Buddha's Buddha's everywhere

First day in Bangkok, Thailand…..

Buddha’s, Buddha’s, Buddha’s everywhere. We started the day with the “must see” sights for Bangkok. So off we go....with hot and humid weather. A lot like Florida in the summer months.

Bangkok is so busy, until all hours of night or early morning. Traffic is horrendous. So our mode of transportation this week will be public or taxis. We have fallen madly enthralled with…. the tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk is a colorful motorized rickshaw looking contraption. And it has become our favorite mode of transportation. It’s smaller than a car and can easily maneuver between traffic. A passenger has an almost amusement park ride every time you crawl into the back seat. Tuk-tuks, introduced by the Japense during WWII, are quite noisy which only adds to the bumpy ride experience.

First stop: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. Constructed as the royal residence in 1782, this building houses the famous Emerald Buddha.

The legend of Emerald Buddha dates from 1434 and involves an abbot of the temple housing the simple stucco image until the flaking plaster exposed an undiscovered treasure. The once thought stucco object was actually a jade figurine. The Buddha was carved from a single piece of jade. It is breath taking. And get this….. the Emerald, which is really made of Jade?… has his own attire. For the different seasons he has 3 varying outfits... all made of gold of course. We saw the golden shawl for winter. Even though it was an easy 85 degrees outside. I had to buy a new outfit as well. Shorts are not permitted and I bought a sarong from a convenient street vendor.

Emerald Buddha

The Wat Phra Kaeo is Thailand’s holiest temple. In Thailand a temple is referred to as a Wat. But unlike other Thai Wat’s… this one does not house monks. Thai wats are the most ornate religious building I have ever seen. Mosaic tiles line every surface of the building inside and out. Gilded gold tiles shine and glisten from within the beautiful designs. Such a feeling of awe when you enter their wats. Very grandiose and ornate. Upon entering the aroma of incents burning feels the air. Patrons lining the stairs, removing their shoes waiting to pay homage to their Buddha.

Thai's dipped the flower in water then dribbled the water on their head

Harry and I were enthralled with the surrounding culture and religious rituals. We are somewhat clueless to the tenets of Buddhism, but watching Thai’s devotion was moving. I still do not understand the basic tenets; the wheel of law, three pillars, or this whole reincarnation thing. Why would anyone want their deeds and action to dictate and influence the following life. I am so glad my Jesus does not believe in perpetual reincarnation. Or that I do not have to come back in the next life as some punishment or reward from this life. My luck, I would be some filthy dirt dwelling creature. So much for 3 baths a day.

But I will have to say… Buddhist are the nicest people I have met in a long time. It’s not only their culture but their religion. Everyone greets you with a smile, hand together, and a head bow. When you are leaving….thanks how they thank you as well. Such a pleasant way to say hello and goodbye. I guess they have to.... or else come back in the next life in a lesser form than this one.

Second stop: Siam Center. A 7 story shopping center. A shopping center that makes Lennox Square in Atlanta look small. Siam center had every conceivable high end and everyday store you could possibly name. We were in sensory overload. Dazed and confused from the normalcy of this free market economy style shopping….westernized capitalism at its finest…..so we decided to relax and watch a movie. Quantum Solace, the new James Bond 007 movie. It was great. In English with Thai subtitles. Several years ago Harry and I watched the last James Bond movie in Aruba with Spanish subtitles….. so I guess this is becoming a trend for us.

Third stop: Traditional Thai message. Better known as Heaven in Thailand. 8 US dollars buys you 1 hour of pulling, kneading, chopping, stretching, tugging, bending, walking on all over your body. $8. $8. Did I mention it only cost $8. I am like putty in their hands. I never want to leave. My goal for this trip is to visit them everyday before I leave. $8. Unbelievable.

Forth stop: Traditional Thai meal. Noodles. Noodles. And more Noodles. Yummy Thai noodles served steaming hot. The good slurping noodles that you can only get in Asia. Harry and I cheated for lunch…. we were in a hurry and saw McDonald’s… but we have McyDy’s out of our system and will only have delicious scrumptious Thai food from here on out.

Even Ronald McDonald greets you in such a nice polite way!

Well… that’s all for now. Will start again fresh tomorrow….especially now in my relaxed condition.

Blessings until next time,
Kristie