Blog # 8: Thailand - Royal Palace

                                           Blog # 8: Thailand - Royal Palace

Following our rushing through China Town and the Flower Market, we finished the day with a quick tour of Thailand's Royal Palace

There is something to see in all directions; even before we entered the palace area.

We were here in 1970. There were people touring the palace but nothing like the hoards that we saw on this day. Also, a large wall has been installed; perhaps to control the many visitors.

The area is immense - too large to take in with the short time allotted

                                Interesting rooftop design

Palace guard

These buildings look like what could have been constructed for a period or historical movie.

These statues reminded us of the terra cotta warriors in Xian, China

Our guide spent time talking about King Mongkut or Rama IV. He was the king in the King and I. Anna (the English teacher) and the young boy that eventually became king of Siam; later known as Thailand was also discussed.

We were surprised to learn the boy that became king banned Anna from returning to Thailand

                Extraordinarily hot (115 F) and humid (80's) 

                                        So far, so good!

The Broadway show (King and I) followed by the movie made Yul Brenner famous - Tony, Oscar, etc.

         Due to its size, the palace is almost like a city onto itself

               Too much to see - still, extraordinary

"Millions" of small gold pieces came from Italy to build this edifice

The buildings do not look real

The statue (left side) is a sacred place. In order to get a close look (to pray) people had to remove their shoes.

                            Intricate - Gorgeous - Magnificent

Worn out - walking, heat and long bus rides to and from the ship