The Royal Palace

After the school visits, we have the afternoon to explore Bangkok on our own. A group of us decided to check out the Royal Palace. The King is revered in Thailand - nothing negative can be said about him by his people. Throughout the city there are photos and monuments honouring the King. Therefore, we expected great things from his palace...and we were not disappointed!

The pictures will in no way do it justice, but it is without a doubt the shiniest place I have ever been! We had to be covered a certain amount which explains the sweater covering my shoulders. It was hard to know where to look because everywhere had something different and exciting (and shiny!).

Many (perhaps all?) of the statues were made of mosaics - I can't imagine the time that went into creating this place!

Me in front of one of the Temples along the Chao Phraya river at night. We took a dinner cruise along the river on Monday night. It afforded a lovely view of the city.

The balcony (and building) we believe the King would come out and wave to the people (just like that other royal couple).

Our group inside the palace.

Being blessed by an unopened lotus flower outside the temple of the Emerald Buddha (thank you to Lisa for blessing me :-))

Posing with one of many gold plated...things! (I'm so cultured!)