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| The streets of Bangkok |
From the streets of Bangkok
we took a water taxi to
visit the Grand Palace complex.
It was an amazing ride.
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| The view of the Grand Palace from the boat |
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| This is how the locals ride |
We walked through the local markets
to get to our ride.
We rode in TUK TUKS to get around town.
The Grand Palace Entrance
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| The guard at the Palace entrance |
(from tourist brochure handed out at ticket office)
The complex was established in 1782 and it consists
of not only the royal residence and throne halls,
but also a number of government offices as well
as temples. It covers an area of 218,000 square meters.
After King Rama I ascended to the throne
in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal
palace had been located in Thonburi.
It was a HOT day in Thailand -
so the boys wore shorts and
Haleigh and I wore capris.
The boys had to rent pants
and the girls rented skirts in order
to tour the grounds.
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| The walkway leading to the temples |
The Upper Terrace
Four main monuments are
found on this terrace
BIG ornate statues guard the grounds.
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| The Ratana Chedi |
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| The Mondrop |
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| The detail and SPARKLE was incredible. |
We joked that all the buildings had been
BEDAZZLED.
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| The Royal Pantheon |
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| Apsonsi - a mythical creature - half woman half bird. |
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| Khon figures stand guard |
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| The 5 headed snake - honors the 5 headed snake that shielded Buddha from the heat of the sun. |
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| My photographers - NEW cameras for this trip. |
The Galleries
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| Hallways surrounding the Grand Palace complex are painted with incredibly detailed murals. |
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| A shot of one of the many murals |
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| Detail in the mosaics of every building - this was porcelain - MOST were BRIGHTLY colored glass. |
The Borom Phiman Mansion
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| Ammon and the guard at the mansion gates |
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| The Borom Phiman Mansion |
The mansion was built to in 1903
by King Rama V for the heir to the
throne - King Rama VI and from 1925-1946
was used as the royal residence for the king.
The Royal Monastery
of the Emerald Buddha
We were not allowed to take pictures
of the inside of this building.
This is the place of worship.
A big golden buddha sits at the front with
carvings and flowers surrounding him.
The Reception Buildings
used for receiving guests
The Dusit Group
Where the Coronation Day ceremonies
and viewing of the deceased royalty take place.
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| One of the Dusit Group's entrances |
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| The exit from the main Dusit Group courtyard. |
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