29 December 2014b - More to say about Ferry Boats and also Wat Pho!

Wat Pho is a vast area of 9 little temples and amazing mosaic monuments(stupas) in little walled areas.  Kings Rama i-iv had had various monuments  built during their reigns. Wat Pho is the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok and was originally built in 16^th Century.  The Reclining Buddha is 46 metres long and 15 metres high so rather impressive. The kids were struggling with the heat and hunger.  Some street cart sticky pork and rice revived us for the next bit of our journey.

We were amazed at the amount of work which went into building this!

Glittering gold but poverty abounds?

Little doorways lead to huge courtyards...

Monks in their saffron robes tying up bits of string because...?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we had the all day ferry pass, we decided to continue down the river to Pier 15.  By this stage, we were the only westerners on the ferry and it was apporaching dusk.  We went insearch of a revival ice cream from 7-11 and did find one but the walk proved taxing.  Back at the pier, Luke and I were fascinated by the huge number of carp and catfish (including an albino) surfacing in their fight for bread.  Some women handed Luke some bread to throw which re-newed his energy and made the wait for the ferry enjoyable.  

Warrior poses

Luke drinking in the atmosphere...and spotting huge catfish.

Waiting for the ferry.

It is a tranquil life despite the crowds and noise.

Dusk on Chao Praya River

...and the lights started coming on...Are we REALLY in Bangkok?

Once on board the ferry we stood at the rails and watched the sun set over the Chao Praya River and the buildings light up and the river traffic increase.  We unfortunately got off a stop too early but finally made it back to familiar territory and discovered a small take-away shop, ordered our food and ate it in the comfort of our condo.

Tim had accidentally locked his bedroom door and it couldn’t be opened so we had to call the hosts who came quickly to our assistance.  It was a late night by the time the over tired Luke settled .  He has amazing stamina for a little kid who really survives on not much more than breakfast cereal and sausages!!