |
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| The golden Buddha - note the strings |
The string leave the Buddha's hand and go all over the temple grounds.
We visited Bangkok on New Year's Eve, and part of the new year ritual is for people to hold on to the string and twirl it around their heads during a ceremony. This is to bring good fortune for the new year.
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| A sample of the strings at a different temple |
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| It wasn't during the ceremony but we did twirl the string around our heads. |
We visited a second temple whose name escapes me (as beautiful as they are, they are similar and can blend together!)
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| We were startled when this flock of birds took off |
Thailand was the most difficult place for me to eat off of the ship. I cannot eat gluten or soy. They use soybeans in everything, including as salt in the water they cook vegetables with. Fortunately, I was only off the ship for one meal each of the two days we were in Thailand, so I could make do.
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| My meal |
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| The Man's meal |
Next week we will visit our second spot in Thailand.
If you have questions, please ask, we will answer them next week too!
wow this wall is just great... you can watch it for hours and you will aways find new details... thanks for a wonderful tour through asia via your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteK-10,
ReplyDeleteThe temples are beautiful and all the traditions, quite interesting. There is so much to learn when we travel. That monk texting WAS CLASSIC,
Looks like you ate a boiled egg and pineapple and maybe noodles. Thank goodness fie the shio's chef! The man ate well. lol
Hugs HiC
What an amazing trip you've had. I love learning all about the different cultures that places have. I thought Monks were meant to take a vow of silence obviously that doesn't include text speak ha ha! Brilliant picture. Looking forward to reading and seeing more wonderful photos next time you post.
ReplyDeleteThe string story was incredible and seeing all those ancient Buddhas was a treat. There's a strong Buddhist presence around my area, believe it or not, and we can find Buddha statues stashed in all sorts of public places.
ReplyDeleteWhat a different world Asia is. So ornate and old. Wow, what a trip! Thanks for sharing.
We are really enjoying your Asian trip...Asian culture is so interesting...but I have to say, the picture of the monk texting is such an awesome sight...mashing old and new!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Well we can certainly see why you didn't gain any weight! It was a fun time of year to be there for New Year's celebration too!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Such exquisite temples! You're right, seeing a barefooted monk texting is quite an ironic image. 😁
ReplyDeleteGorgeous temples. Some people just love to complain about things, don't know why they travel. So much to see and take in.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting place to visit. There is so much history and the artwork is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThere is much about Bangkok that reminds me of Mumbai! Love all those strings, connecting everyone together... YAM xx
I am enjoying your trip! It makes me want to take off and go there.
ReplyDeleteAnd the strings ... wow!
Barb (Nellie's Mom)
Whoa! They have some pretty art and architecture. A lot of my cat food comes from facilities in Thailand. I bet you could buy some great silvervine toys there too for your kitty furrends. *hint hint* MOL!
ReplyDeleteWe find Asian culture very interesting too! Wide variety of scenery! I love the monk texting...hahaha! The string story was very interesting. My goodness, you must have lost a lot of weight on your trip. That meal looked quite small! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos with us!
ReplyDeleteWow - there is so much history in Thailand! Your photos are just beautiful! The texting monk cracked us up too☺
ReplyDeleteLove this post!! So much pretty architecture and statues.
ReplyDeleteBell Fur Zoo Mama
Great photos! The string and the visual of being connected to one another/bringing good fortune, is wonderful. We loved the monk texting...that is definitely an enigma!
ReplyDeletethe critters in the cottage xo
Wow! What a beautiful place! Thank you for the great pictures!
ReplyDeleteFascinating!! We loved the whole tour. I would love to go to Thailand....the home of my Siamese....I must ask you about the cruise in more detail. I was quite interested at how close the poor part of Bankok is to the richer areas. I wonder if crime is worse because of the proximity of poor to well off? You must tell me the cruise name and details. We are booked for this years travel but next year.....you never know.
ReplyDeleteJean
Great set of photos - especially love the texting monk!
ReplyDeleteWhat grrreat photos - Mimi says thanks fur sharing. Pawsonallly, I like the man's food and the Double Dogs Tea Room where I bet they serve treats.
ReplyDeleteYour Furend,
Louis Dog Armstrong