First off, an observation: if there is one thing to compete with the intensity of the humidity in Bangkok it is the power of Thai air conditioning, particularly in the hundreds of 7-11 convenience stores that litter the capital. Where else can you experience a 40 degree temperature differential and get a full complement of thousand calorie snacks?
The following photos are not in order but should give a view into some of the wats we visited and meals we indulged in.
At Wat Pho this little guy was tasked with holding up one of many ostentatious stupas
Here, restoration is done on a small panel within the massive wall paintings illustrating the Ramayana
Mr. Yim serves up some of the best vegetarian cuisine street-side in Banglangphu
Z sips a delicious bowl of tom kha while we wait out a torrential downpour
At Wat Arun, the first step is a doozy...and the next and the next...
Outside the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Possibly the best single meal we've had the whole trip: shredded mushrooms fried atop eggplant and ginger and red rice at Than Ma "housetaurant"
A view across the Chao Praya river toward Wat Arun
Z in front of more temple bling
Able-bodied protectorate (Thai chiken-hawk?)outside the Reclining Buddha complex
An artist, catching a ride into history on a vessel more lasting than himself
Grrrr...
The truly massive Reclining Buddha
Intricate gold doorway at yet another wat
Wow! Amazing wats! I love the gargoyley things.
ReplyDeleteI admit to being super envious of those fried mushrooms and eggplant. Woe is jd's refrigerator with its lone cabbage and eggs. I need to go shopping, but have been sick for TEN DAYS. It is a sad state of affairs.
Is that real gold leaf on the wats? Are the walls vandalized for that reason? Can you even sell gold leaf?
jd/z: I commiserate. I've been sick for six days. Today I got out of bed at 2:30--13.5 hours after getting into it. After napping all day. Anyway, I love the painting of painting, the grrrrrgoyle(?) and the bling. :)
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